Blinded Veterans

Before moving to Florida, I finished up my degree through Northern Illinois University. Part of my degree required two internships, and I completed both of them at Hines VA Hospital Blind Rehab Center.

Hines VA Hospital is a very important place historically in the field of Blind Rehab, and I was honored to be an intern! Hines is the birthplace of the modern Orientation and Mobility training. It was also a primary place of advocacy for blind veterans after World War II, a time where services were few. Check it out here.

Today, veterans can receive services through your nearest Blind Rehab Center, there are 11 nationwide. Veterans get training in mobility, technology, low vision, recreation, independent living, and of course they get their training among other veterans.

As a mom and wife in a military family, I often reflect on the sacrifice service members make. Modern service members often incur issues with hearing, joints, lungs, back, and other physical disabilities. These show up quickly as a direct result. Vision loss can be a slow degenerative process, and many clients I’ve worked with in the past chalk it up to age, and don’t seek services through the VA.

I encourage veterans with vision loss to connect with Blind Rehab Centers to get comprehensive services, as well as any technological items they may need. Unfortunately civilians receiving services through the state won’t be offered phones, computers, or magnification devices. However, Blind Rehab Centers are an amazing resource for these items, as well as the training to use them at no cost!

If you’re a veteran and looking for more information visit here: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/blindrehab/index.asp

For services contact your closest VIST (Visual Impairment Services Team) Coordinator here: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/blindrehab/VIST_Coordinators.asp