I consider myself a very person to come to work every day (or most days!) and really enjoy what I do. It is satisfying to know that social work interventions can provide the extra piece of blind rehabilitation that will assist people in being able to transition back to their home and community. The hope is that when a veteran is ready to be discharged from the CBRC, they have met their blind rehabilitation goals, so that they can lead a more independent and purposeful life. Social work plays an integral part of this process by offering specialized, mental health, and case management services. BRC Recreational Outings and Events By Melissa Winter Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. At the Center, this means we are getting busy once again with many of our recreational activities outdoors. This year we have already set the dates from May-October to play golf at 16 different locations throughout the Chicago land area. Speaking of golf, the National Veterans TEE Tournament applications are out! The 18th annual Veterans TEE Tournament is held in Iowa City, Iowa from September 10-September 14, 2012. The TEE Tournament also has horseback riding, bowling, kayaking, and golf lessons from a Pro. The TEE Tournament is the most popular National Event with our Alumni. This is a great opportunity to meet other Hines Alumni and also have a chance to meet up with familiar staff from Hines. If you are interested in attending the TEE and you have not received an application yet, please contact your VIST Coordinator. The National Veterans TEE Tournament is one of six National Events hosted by the VA. There is also the National Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, Wheelchair Games, Creative Arts Festival, and the Golden Age Games. In fact, this year, the Creative Arts Fest was held at Hines VA Hospital on March 20th, and one of our own Blind Center veterans participated by entering one of his paintings. All of these events are great opportunities to get involved with recreational activities and to meet other veterans from other parts of the country. If you are interested in any of these events, please contact you VIST coordinator to get the applications for them. The Blind Center is gearing up for five different dates this summer to go kayaking down the Chicago River with Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association in Lake Forest, IL (GLASA) and Adaptive Adventures. Veterans will
Many readers may already be familiar with the K-NFB Reader. This combines a scanning/reading application with a talking cell phone. With MobileSpeaks from Code Factory built into the phone, it is possible to use one device for both reading machine and cell phone functions. A variety of Nokia phones are supported. For more information visit knfbreader.com or call 1-877-547-1500. The K-NFB Reader is sold through a network of resellers. So you may want to ask for a reseller in your area. There is one important caveat regarding MobileSpeaks. Since Code Factory is located in Spain, all technical support is handled by email and through a middleman. This means contacting the reseller you purchased the phone from and they in turn contact Code Factory. This can be a time consuming and awkward process. Technologies does not support MobileSpeaks or Nokia phones. Finally, you will need a wireless plan and monthly charges apply. The average cost of a K-NFB Reader package is approximately $1,500. RESOURCES Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 Having a list of resources to go to when you have a question, problem or just wish to reach out to others is worth its weight in gold. The above listed number and website is a National resource site dedicated to veterans for the purpose of putting them in touch with what and who they need. The contacts at this site reach far and wide. Some of the topics that they offer information on include: Connects Veterans, friends and family members with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their health, well-being, and everyday lives. Hear inspiring stories of strength. Learn what has worked for other Veterans. watch encouraging messages of support learn what support is available for homeless Veterans resources for Veterans and their loved ones from VA, military, and civilian communities all in the words of Veterans just like you. Accessible Text books Non-profit organization that books accessible for veterans and others with print-related disabilities; Learning Ally (formerly knkown as Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic). This is especially helpful to those individuals who are going back to school/college having an increased need for accessible textbooks. Employment Resources