WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.360 --> 00:00:03.480 If you are a veteran or know someone who is, 2 00:00:03.480 --> 00:00:05.130 it's so important to be aware 3 00:00:05.130 --> 00:00:08.310 of all the low vision services available to you. 4 00:00:08.310 --> 00:00:09.527 In this episode, 5 00:00:09.527 --> 00:00:14.527 Geo Athappilly of the Hines VA joins us to discuss more. 6 00:00:14.970 --> 00:00:19.050 I'm Ricky Enger, and this is "Hadley Presents." 7 00:00:19.050 --> 00:00:20.430 Welcome to the show, Geo. 8 00:00:20.430 --> 00:00:22.080 So good to have you here. 9 00:00:22.080 --> 00:00:23.010 Thank you very much. 10 00:00:23.010 --> 00:00:24.540 I appreciate it, Ricky. 11 00:00:24.540 --> 00:00:28.170 I am delighted to have the chance to talk with you 12 00:00:28.170 --> 00:00:30.060 as we learn a bit more 13 00:00:30.060 --> 00:00:34.350 about services available to our veterans. 14 00:00:34.350 --> 00:00:38.250 And we actually have a member or two 15 00:00:38.250 --> 00:00:40.290 who have gotten services from the VA, 16 00:00:40.290 --> 00:00:42.990 and they're always such fierce advocates for it. 17 00:00:42.990 --> 00:00:44.820 They love to tell anyone 18 00:00:44.820 --> 00:00:47.640 about all the cool things available. 19 00:00:47.640 --> 00:00:50.490 And I'm so looking forward to learning more 20 00:00:50.490 --> 00:00:52.680 about that from you as well. 21 00:00:52.680 --> 00:00:55.380 So before we get into our questions, 22 00:00:55.380 --> 00:00:57.570 why don't you just tell us a bit about who you are 23 00:00:57.570 --> 00:00:58.710 and what you do. 24 00:00:58.710 --> 00:01:02.100 You're here at the Hines VA close to Chicago, right? 25 00:01:02.100 --> 00:01:03.690 That is correct. 26 00:01:03.690 --> 00:01:06.180 So as you said, my name is Geo Athappilly, 27 00:01:06.180 --> 00:01:09.180 and I am a legally blind individual. 28 00:01:09.180 --> 00:01:11.700 I was able to do my internship 29 00:01:11.700 --> 00:01:15.450 after my studies here at Hines 30 00:01:15.450 --> 00:01:18.060 at the Blind Center in the VA. 31 00:01:18.060 --> 00:01:22.320 I've been here about a little bit under 20 years right now. 32 00:01:22.320 --> 00:01:23.153 Wow. 33 00:01:23.153 --> 00:01:24.450 Now, that's some longevity. 34 00:01:24.450 --> 00:01:27.900 You must really love your job to have stayed there that long 35 00:01:27.900 --> 00:01:29.280 and I can imagine why, 36 00:01:29.280 --> 00:01:31.440 because it sounds like you all do 37 00:01:31.440 --> 00:01:35.850 some really, really cool stuff there at Hines. 38 00:01:35.850 --> 00:01:39.930 So I'm curious, I know that there are a lot of services 39 00:01:39.930 --> 00:01:43.230 offered to veterans with vision loss, 40 00:01:43.230 --> 00:01:45.240 and I'm wondering if we can just go through 41 00:01:45.240 --> 00:01:48.690 a few of those things that are available. 42 00:01:48.690 --> 00:01:49.954 Absolutely. 43 00:01:49.954 --> 00:01:52.890 Any veteran that has the ability 44 00:01:52.890 --> 00:01:55.500 to receive services from the VA 45 00:01:55.500 --> 00:01:59.850 qualifies to get services from the VA Blind Center. 46 00:01:59.850 --> 00:02:02.250 And when they come to the Blind Center, 47 00:02:02.250 --> 00:02:06.060 they are able to participate in training 48 00:02:06.060 --> 00:02:08.160 in a lot of different skill areas. 49 00:02:08.160 --> 00:02:11.160 They include classes in living skills. 50 00:02:11.160 --> 00:02:14.640 This covers training, learning how to do things 51 00:02:14.640 --> 00:02:18.150 for everyday life like activities of daily living, 52 00:02:18.150 --> 00:02:21.660 communications, working in the kitchen, 53 00:02:21.660 --> 00:02:23.490 learning braille. 54 00:02:23.490 --> 00:02:26.880 Then we also offer training in orientation and mobility. 55 00:02:26.880 --> 00:02:28.740 This allows veterans to learn 56 00:02:28.740 --> 00:02:32.820 how to use the long white cane for independent travel. 57 00:02:32.820 --> 00:02:35.490 We also offer manual skills. 58 00:02:35.490 --> 00:02:39.240 This is a class in which veterans get to learn 59 00:02:39.240 --> 00:02:41.190 how to use their non-visual skills 60 00:02:41.190 --> 00:02:43.950 and adaptive techniques in different activities 61 00:02:43.950 --> 00:02:48.950 like leather work, woodworking, small engines, and music. 62 00:02:49.110 --> 00:02:52.230 We also have a class of visual skills. 63 00:02:52.230 --> 00:02:56.550 This is where we are able to teach veterans how to use 64 00:02:56.550 --> 00:02:58.740 and maximize their remaining vision 65 00:02:58.740 --> 00:03:00.660 with different things like magnifiers 66 00:03:00.660 --> 00:03:03.570 and other low vision aids. 67 00:03:03.570 --> 00:03:07.200 And then finally, we have the access technology department 68 00:03:07.200 --> 00:03:11.640 where we teach both computers as well as smartphones 69 00:03:11.640 --> 00:03:15.600 like the Apple iPhone and other iOS devices 70 00:03:15.600 --> 00:03:20.600 so that they're able to use that growing technology bubble 71 00:03:21.060 --> 00:03:22.440 that we are in today. 72 00:03:22.440 --> 00:03:25.350 Oh yeah, for sure, it's so, so important. 73 00:03:25.350 --> 00:03:30.350 So let's say that someone has a need for a magnifier at home 74 00:03:31.770 --> 00:03:33.600 and once they learn how to use that, 75 00:03:33.600 --> 00:03:36.990 are those devices provided to veterans, 76 00:03:36.990 --> 00:03:38.610 or how does that work? 77 00:03:38.610 --> 00:03:39.690 Absolutely. 78 00:03:39.690 --> 00:03:41.850 So yeah, that's one of the greatest benefits 79 00:03:41.850 --> 00:03:45.210 that we are able to do through the VA Blind Center 80 00:03:45.210 --> 00:03:48.408 is to be able to issue different things like computers 81 00:03:48.408 --> 00:03:51.153 and all the peripherals that come with the computers, 82 00:03:52.110 --> 00:03:55.170 iOS devices like the iPhone, iPad, 83 00:03:55.170 --> 00:03:57.093 and different things like that, 84 00:03:57.093 --> 00:04:00.870 as well as magnifiers, CCTVs, and other low vision aids. 85 00:04:00.870 --> 00:04:02.280 That's fantastic. 86 00:04:02.280 --> 00:04:07.260 One question that has come up when I've spoken to veterans, 87 00:04:07.260 --> 00:04:11.287 and I'm sure that people wonder, they might think, 88 00:04:11.287 --> 00:04:16.287 "Well, I lost my vision once I was not on active duty, 89 00:04:17.910 --> 00:04:20.040 so I probably don't qualify." 90 00:04:20.040 --> 00:04:21.570 But I'm wondering if that's true. 91 00:04:21.570 --> 00:04:24.540 Do you have to have experienced your vision loss 92 00:04:24.540 --> 00:04:26.760 during your service? 93 00:04:26.760 --> 00:04:28.530 Or what if it's something 94 00:04:28.530 --> 00:04:31.140 like age-related macular degeneration 95 00:04:31.140 --> 00:04:33.840 or anything like that, do you still qualify? 96 00:04:33.840 --> 00:04:35.280 So the answer to that question 97 00:04:35.280 --> 00:04:40.280 is that any veteran that is eligible to receive services 98 00:04:40.380 --> 00:04:42.780 through the VA is eligible 99 00:04:42.780 --> 00:04:46.320 to receive blind rehabilitation services. 100 00:04:46.320 --> 00:04:49.950 And I think one of the unique factors that we are able to do 101 00:04:49.950 --> 00:04:53.550 that might be slightly different from other rehab centers 102 00:04:53.550 --> 00:04:56.100 such as at the state level and things like that, 103 00:04:56.100 --> 00:04:59.160 is that a person may not need to even be legally blind. 104 00:04:59.160 --> 00:05:02.490 You may have some functional vision loss, 105 00:05:02.490 --> 00:05:05.130 and you can still be able to be eligible 106 00:05:05.130 --> 00:05:10.130 to get some services through the blind rehab VA program. 107 00:05:10.350 --> 00:05:12.210 Yeah, absolutely, you're right. 108 00:05:12.210 --> 00:05:14.310 Because with state services, 109 00:05:14.310 --> 00:05:18.180 you may need to be legally blind. 110 00:05:18.180 --> 00:05:19.320 But you're right, 111 00:05:19.320 --> 00:05:23.520 just because you have some functional vision loss, 112 00:05:23.520 --> 00:05:26.070 that doesn't necessarily mean that you're legally blind. 113 00:05:26.070 --> 00:05:30.120 But nevertheless, you still qualify for these services, 114 00:05:30.120 --> 00:05:32.070 which is really, really good. 115 00:05:32.070 --> 00:05:34.950 So I guess that begs the question then, 116 00:05:34.950 --> 00:05:38.280 how does someone get started 117 00:05:38.280 --> 00:05:41.160 to apply for services like this? 118 00:05:41.160 --> 00:05:42.900 What's the process? 119 00:05:42.900 --> 00:05:47.040 So most of the veterans that come through our program, 120 00:05:47.040 --> 00:05:50.730 just like most individuals that experience vision loss, 121 00:05:50.730 --> 00:05:53.160 they didn't expect this to happen to them. 122 00:05:53.160 --> 00:05:55.260 It was not something that they were born with, 123 00:05:55.260 --> 00:05:58.230 so they probably started off 124 00:05:58.230 --> 00:06:00.244 going to their primary care doctor 125 00:06:00.244 --> 00:06:03.540 and that's where they started experiencing some vision loss. 126 00:06:03.540 --> 00:06:06.480 Then they probably went to the eye clinic 127 00:06:06.480 --> 00:06:09.180 and then followed up with their eye care. 128 00:06:09.180 --> 00:06:10.110 And at some point, 129 00:06:10.110 --> 00:06:13.530 they get connected to what is called the VIST coordinator, 130 00:06:13.530 --> 00:06:16.410 which is the Vision Impairment Service Team. 131 00:06:16.410 --> 00:06:20.070 This individual is the one that usually schedules them 132 00:06:20.070 --> 00:06:24.060 to come to the Blind Center to receive services. 133 00:06:24.060 --> 00:06:25.020 And that process, 134 00:06:25.020 --> 00:06:28.170 once they have connected with the VIST coordinator, 135 00:06:28.170 --> 00:06:33.090 they will usually get an admission date within 28 days. 136 00:06:33.090 --> 00:06:36.150 Once they get that admission to the Blind Center, 137 00:06:36.150 --> 00:06:38.610 then, once again, they can be able to get services 138 00:06:38.610 --> 00:06:43.140 either through inpatient training, outpatient training, 139 00:06:43.140 --> 00:06:46.920 or through VA Video Connect, which is the remote training. 140 00:06:46.920 --> 00:06:48.300 Okay, awesome. 141 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:51.900 So, it sounds like the VIST coordinator 142 00:06:51.900 --> 00:06:56.900 is really the key to getting everything going for you, 143 00:06:57.720 --> 00:06:59.880 if you're looking for services. 144 00:06:59.880 --> 00:07:04.440 And if you are getting your care through the VA, 145 00:07:04.440 --> 00:07:06.750 they're gonna know who that person is 146 00:07:06.750 --> 00:07:09.420 and be able to get you in touch with them. 147 00:07:09.420 --> 00:07:11.100 Also wow, 148 00:07:11.100 --> 00:07:14.250 that's an incredibly short waiting period actually, 149 00:07:14.250 --> 00:07:19.140 especially if we talk about other services, 150 00:07:19.140 --> 00:07:22.050 you may be waiting nine months, a year, 151 00:07:22.050 --> 00:07:24.120 in some cases a couple of years. 152 00:07:24.120 --> 00:07:28.830 And that is true for various kinds of services. 153 00:07:28.830 --> 00:07:32.280 So just because you're getting orientation 154 00:07:32.280 --> 00:07:33.630 and mobility training, 155 00:07:33.630 --> 00:07:36.240 you may still be waiting for technology training. 156 00:07:36.240 --> 00:07:40.740 So it sounds like with services from the VA 157 00:07:40.740 --> 00:07:45.740 it's happening a lot more quickly, which is wonderful. 158 00:07:45.900 --> 00:07:47.640 Do services tend to, 159 00:07:47.640 --> 00:07:50.490 let's say you're doing outpatient services, 160 00:07:50.490 --> 00:07:52.800 so you're not going through 161 00:07:52.800 --> 00:07:54.690 some of the more intensive training 162 00:07:54.690 --> 00:07:58.698 that you might do in an inpatient setting, 163 00:07:58.698 --> 00:08:01.980 are all of those services happening at once, 164 00:08:01.980 --> 00:08:04.920 or do people get signed up for a couple 165 00:08:04.920 --> 00:08:06.240 and then maybe a couple more? 166 00:08:06.240 --> 00:08:07.830 How does that work? 167 00:08:07.830 --> 00:08:09.390 Usually that's very dependent 168 00:08:09.390 --> 00:08:12.630 on the geographical location of the veteran 169 00:08:12.630 --> 00:08:14.790 and what services are available. 170 00:08:14.790 --> 00:08:19.790 Not every location has blind rehab outpatient services. 171 00:08:20.820 --> 00:08:24.150 And typically, when they do have outpatient services, 172 00:08:24.150 --> 00:08:26.790 it's usually one skill area at a time. 173 00:08:26.790 --> 00:08:28.530 So somebody might come out 174 00:08:28.530 --> 00:08:31.020 and teach them mobility for two hours 175 00:08:31.020 --> 00:08:33.330 and then they might have to come back 176 00:08:33.330 --> 00:08:35.910 after a week or two or three weeks 177 00:08:35.910 --> 00:08:38.010 to do additional training. 178 00:08:38.010 --> 00:08:39.990 The more comprehensive training 179 00:08:39.990 --> 00:08:42.660 is when you come to the inpatient program, 180 00:08:42.660 --> 00:08:46.020 and that's when you'll have all the skill areas, 181 00:08:46.020 --> 00:08:47.700 and you'll have a daily schedule 182 00:08:47.700 --> 00:08:49.920 to go through all the classes. 183 00:08:49.920 --> 00:08:54.120 And how long do those inpatient services usually last? 184 00:08:54.120 --> 00:08:55.920 So what's kind of the commitment 185 00:08:55.920 --> 00:08:58.650 of "I'm going to come in, I'm gonna do inpatient," 186 00:08:58.650 --> 00:09:00.870 how long are you gonna be there? 187 00:09:00.870 --> 00:09:04.290 So every program is individualized to the veteran's needs, 188 00:09:04.290 --> 00:09:08.490 but I would say an approximate average is four to six weeks. 189 00:09:08.490 --> 00:09:10.230 Usually a veteran will come in 190 00:09:10.230 --> 00:09:12.540 and that first week, week and a half, 191 00:09:12.540 --> 00:09:14.550 they go through assessments. 192 00:09:14.550 --> 00:09:16.170 During the time of the assessments, 193 00:09:16.170 --> 00:09:19.890 the veteran and instructors can be able to decide together 194 00:09:19.890 --> 00:09:22.920 what are the goals that the veteran needs to accomplish, 195 00:09:22.920 --> 00:09:24.600 and that can determine 196 00:09:24.600 --> 00:09:26.250 how long they want to be able to stay. 197 00:09:26.250 --> 00:09:29.670 So I would say about four to six weeks is a good average. 198 00:09:29.670 --> 00:09:31.830 Yeah, that totally makes sense. 199 00:09:31.830 --> 00:09:35.280 And once someone has done 200 00:09:35.280 --> 00:09:39.840 whether it is this very intensive inpatient services 201 00:09:39.840 --> 00:09:42.960 or maybe they've gotten a couple of outpatient things 202 00:09:42.960 --> 00:09:45.420 and maybe they've learned to cook, 203 00:09:45.420 --> 00:09:46.980 they've done some cleaning, 204 00:09:46.980 --> 00:09:49.327 but suddenly they're like, 205 00:09:49.327 --> 00:09:54.327 "Hey, I really need to brush up on my technology skills." 206 00:09:55.560 --> 00:09:59.280 Is there a limit to the amount of services 207 00:09:59.280 --> 00:10:01.200 that a veteran can get, 208 00:10:01.200 --> 00:10:03.930 or is it really just as you discover, 209 00:10:03.930 --> 00:10:05.910 as you're going through your daily life 210 00:10:05.910 --> 00:10:07.380 that you need something 211 00:10:07.380 --> 00:10:10.503 then the VA services are here for you? 212 00:10:11.430 --> 00:10:14.760 So there are no limitations on how many times a veteran 213 00:10:14.760 --> 00:10:18.090 can come through the program, whatever program that may be, 214 00:10:18.090 --> 00:10:21.900 whether it's inpatient, outpatient, or remote training. 215 00:10:21.900 --> 00:10:26.370 However, when we do, especially, work with the veterans 216 00:10:26.370 --> 00:10:30.577 during the inpatient program, we do encourage them, 217 00:10:30.577 --> 00:10:33.810 "Go home, use the skills that you have learned, 218 00:10:33.810 --> 00:10:36.450 see what works, see what doesn't work, 219 00:10:36.450 --> 00:10:38.970 and give yourself some time to do that." 220 00:10:38.970 --> 00:10:40.237 So we encourage them, 221 00:10:40.237 --> 00:10:42.600 "If you've been here recently, 222 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:46.080 wait about a year so you can really figure out what works, 223 00:10:46.080 --> 00:10:47.460 what doesn't work." 224 00:10:47.460 --> 00:10:49.230 And then when you come back, 225 00:10:49.230 --> 00:10:52.080 instead of just doing the same thing over again, 226 00:10:52.080 --> 00:10:55.447 now you can focus on the new skills and understand, 227 00:10:55.447 --> 00:10:56.910 "Okay, this is what I tried to do 228 00:10:56.910 --> 00:10:59.400 when I went home, that was not very effective. 229 00:10:59.400 --> 00:11:00.510 Let me focus on that." 230 00:11:00.510 --> 00:11:01.980 So for example, 231 00:11:01.980 --> 00:11:03.900 if they've been through the inpatient program 232 00:11:03.900 --> 00:11:04.890 one time already, 233 00:11:04.890 --> 00:11:08.040 they got a good overview of everything that they've done, 234 00:11:08.040 --> 00:11:09.690 but they didn't do a lot of cooking. 235 00:11:09.690 --> 00:11:11.340 But the second time they come around, 236 00:11:11.340 --> 00:11:14.100 they may do a little bit more exploration 237 00:11:14.100 --> 00:11:15.450 of the adaptive kitchen skills 238 00:11:15.450 --> 00:11:17.280 and try a little bit more cooking. 239 00:11:17.280 --> 00:11:19.530 Right, because it can be difficult 240 00:11:19.530 --> 00:11:23.010 to learn everything you need to know all at once. 241 00:11:23.010 --> 00:11:26.910 You may be really concentrating in one area, 242 00:11:26.910 --> 00:11:28.620 and then once that's down 243 00:11:28.620 --> 00:11:31.110 and you've really had some time to practice it, 244 00:11:31.110 --> 00:11:34.200 then you're thinking, "Okay, hey, I conquered this. 245 00:11:34.200 --> 00:11:38.760 I'm ready to tackle something else." 246 00:11:38.760 --> 00:11:41.640 Can you talk just a bit about, 247 00:11:41.640 --> 00:11:42.870 you've mentioned a couple of times 248 00:11:42.870 --> 00:11:46.110 kind of the virtual or the video visits. 249 00:11:46.110 --> 00:11:49.080 Is that in addition to say 250 00:11:49.080 --> 00:11:51.720 maybe you come home from the inpatient service 251 00:11:51.720 --> 00:11:54.390 or maybe you decide not to go in for that, 252 00:11:54.390 --> 00:11:58.020 is that how the virtual video visits work 253 00:11:58.020 --> 00:12:03.020 or it's in addition to whatever you've done 254 00:12:03.390 --> 00:12:07.170 or is it instead of coming in for an inpatient? 255 00:12:07.170 --> 00:12:08.550 It could be either way. 256 00:12:08.550 --> 00:12:11.310 So the most traditional way 257 00:12:11.310 --> 00:12:15.310 is always to be able to do the inpatient training. 258 00:12:15.310 --> 00:12:18.270 You get the most hands-on experience that way. 259 00:12:18.270 --> 00:12:21.270 You also get to meet a lot of other veterans 260 00:12:21.270 --> 00:12:23.610 that are also going through the journey of vision loss. 261 00:12:23.610 --> 00:12:27.690 So those are the definite pros of coming in 262 00:12:27.690 --> 00:12:29.430 through the inpatient program. 263 00:12:29.430 --> 00:12:33.090 But if a person is not able to come to the inpatient program 264 00:12:33.090 --> 00:12:34.410 for whatever circumstance, 265 00:12:34.410 --> 00:12:37.650 then they can always do the remote training. 266 00:12:37.650 --> 00:12:39.390 It is also popular for people 267 00:12:39.390 --> 00:12:41.910 to do some follow-up remote training 268 00:12:41.910 --> 00:12:44.820 once they've completed the inpatient program. 269 00:12:44.820 --> 00:12:46.140 Gotcha. 270 00:12:46.140 --> 00:12:50.490 So we've talked about, so far, some really practical aspects 271 00:12:50.490 --> 00:12:53.070 of adjusting to vision loss, learning to cook, 272 00:12:53.070 --> 00:12:55.140 learning your technology, 273 00:12:55.140 --> 00:12:58.680 figuring out orientation and mobility skills. 274 00:12:58.680 --> 00:13:03.240 Are there also services or support groups or what have you 275 00:13:03.240 --> 00:13:07.140 for just the social or the emotional aspects 276 00:13:07.140 --> 00:13:08.850 of adjusting to vision loss 277 00:13:08.850 --> 00:13:10.290 and whether that's for the veterans 278 00:13:10.290 --> 00:13:13.500 or are there also things for families 279 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:18.060 as they're kind of adjusting to the change in vision? 280 00:13:18.060 --> 00:13:19.830 Yes, we are blessed 281 00:13:19.830 --> 00:13:21.900 to have the fact that we have 282 00:13:21.900 --> 00:13:24.870 a lot of different services available for veterans 283 00:13:24.870 --> 00:13:26.820 in the inpatient program. 284 00:13:26.820 --> 00:13:27.900 So when they're here, 285 00:13:27.900 --> 00:13:31.500 we have a full medical staff that can monitor 286 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:34.320 and help them with any medical needs. 287 00:13:34.320 --> 00:13:36.810 If appropriate, follow-up needs to take place 288 00:13:36.810 --> 00:13:38.010 in the main hospital, 289 00:13:38.010 --> 00:13:40.050 we can do that, for example, 290 00:13:40.050 --> 00:13:42.630 if they have to follow up with audiology 291 00:13:42.630 --> 00:13:44.970 or podiatry or something like that. 292 00:13:44.970 --> 00:13:47.550 We also have both social work 293 00:13:47.550 --> 00:13:51.000 and psychology in the inpatient program, 294 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:53.850 and veterans can follow up with them 295 00:13:53.850 --> 00:13:57.120 for their one-on-one needs. 296 00:13:57.120 --> 00:14:00.210 There's also a lot of group classes that we offer, 297 00:14:00.210 --> 00:14:01.800 and in these school group classes, 298 00:14:01.800 --> 00:14:03.810 we discuss different options 299 00:14:03.810 --> 00:14:06.840 of how to transition through the journey of vision loss, 300 00:14:06.840 --> 00:14:09.600 how to improve confidence and empowerment, 301 00:14:09.600 --> 00:14:11.370 how to integrate what you learn 302 00:14:11.370 --> 00:14:14.580 into everyday life and society. 303 00:14:14.580 --> 00:14:17.820 On top of that, we also have recreational therapy, 304 00:14:17.820 --> 00:14:20.700 and we have a lot of different recreational outings, 305 00:14:20.700 --> 00:14:24.300 and we encourage veterans to participate in these outings, 306 00:14:24.300 --> 00:14:27.060 and this is another way that they can go out, 307 00:14:27.060 --> 00:14:29.160 integrate into society, 308 00:14:29.160 --> 00:14:31.380 learn to advocate and communicate 309 00:14:31.380 --> 00:14:34.230 what they need as a person with vision loss. 310 00:14:34.230 --> 00:14:35.130 So these are all ways 311 00:14:35.130 --> 00:14:37.440 that we can be able to accomplish that goal. 312 00:14:37.440 --> 00:14:38.273 That's great. 313 00:14:38.273 --> 00:14:41.700 I think it is so powerful, just as you said before, 314 00:14:41.700 --> 00:14:44.640 to be able to meet other veterans 315 00:14:44.640 --> 00:14:48.360 who are going through this journey just like you are. 316 00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:52.260 We know that having that community feeling, 317 00:14:52.260 --> 00:14:55.110 that feeling of it's not just me 318 00:14:55.110 --> 00:14:56.820 and I'm not alone 319 00:14:56.820 --> 00:15:01.350 can really go a long way in the adjustment process. 320 00:15:01.350 --> 00:15:02.580 Absolutely. 321 00:15:02.580 --> 00:15:05.820 As well as for the family program training, 322 00:15:05.820 --> 00:15:08.430 there is a couple different ways we can do that as well. 323 00:15:08.430 --> 00:15:11.820 So whether veterans are inpatient program, 324 00:15:11.820 --> 00:15:15.210 outpatient program, or through the remote training, 325 00:15:15.210 --> 00:15:17.160 we can connect with family members 326 00:15:17.160 --> 00:15:19.380 and we can educate them 327 00:15:19.380 --> 00:15:22.200 by usually giving them a hands-on experience 328 00:15:22.200 --> 00:15:23.730 on how to do different tasks, 329 00:15:23.730 --> 00:15:25.740 sometimes under the blindfold. 330 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:28.995 And then as well as just helping them give them resources 331 00:15:28.995 --> 00:15:32.640 to be able to kinda go through the journey of vision loss 332 00:15:32.640 --> 00:15:34.230 along with their loved ones. 333 00:15:34.230 --> 00:15:38.610 So if a family member is able to come into the Blind Center, 334 00:15:38.610 --> 00:15:41.850 we can be able to make appropriate arrangements for that. 335 00:15:41.850 --> 00:15:44.460 If they're not able to travel for whatever means, 336 00:15:44.460 --> 00:15:46.860 we are able to do conference calls 337 00:15:46.860 --> 00:15:49.380 or even video calls with family members. 338 00:15:49.380 --> 00:15:52.440 So these are other ways that we can work with family members 339 00:15:52.440 --> 00:15:55.140 to be able to help them go through the process as well. 340 00:15:55.140 --> 00:15:56.520 That's fantastic. 341 00:15:56.520 --> 00:16:00.660 What we've talked about so far is in Chicago. 342 00:16:00.660 --> 00:16:03.090 So what you are speaking 343 00:16:03.090 --> 00:16:06.090 from the experiences at the Hines VA. 344 00:16:06.090 --> 00:16:07.800 But with that said, 345 00:16:07.800 --> 00:16:10.740 there are other centers around the country 346 00:16:10.740 --> 00:16:13.020 that do very similar things. 347 00:16:13.020 --> 00:16:14.917 Now, I'm sure that you're biased and you're like, 348 00:16:14.917 --> 00:16:16.380 "Hey, ours is the best," 349 00:16:16.380 --> 00:16:20.100 but if someone is not located in the Chicago area 350 00:16:20.100 --> 00:16:23.460 and they still would like to get information 351 00:16:23.460 --> 00:16:27.450 for either finding their VIST coordinator 352 00:16:27.450 --> 00:16:30.960 or finding out what centers are in their area, 353 00:16:30.960 --> 00:16:33.570 is there an easy way, maybe a website, 354 00:16:33.570 --> 00:16:37.200 that people can go to to get that information? 355 00:16:37.200 --> 00:16:39.000 I would say probably the easiest way 356 00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:41.160 for veterans to get information 357 00:16:41.160 --> 00:16:44.460 is they probably have a primary care doctor in the VA, 358 00:16:44.460 --> 00:16:45.870 and then through that doctor 359 00:16:45.870 --> 00:16:49.500 they can get connected to their local VIST coordinator. 360 00:16:49.500 --> 00:16:50.333 And from there, 361 00:16:50.333 --> 00:16:54.030 they can see what services are close to them 362 00:16:54.030 --> 00:16:56.040 and what are available for them. 363 00:16:56.040 --> 00:16:57.930 I think that would be probably the easiest way 364 00:16:57.930 --> 00:17:00.900 for people to be able to get information. 365 00:17:00.900 --> 00:17:03.180 There is the VA website, 366 00:17:03.180 --> 00:17:05.730 and you can be able to go through that link 367 00:17:05.730 --> 00:17:07.920 to be able to find different information, 368 00:17:07.920 --> 00:17:09.060 but some of that stuff, 369 00:17:09.060 --> 00:17:11.070 it may be different in different places 370 00:17:11.070 --> 00:17:12.210 throughout the country. 371 00:17:12.210 --> 00:17:14.790 Right, and then of course it can be confusing 372 00:17:14.790 --> 00:17:16.890 doing these searches on sites 373 00:17:16.890 --> 00:17:19.110 and you go down a certain rabbit hole 374 00:17:19.110 --> 00:17:20.670 and you're like, "How did I end up here?" 375 00:17:20.670 --> 00:17:23.010 So it sounds like the VIST coordinator 376 00:17:23.010 --> 00:17:25.200 is really the best place to start 377 00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:28.320 and just to get in touch with that person 378 00:17:28.320 --> 00:17:32.610 through your primary care individual at the VA. 379 00:17:32.610 --> 00:17:35.460 Wow, this has really been very informative 380 00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:39.150 and I'm so happy to know that there are so many services, 381 00:17:39.150 --> 00:17:41.550 whatever it is, that you need as a veteran, 382 00:17:41.550 --> 00:17:43.740 whether it is you're at the beginning 383 00:17:43.740 --> 00:17:45.120 of the adjustment process 384 00:17:45.120 --> 00:17:48.330 or maybe you've been at this for a little while 385 00:17:48.330 --> 00:17:50.430 and you need to update some skills 386 00:17:50.430 --> 00:17:54.420 or you're curious about what devices are available to you. 387 00:17:54.420 --> 00:17:57.090 All of these things can be done 388 00:17:57.090 --> 00:18:00.690 through these low vision services through the VA. 389 00:18:00.690 --> 00:18:04.800 Geo, is there anything that we haven't touched on yet 390 00:18:04.800 --> 00:18:06.690 that you were hoping we'd have the chance 391 00:18:06.690 --> 00:18:09.390 to explore before we wrap up here? 392 00:18:09.390 --> 00:18:10.223 I would just say 393 00:18:10.223 --> 00:18:13.962 that I think whenever anybody goes through vision loss 394 00:18:13.962 --> 00:18:16.410 it's a very difficult process. 395 00:18:16.410 --> 00:18:20.640 And so the beginning steps of trying to receive training 396 00:18:20.640 --> 00:18:22.350 is always the most intimidating 397 00:18:22.350 --> 00:18:24.930 and difficult decisions to make. 398 00:18:24.930 --> 00:18:27.420 And I think that's one of the things 399 00:18:27.420 --> 00:18:29.505 that we hear from our veterans too. 400 00:18:29.505 --> 00:18:31.590 They want to come in, 401 00:18:31.590 --> 00:18:33.599 but they're not sure if they want to come in 402 00:18:33.599 --> 00:18:35.520 because they probably 403 00:18:35.520 --> 00:18:38.520 have been away from home for some time 404 00:18:38.520 --> 00:18:40.200 and they don't want to travel by themselves 405 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:41.430 and things like that. 406 00:18:41.430 --> 00:18:43.320 But I would say to any veterans, 407 00:18:43.320 --> 00:18:44.970 if you have vision loss 408 00:18:44.970 --> 00:18:48.780 and you are struggling to do activities of daily living, 409 00:18:48.780 --> 00:18:50.070 come check us out. 410 00:18:50.070 --> 00:18:52.380 I definitely think that we can do some productive things 411 00:18:52.380 --> 00:18:54.240 to really be helpful for you 412 00:18:54.240 --> 00:18:56.520 and we can spread the word so that more people 413 00:18:56.520 --> 00:18:59.580 are aware of our services that we are able to offer. 414 00:18:59.580 --> 00:19:00.413 Excellent. 415 00:19:00.413 --> 00:19:01.347 Thank you so much for that 416 00:19:01.347 --> 00:19:03.870 and for all the awesome information 417 00:19:03.870 --> 00:19:05.700 that you've given us today. 418 00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:09.990 Geo, thank you again, we really appreciate your stopping by. 419 00:19:09.990 --> 00:19:12.930 And I've had a lot of fun and learned a lot. 420 00:19:12.930 --> 00:19:14.370 Thank you very much, Ricky. 421 00:19:14.370 --> 00:19:16.173 I appreciate the time, stay blessed. 422 00:19:17.010 --> 00:19:18.720 Got something to say? 423 00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:22.170 Share your thoughts about this episode of "Hadley Presents" 424 00:19:22.170 --> 00:19:24.750 or make suggestions for future episodes, 425 00:19:24.750 --> 00:19:26.460 we'd love to hear from you. 426 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:31.440 Send us an email at podcast@hadleyhelps.org. 427 00:19:31.440 --> 00:19:36.440 That's P-O-D-C-A-S-T@hadleyhelps.O-R-G. 428 00:19:37.950 --> 00:19:42.660 Or leave us a message at 847-784-2870. 429 00:19:44.880 --> 00:19:45.993 Thanks for listening.