Southeastern blind rehabilitation center receives $10k donation | va birmingham health care | veterans affairs

The Southeastern Blind Rehabilitation Center (SBRC) at the Birmingham VA hospital recently received a generous $10,000 donation from the Southeastern Blind Rehabilitation Center Alumni

Association (SBRCAA). This remarkable contribution is one of the largest single donations ever made to the BRC, which is one of only 13 Blind Rehabilitation Centers in VA.  The BRC provides

intensive, interdisciplinary rehabilitation to Veterans with low to no vision, offering individualized treatment plans and one-on-one therapeutic instruction. These services are designed to

help Veterans achieve independence and improve their quality of life.  “This donation will significantly enhance the resources available for our blind rehabilitation program, providing

crucial support for the independence and life skills of blind Veterans,” said Stacey Stephens, Chief of Blind Rehabilitation Service. “The SBRCAA has been our strongest supporter over the

years, contributing smart home technology, equipment for our woodshop, washers and dryers, and much more. Donations like today's enable us to offer a range of supplies and

opportunities, including recreational activities, that are vital for our Veterans.” The SBRC uses an interdisciplinary education model of service through Blind Rehabilitation Specialist who

teach compensatory skills such as:  Orientation & Mobility for independent travel, Low Vision for maximum use of remaining vision; Manual Skills for increased use of tactual senses and

Living Skills for activities of daily living and communications skills.   The Computer Access training is also offered to eliminate barriers that computer technology can impose on persons

with visual impairments and blindness.  All the above disciplines are responsible for emerging technologies in the field.   Other allied professionals, such as a full-time Clinical

Psychologist and a Social Worker provide blinded Veterans with individual counseling, self-help, and family intervention and training regarding sight loss and blind rehabilitation.

Furthermore, the Low Vision Optometrist collaborates with Low Vision Specialist collaborate to find the right aids and services, including comprehensive eye exams, visual skills assessments,

guidance on developing visual motor and perceptual skills, and training for managing daily activities with vision loss. The 20-bed inpatient residential program also employs a part-time

Physician, full-time Nurse Practitioner; and round-the-clock Nursing coverage to maintain and improve the Veteran’s health management during their rehabilitation program.  Visual Impairment

Service Team (VIST) Coordinator is a case manager that provide lifetime care coordination to eligible Veterans with visual impairments and often serve as the entry point into the continuum

of care for Blind Rehabilitation Services.  VIST Coordinator duties include providing and/or arranging the provision of appropriate treatment in order to enhance functioning such as making

referrals to Blind Rehabilitation Centers and Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Services (BROS). The BROS serves Veterans who are visually impaired in their homes, VA medical centers or

clinics, at universities or colleges, work sites, and long-term care environments.  Each year, over 200 Veterans with low to no vision visit the BRC. The Birmingham SBRC offers specialized

care that includes daily living instruction, such as meal preparation and safe navigation of both household and outdoor environments. The center focuses on teaching independence in a world

where visual senses are not the primary means of navigation, helping Veterans rely on other skills to manage their visual impairments. Veterans also receive training in new visual skills to

help with everyday tasks like reading, writing, cooking, managing medications, and locating and reading signs. Sensory training, mobility and orientation training, vision-enhancing devices

and technologies (electronic reading aids), and instruction in using computers are also part of the comprehensive services provided.  “This donation is another way of expressing our

gratitude to Birmingham VA’s blind rehab program,” said Jack Ferrante, a U.S. Army Veteran and President of the SBRCAA. “As a Veteran, I have personally benefited from the BRC’s services, as

have many others with low or no vision. The independence and life skills we gain here are unparalleled, and it is my pleasure to support the continuation of these high-quality resources for

every Veteran entering this program.” If you are a Veteran or active-duty service member with blindness or low vision, you may be eligible for advanced vision care and rehabilitation

services through the VA to help you lead an independent life.  Click here for more information. To donate to support America’s Heroes, please contact [email protected] or visit

Volunteer Or Donate | VA Birmingham Health Care | Veterans Affairs.