On Friday, July 17th, a joint emissary from Yale’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and from the Yale Veterans Network Affinity Group visited the West Haven VA Blind Rehabilitation Center, to get a firsthand view of what it takes for blind or visually impaired veterans rebuild their lives and regain their independence. We were greeted by a wonderful group of dedicated staff, whose own lives are devoted to helping veterans painstakingly learn the skills they will need to manage under their new circumstances. This sometimes means learning to slow down, as they develop core basics first, in order to rebuild confidence levels to manage their lives on their own terms. Additional skills include cooking and writing, woodworking, and methods of getting around. Devices such as prosthetics, or electronics such as I Pads or I Phones, can also assist in managing with the difficulties created due to visual impairments.
We met with a brilliant individual, visually impaired since birth, who has developed some remarkable abilities with the use of an IPad. He is teaching others how to do the same using IPads or other smart devices. Ultimately the uses he has developed may allow for the replacement of up to $10,000 worth of standalone prosthetics with one device.
We also visited the Center garden, which provides many of the vegetables and herbs which go into cooking classes, as well as flowers. This garden area is also the site of the “Day of Service,” where the Yale veteran community can give time to help support other veterans in need.
Click here to view more pictures from our visit.