Ralph H. Johnson VIST Coordinators support Lowcountry Veterans and More

The Visual Impairment Services Team works to help Veterans with an array of services referred to as Blind Rehabilitation Services (BRS). Rehabilitation in BRS is Veteran-centered and interdisciplinary, developing and deploying integrated plans of care that address the Veterans’ needs and goals to guide service delivery. Some of these services intermediate low vision clinics and advanced low visions clinics where services are catered to each Veteran’s individual vision-based needs.

“VIST Coordinators often serve as the entry point into the continuum of care,” said Kristine Williams, a VIST Coordinator working at the Ralph H. Johnson VA. “New goals are established when there is a change in vision, support, environment or even level of acceptance of vision loss. VIST Coordinators facilitate the navigation of veteran-centered goals to regain and maintain independence in the safest way possible.”

In addition to this month being International Blindness Awareness Month, the day of October 15th is recognized as White Cane Safety Day, a special holiday dedicated to emphasizing the mobility, respect, and safety of those with visual impairments. VIST Coordinators observe this holiday to celebrate the achievements and independence of blind Veterans.

“The white cane not only symbolizes independence but also plays a crucial role in safety laws for individuals who are blind or visually impaired,” said Williams. “White Cane Day is observed internationally to promote awareness of the white cane as a mobility tool. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of creating inclusive communities that support individuals with visual impairments in leading full and active lives.”

This year the Ralph H. Johnson VA Downtown Charleston location hosted an event, October 16th, that featured virtual simulations, interactive demonstrations, display of accessible devices, shared veteran experiences, and educational materials. Resources were available to help visually impaired veterans gain and maintain their independence safely and have questions answered directly from members of the VIST.

“Our Veterans have learned new ways to function day-to-day and have regained independence by reading personal mail, using public transportation, reengaging with

friends and community using technology, resuming hobbies and areas of interest, and supporting others,” said Williams. “Here we have over 650 enrolled Veterans from across our catchment area. Each enrolled Veteran is invited at least once annually to review continuum of care programs. This year, we’ve had nearly 100 new veterans enroll in the program! We’ve also been able to extend our support group and clinics to both the Savannah, Georgia and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Community Based Outpatient Clinics to support this growth.”

These Veteran benefit from any of the following BRS programs:

- Orientation and Mobility: How to move safely at home and in the community in an efficient and confident manner.

- Living Skills: Personal grooming, eating skills, food preparation, household management, and communication skills are addressed.

- Visual Skills: Use of remaining “functional vision” with optical aids prescribed by a Low Vision Optometrist to enhance viewing at varying distances. Education is provided on the specific eye condition and how to more effectively use remaining sight.

- Technology: As technology advances, VA will be able to help visually impaired Veterans be more independent.

Additional programs include training at one of our 13 Blind Rehabilitation Centers (BRC).

For more information on Blind Rehabilitation Services go to: https://www.rehab.va.gov/blindrehab/About_Blind_Rehabilitation_Service…