VA Pittsburgh Dedicates Braille Flag

Donated by District 11 of the Pennsylvania Moose Association (PMA), the braille flag ensures every individual, regardless of ability, can recognize and honor the U.S. flag. 

“There are more than 1 million Veterans with vision loss in the United States, with approximately 130,000 who are legally blind,” said Teresa Costa of the Pennsylvania Moose Association. “The braille flag ensures that every individual, regardless of ability, can recognize and honor the American flag.”

The flag is mounted outside the Low Vision/Blind Rehabilitation Clinic in building 71. In the upper left corner are the flag’s raised stars. Raised horizontal lines represent the flag’s 13 alternating red and white stripes. The end of each stripe is embossed with braille dots indicating the stripe’s color. The Pledge of Allegiance is embossed over the smooth red stripes.

The Moose’s District 11 donated the flag in support of the nonprofit American Braille Flag Project, which has a primary goal of placing tactile braille flags in VA facilities, cemeteries and other memorial structures. Other sites with PMA-donated braille flags include the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA, and VA medical centers across the nation.

Gina Palastro, VA Pittsburgh’s visual impairment services team coordinator, said the braille flag does more than just allow Veterans to experience the symbol of our nation through touch.

“This flag is more than a marker on the wall,” said Palastro. “It represents the spirit of our mission: that no Veteran is left behind, and that vision loss does not take away one’s identity, one’s patriotism, or one’s dignity.  Vision loss may change how someone sees the world, but it should never limit how they live in it.” 

Dr. Brooke Decker, VA Pittsburgh’s deputy chief of staff, said the U.S. flag is a powerful symbol of resistance that carries with it stories of countless individuals who fought for the principles it represents.

“By creating this tactile braille version, we are making a profound statement: that those who are blind or visually impaired are integral members of our community who deserve to experience and connect with these symbols in a meaningful way,” said Decker. “This flag serves as a testament to our commitment to making this possible.”

For information on visual impairment services at VA Pittsburgh, Veterans, active-duty service members and families can call 412-822-2176 or visit Intermediate Low Vision Clinic.