The Biloxi Breeze2020 Annual Report and Winter 2021 Newsletter

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A Publication of the Gulf Coast Blind Rehabilitation CenterGulf Coast Veterans Health Care System

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Table of ContentsMission Statement.........................................................................2Produced by..................................................................................3Comments or Subscriptions...........................................................3Vision Statement, Values, Characteristics.....................................3Message from the Chief.................................................................4FY20 Annual Report......................................................................5iPad Magic Accessories...............................................................12Cooking in the Dark.....................................................................15Telehealth O&M...........................................................................17Winds of Change.........................................................................18Reading Sheets...........................................................................18Get Involved with Recreation.......................................................21Tips for Being Courteous, Caring and Compassionate...............22No Magic Pill: For National Nutrition Month 2021........................25Listening to God's Direction.........................................................27Social Work News: Diversity and Inclusion .................................28Voting while Blind .......................................................................30Farewell from a VIST Coordinator...............................................31VIST Support Groups and Know Your VIST Coordinator............33

Mission StatementThe mission of Blind Rehabilitation is to provide instruction to Veterans and military personnel who are blind or visually impaired. The goal is to promote independence, self-care, and improve the overall quality of life.

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Produced ByThe Biloxi Breeze is a publication of the Gulf Coast Blind Rehabilitation Center (GCBRC). Contents are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. Government or Department of Veterans Affairs.

Links may take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.

Comments or SubscriptionsContact us to request subscriptions and/or to submit comments, letters, or announcements. You can also contact us to unsubscribe from The Biloxi Breeze. Gulf Coast BRC400 Veterans Avenue (124)Biloxi, MS 35931228-385-6777

For conservation and publication purposes, notify GCBRC if you are able and

willing to receive an email version of The Biloxi Breeze. Call (228) 385-6777 or send an email to: debra.gilley@va.gov.

Gulf Coast Blind Rehabilitation Center:Vision StatementTo help Veterans and their families live more fulfilled and productive lives by providing the best rehabilitation experience possible. Veterans receive world class rehabilitation with access to the latest technology and proven techniques for living with vision loss surrounded by highly trained, licensed and certified staff in a state-of-the-art program.ValuesIntegrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence

Characteristics: “I Aced It”Integrated, Attentive,

Compassionate, Encouraging, Diligent, Independent,

Trustworthy3

Message from the Chief:

It is hard to believe that March has been a year since our last inpatient Veteran went home due to COVID19. Sometimes, I think the time has flown by as we learned to adjust and train in a new way. Other times I know we felt time drag on as we wondered when we would open our doors again for Veterans in house.

Then in October we finally started seeing outpatient Veterans for a five-week full day program in the GCBRC. Veterans are screened at home each morning and come to the Center where they have classes along with lunch provided by Food and Nutrition and then return home in the late afternoon. We are on our

fourth cohort of Veterans now. We have been excited to have Veterans “in the house” again and look forward to having inpatients back one day in the future.

Among the news to share is the retirement of one of our VIST Coordinators, Scott Turner. He retired in February after working for the VA for 30 years. We will miss him and appreciate all the years he served Veterans and the lives he changed.

25 years ago, & at retirement

We are thinking of you all and hope you are staying well.Thank you for your service.

Please keep in touch.Debra Gilley M.Ed., COMS, CLVT

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Chief, Gulf Coast Blind Rehabilitation Center

Gulf Coast Blind Rehabilitation

CenterAnnual Report

Fiscal Year 2020Our census remained near 100% until the Middle of March when the COVID19 Pandemic influenced the decision of leadership to move our Blind Rehabilitation program from inpatient to the virtual world. Veterans who were inhouse at the time went home and the staff got busy making over 700 wellness and safety checks to Veterans within our catchment area and others. It was a great time of connecting with Veterans and ensuring that immediate needs were met and then finding out how we could assist Veterans continue training.

After the wellness and safety checks were completed, we

then brainstormed what we could do next and started with virtual group classes and virtual 1:1 training of Veterans. By summer, we had 17 virtual groups covering the range from living skills, CAT, visual skills, orientation and mobility, psychology, social work, and recreation. We reached more Veterans in FY20 than in any year previously which is fabulous considering all the challenges we had to overcome.

We also worked with our interior designer, Shannon Day, received new furniture near the start of FY20. There are new dining room tables and chairs so no more pushed together tables. New desk chairs came in for the Veterans’ bedrooms, so every room has a recliner and a desk chair now. (No more need to try to pilfer chairs from other parts of the building for your rooms.) The upstairs group room got an upgrade with new

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group chairs as well. Everyplace is looking updated and wonderful.

Another move that occurred this year was our Prosthetic Stock Room is now manned by Logistics. They keep track of the inventory and ensure that we have the items we need when we need them. It has been a great relationship and we look forward to continuing to work with this department.

Prosthetics continues to fill orders for items we do not have in our stock room. The Prosthetics Service got a new Chief and Assistant Chief in 2020 who have been a real pleasure to work with. They are very Veteran-Centered and have worked with us to resolve the kinks in our system from the past.

Veterans filled out the uSpeq Veteran Satisfaction surveys when they were inhouse the first 6 months of the year.

These anonymous surveys are filled out by graduating Veterans and go directly to our accrediting body, CARF. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, the Veterans gave us a 97.50% overall satisfaction rating across 32 measures.

Visual Skills DepartmentTechnology was the word of the year in Visual Skills in 2020. Both the Patriot Viewpoint and NuEyes e2 were introduced to the program and training manuals written for working with Veterans. The Vision Buddy has begun to be explored. The OrCam continues to evolve with more and better features as well. They also started working with and issuing the Compact 10 OCR and Clearview Portable CCTV to Veterans with specific goals for this kind of device.

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With the move to virtual training, three online Low Vision groups are held each week focusing on various aspects of Low Vision. Topics include technology, apps, eye conditions, parts of a Low Vision Exam, use of the iPhone, and so on. The Low Vision Department has learned more and more about how the iPhone can assist the visually impaired and has been busy sharing that knowledge with Veterans.

Finally, a new Low Vision Optometrist joined the staff. Dr. Tracy Ammann brings a wealth of knowledge with her. She is a neuro-optometrist with a specialization in brain injury. She is big into how nutrition plays a role in our lives and our eyes.

Computer Access Training (CAT) Department

The CAT Department had a very busy 2020. They moved from teaching the iPhone 7 then 8 and finally the iPhone 11 by the end of the year.

They worked closely with logistics and now have the desktops, laptops, iPads, iPhones, accessible software, and accessories stocked in our stock room (based on availability from our vendors). This has been an exciting move because we are usually able to issue training devices right away instead of having long delays.

Living Skills DepartmentThe Living Skills Department updated their stock in the Prosthetic Stock Room to ensure everything was accurate for Logistics. Then when the COVID 19 Pandemic hit they took the online training by storm with five online training classes: Alexa, Victor

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Stream, Cooking in the Dark, OrCam, and a general Living Skills class. Through the online classes they have ensured that Veterans were able to continue learning about devices. The Cooking in the Dark class garnered national recognition and had attendees from other Blind Rehab Centers to see how it was conducted in order to follow suit at their facilities.

Manual Skills Manual Skills was going strong until COVID19 hit. The rearranged workshop areas were working exceptionally. The garden in the courtyard had just gotten new raised garden beds and planting had started for the spring with flowers and vegetables. Then everything ground to a halt as Veterans went home. The whole department got a thorough straightening up at the beginning of the pandemic and then staff began helping in

other areas of the GCBRC with online training.

Orientation and MobilityThe Sunu Band was one of the new items introduced in 2020. We tested it out and got approval from prosthetics to begin issuing it. We started stocking the AfterShokz bone conduction wireless Bluetooth headphones so that they are ready for training and do not have to be special ordered. We also now have the all-terrain cane tip in stock. We started working with a new app—CLEW. It creates indoor routes and has been found to be very beneficial. These are great updates to having the ability to provide timely and relevant services to our Veterans.

BROSOur BROS covered the entire Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System catchment area

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and served 71 Veterans this year. She added a section to the Biloxi Breeze Newsletter to keep Veterans updated on the BROS program and completed 34 trainings for continuing education credit this year. For the second half of the year, due to COVID 19, all training became virtual except urgent/special cases; so, telehealth and telephone trainings became integrated into the BROS program.

The BROS had a satisfaction score of 95.8% across the 32 measures on the uSPEQ satisfaction measure. 100% of the Veterans who filled out the survey reported 1. recommend the services to a friend, 2. services met my expectations and 3. Overall satisfaction with services rendered.

InternshipsWe had five interns in the beginning of FY20. Three were new ones and two were completing second internships

in another skill area. We had more planned for the year but due to COVID19 these were cancelled.

Statistics The GCBRC served 283 Veterans in FY20. OEF/OIF #Veterans Non-OEFOIF 273OEFOIF 10  283

PERIOD # VeteransActive duty 1Korean

31Non-Veteran 1Persian Gulf War

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Post-Korean 11Post-Vietnam 37Vietnam Era 140World War II 6  Total: 283

AGE # Veterans25-34 235-44 545-54 1555-64 6565-74 10375-84 5385+ 40  Total: 283

GENDER # VeteransFemale 21

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Male 262  Total: 283

RACE # VeteransUNKNOWN 13AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKAN NATIVE

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ASIAN 1BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN

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DECLINED TO ANSWER

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MULTIPLE 5WHITE 154  Total: 283REFERRING LOCATIONS #BILOXI 70PENSACOLA CLINIC 47ALEXANDRIA 20NEW ORLEANS 19LITTLE ROCK 17FAYETTEVILLE 13MICHAEL E DEBAKEY 7LUFKIN OUTPATIENT 7GV SONNY MONTGOMERY 6OVERTON BROOKS 4CHARLES GEORGE 3ALL OTHER LOCATIONS 1 EA

We were not able to admit for inpatient all the Veterans who had been referred to us due to COVID19. But we did have referrals from13 states and discharged 111 Veterans

home to places as far away as Hawaii and Anchorage. At the time of the COVID19 discharges, we were ahead of our admissions and discharges from 2019 due to the increase in beds. Then we moved to the virtual 1:1 training and groups that allowed us to continue reaching Veterans. We are so appreciative of to have wonderful partnerships with dedicated VIST Coordinators who continue to work with us and get Veterans the services they need.

In 2019 we had exactly one telehealth appointment. By the end of 2020 we had completely embraced telehealth with over one thousand telehealth appointments as a means of providing assessments and training to our Veterans. The staff got up to speed with both equipment and their comfort level with this modality of training and really took off to

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meet the needs of Veterans. We have received numerous emails and kudos letters from Veterans expressing their gratitude for the 1:1 training and groups that have been offered during COVID19. Not only have we been able to continue training Veterans, but the groups allowed Veterans to connect to one another and bridge the gap of isolation during these times of social distancing and quarantining.

During the first two quarter of FY20 when we had Veterans in house, Veterans met with the Chief or her designee at the end of their program to rate their classes on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Veterans consistently rated their classes between a 4 and 5.

The Average Length of Stay for all program was 28.8 days.CATS 32.3 daysDual 31.6 daysRegular 27.9 days

Other 25.4 days

Looking to 2021As we look at 2021 we will be continuing with the virtual training as the COVID19 situation moves along. As vaccines become more prevalent and cases drop, we will be looking to re-open our inpatient program. At this time, though, we have no idea when that will be.

In the meantime, we continue to look at technology. We have already moved to the iPhone 12 Pro and explore new apps for Veterans. Windows laptops with docking stations have arrived in the Prosthetics Stock Room. We are exploring ways to provide virtual Low Vision assessments with a collaboration between our Low Vision Optometrist and BROS who is a certified Low Vision Therapist.

We are working on the final plans with engineering and interior design for an ADA

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handicap accessible training kitchen in living skills which should be completed by the end of this fiscal year. This kitchen will be a wonderful addition to our training area for Veterans in wheelchairs.

We are working with Physical Medicine and Rehab Service (PM&RS) to see about bringing Kinesiotherapy (KT) back into the Blind Rehab Service for our in-house Veterans. We had this many years ago and look forward to the possibility again.

Our Rec Therapist has expanded offerings this year into the virtual world by working with Veterans on Tai Chi and the Sports4Vets Throwdown.

We look forward to continuing to grow and expand as 2021 moves along. Thank you for being a part of the journey this year.

Now…on to the rest of the Newsletter…

iPad Magic AccessoriesRina Diep, M.Ed., CVRTCATs Specialist

iPads are becoming the more popular choice of portable devices to use in our everyday lives. Apple is finding new ways to navigate the device, making it more user-friendly and replacing bulkier technology, such as laptops. One new way Apple is advancing the iPad is allowing the use of a mouse pointer with their iPad Pro, which allows a Veteran with low vision to use their iPad in a different way. This adds versatility and more inclusion for folks with disabilities.

Magic trackpads and magic mouse are accessories that are generally used with the iMac and MacBook. With the

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latest iPad OS software updates, OS 13.4 or higher, pointer controls have been added as a feature of Accessibility Settings for navigating the touch-screen display without having to touch the screen itself. Within this growing world of technology, iPad Pros are becoming the preferred item to use for Veterans when they are traveling, going to school, working, and/or leisure activities.

A Veteran can turn on and access this feature for using the Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad by going to the Bluetooth section of “Settings” on their iPad and connect. Then return to Settings main page and select “Accessibility”. From there, scroll down to “Pointer Control” located under the heading, Physical and Motor. From that menu, the pointer color, border width, size, and scrolling speed can be changed. The pointer is

round rather than a traditional mouse pointer. As the iPad was developed as a “touch-first” device, pointer control allows for the Veteran to navigate the entire iPad screen without lifting their hands off the accessory. This gives the feeling of a natural use of the computer, especially when including a Bluetooth keyboard for use with this feature.

This is a great feature for individuals with low or limited vision who are still able to follow a mouse pointer on the screen. When connecting the iPad to a 27” external monitor for a larger scale view of the iPad screen or as-is by itself, the Veteran can focus their limited vision on the external monitor and magic accessories, rather than looking at the iPad to select or navigate items on the screen. As I continued to explore this feature, I have found that it also allows for ease of use

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when the zoom feature is turned on the iPad; similar to the ZoomText software used on a Windows computer or the built-in zoom feature within the Mac OS computer. The Veteran may zoom in to the magnification level of choice and use the magic mouse or trackpad to move around the screen. I have found this to be an easier way of using the zoom feature on an iPad for Veterans requiring a magnified display because for some, using three-fingers to maneuver the screen is tricky. It also works wonderfully when editing a word document or text field areas as it allows for finer precision of the typing cursor, text selection, ergonomics for less strain on the body, and productivity. One of my Veterans with low vision found that being able to zoom in on his word document and using the pointer control feature allowed him to edit his document with more ease as he can precisely insert the

typing cursor to where he needs to.

In conclusion, I have taught Veterans with many different visual impairments. Sometimes, their visual impairment is a co-existing condition with other things and the least of their frustrations when it comes to computers. This pointer control feature assists individuals with a variety of disabilities. As a blind rehabilitation specialist within the Computer Access Training Department who has taught the use of accessibility features to our visually impaired Veterans, I have noticed that Apple continues to improve their products and services for visually impaired users and other disabilities. This allows for inclusion within the world of technology for users!

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Cooking in the DarkChristy Coonce, M.A., CVRTLiving Skills Specialist

I am sitting here in my newly arranged and cleaned home office; I am feeling overwhelmed with all the changes that have taken place since I made the commitment to telework. I was one of the Doubting Thomas’ in the room when we were informed we would need to learn the ins and outs of training through Telehealth. I thought, “how are blind individuals going to teach each other blind individuals through video means?” Yet, here we are and very successfully, I might add. All my BRC team members strive to reach and teach Veterans through whatever means necessary. We are using iPads, iPhones, PC’s and old fashion telephones to get the job done and provide excellence to our Veterans. I know I have grown as a person and, more importantly,

as an instructor during this time. We have all had to adjust to different styles and methods of teaching that we never imagined. I am grateful to be a part of a BRC team that puts their Veterans first.

One of the most rewarding outcomes of this situation for me is the creation of the Cooking Group. Cooking in the Dark started as just a thought about teaching brief lessons on kitchen use and safety. However, over the last nine months, the group has taken on a life of its own.

The group continues to be a very popular feature of our group training program. Every week a new recipe is prepared with detailed descriptions on all methods and equipment used. Veterans interact continuously with me--laughing at my lame jokes and sharing their experiences. Several of the Veterans have been participating from the beginning; bringing in new

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voices to the group as they recognize the wealth of the experiences being shared.

The group has discovered new devices which increase independence, as well as find use for other gadgets just sitting around. Time is spent during every lesson focusing on safety and performing all tasks without vision (or limited vision) using a multitude of appliances.

I try to create a month of recipes based on the natural desire to eat delicious food--diabetic friendly recipes, vegetarian recipes and, of course, those that feed that sweet tooth. Veterans have shared their personal recipes with the group as well as brought in some from the world wide web. One Veteran has informed me that they keep a printout of all the recipes, inquiring of their spouse, “What Cooking in the Dark recipe should we enjoy this week?”

Regardless of how I am currently assisting you with your independence, whether through cooking, another group or one on one instruction, thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, to learn and grow with you. None of us need to face blindness alone.

ICARE is not just a mantra of the VA but an encouragement to strive toward integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and excellence. If you have not joined us yet for any groups or training, stop procrastinating. There is never a good time not to learn something new and very little in this world is impossible. Let the Gulf Coast BRC in Biloxi serve you, demonstrating how all my Team practices ICARE.

Telehealth O&M Robin Riley, M.Ed., COMSO&M/Manual Skills Supervisor

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As you know, we have switched largely to training via telehealth services since COVID-19 caused us to temporarily close our inpatient program. Most areas that have been covered through telehealth since COVID have been CATS, Living skills, and Visual Skills. However, you may not realize that we can provide basic orientation and mobility training through telehealth as well. The skills covered can include human guide, finding dropped objects, systematic search pattern techniques, protective techniques, orientation techniques, room familiarization, trailing, basic cane introduction, basic cane techniques, and indoor travel.

Due to the distance training aspect of telehealth, we are not able to train in advanced travel situations like crossing at lighted intersections, store travel, or public transportation. If you did want tips on traveling

in these environments, the O&M group that meets on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. central time will be covering strategies for traveling in these types of situations in upcoming group meetings. If you need of in-person, advanced orientation and mobility training you may wait for us to reopen to inpatients, attend one of the BRCs that has already re-opened or utilize a BROS, if you have one available.

So, if you need 1:1 training with the basics of orientation and mobility, we’ve got you covered! If you are reading this and feel that you would benefit from receiving basic orientation and mobility training via telehealth services, you can contact your VIST Coordinator to put in a referral for you. Here’s to staying mobile, active, and safe!

Winds of Change Jean Shook, M.A., COMSManual Skills Specialist

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“There are moments which mark your life; moments when you realize nothing will ever be the same and time is suddenly divided into two parts:BEFORE THIS and AFTER THIS”! -unknown

COVID-19 has certainly arrived on BIG winds of change leaving everyone uncertain of their future and their safety. One thing our Veterans can count on is that your GCBRC staff will be with you through all the changes, because we not only serve you, we love you!

Social distancing is maintained by one-on-one instruction in all skill areas as we work in a small capacity with local outpatient Veterans who are coming in for 1:1 instruction. In manual skills we establish goals and begin training on those goals just like always. The BRC staff is trained to follow strict protocols to keep everyone safe making certain

that delivery of the program is at maximum potential and Veterans continue to be happy with training received.

The local Veterans who have been able to come to the GCBRC for training have all been pleased by the outpatient training we have provided. And it has been nice to meet and work with some new Veterans during this time as well.

Reading SheetsLorrie L. Bowen, MA, CVRTSupervisor of Visual Skills & Living Skills

Have you ever asked yourself “where is that white spot coming from?” as you are reading a book, newspaper, or a magazine article. You move your body, head, or shift the angle of what you are reading to avoid that spot. In some cases, it is not your vision, or the lack of wearing filters; so why is that spot blocking you from reading? It is glare.

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Have you heard the phrase “tinted plastic reading sheet”? Now you may have heard tinted reading glasses for contrast purposes or Fit-over sunglasses for outdoors/indoors to help with glare and bright sunlight. But what about tinted plastic reading sheet? If you have or haven’t heard about them, let us first find out what tinted reading sheets are.

What are Tinted Plastic Reading Sheets? They are a set of five Tinted plastic reading sheets in the colors yellow, orange, green, dark blue and red. You can get other colors such as pale blue, smoked tinted transparent gray/grey, different shades of green. Ideally, the sheets are for those with low vision. The various tinted plastic reading sheets allow for optimum variety of lighting situations and reading materials for the most eye comfort and reading ease. Tinted lenses may

improve reading for those with low vision and other visual impairments. Place the tinted overlay over your reading material for enhanced reading.

One may ask, “what’s the purpose of using tinted plastic reading sheets?” To answer that question: the tinted reading sheets is to adjust the gloss/sheen of white paper. “What is the best sheet size for reading?” To use the tinted reading sheet, you just place it over your reading material for enhanced reading. You won’t see that big white spot. It eases the harshness of bright, white paper and is very soothing on the eyes. Sheet size is 8-1/2 x 11 to fit most standard reading materials.

Before using tinted plastic reading sheet, ask yourself the following questions:

When I read, do I get tired quickly?

Do I skip lines sometimes?

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Do I forget what I read or loss my place?

If the answers are yes, then may Tinted Plastic reading sheet will work for you. Now, it does not mean to stop wearing your reading glasses or using other low vision devices. Continue using all your devices, but, with Tinted Plastic Reading Sheet, the tinted sheets may improve reading by easing the harshness of bright, white paper and it should be soothing on the eyes.

Another alternative is the Transparent Yellow Reading Aid.Transparent Yellow Reading Aid makes words in black letters stand out boldly. It lessens on eye strain by increasing contrast.

So, I like this, how can I purchase this? You can order tinted Plastic Sheets online at: Lowe’s Home Improvement The Home Deport

Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts Amazon Maxi Aids

Information to write this article is from the following resource: 5 Best Reasons Colored Overlays Help Overcome Dyslexia Symptoms by Pat WymanColored Overlays Raise Reading ScoresTransparent Yellow Reading Aid-BingTinted Plastic Reading Sheets Assistech.com/store/203678What are tinted Plastic Reading Sheet-BingMaxi Aids

Lorrie receives 25 years of service pin!

Get Involved with Recreation!Destin Parsley, CTRSRecreation Therapist

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This is going to start with a recap of recent Recreation Therapy events with GCBRC. We just wrapped up two Events in February as a part of the national BRC’s Fitness February. Boy, have we been busy!!

For the first time ever, National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events partnered with Wounded Warrior Project and created a totally virtual adaptive fitness competition. Sports4Vets Throwdown was a three-workout fitness competition with a Blind Veterans category. Workouts were taught by a trainer from the Adaptive Training Academy. The trainer provided modifications for all exercises and allowed the participants to complete the workout as many times as they wanted to get their best score to submit by a given deadline. We had eleven Veterans join our team, “The Gulf Coast Hurricanes.” Everyone worked hard and did

a great job staying fit. Kudos to you! Two of our participants placed first in their division, Corine Stanley and Raquel Welch. Congratulations Ladies!!!

In addition to Sports4Vets, we initiated our first Virtual Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention group. Veterans that attended learned movement control to help strengthen muscles and calm the mind, weight transference to improve coordination and balance, and integration of mind and body to help build confidence. We hope to have more in the future, so stay tuned for updates. At the end of just four sessions, Veterans self-reported feeling more “steady and balanced” as they moved.

What’s Next? The Creative Arts Festival Each year, the VA holds an annual Creative Arts Competition. Many VAs around the country hold a local

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level of this competition, and first place artwork is sent to the national level. From there, some of the winners from the national level are invited to attend the Creative Arts Festival. What a great honor!

The Creative Arts Competition is available for all Veterans who are enrolled and receive VA healthcare. Veterans should check with their primary VA to see when and where their local competition will be held. Local competitions will usually begin in July. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System in Biloxi serves Veterans from the Biloxi, Mobile, and Pensacola areas.

Interested Veterans may submit entries in any of five divisions: art, creative writing, drama, music, and dance. Within these divisions, there are 51 art categories, including those in fine, applied, and kit arts. Additionally, there are 15 creative writing, 21 drama, 46 music, and 17 dance

categories. There are lots of opportunities for wonderful artwork of all kinds! If you or a Veteran you know are interested in competing next year, please let the Recreation Therapy Department of your local VA know. They will provide you with all the information you need to know about this wonderful opportunity to showcase your creative side!

Tips for Being Courteous, Caring, and Compassionate Desmon Mitchell, Ph.D.GCBRC PsychologistIt is important for all of us to maintain our sanity and our humanity during this difficult time. As our society moves to less frequent face-to-face interactions, it becomes easier for us to forget that each person has their own individual struggles and challenges. It is extremely important for all of us to remember we are all in

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this together. Here are a few tips that may help all of us be more courteous, compassionate and caring.1. Give someone your full

attention--When talking with someone else, try to limit distractions as much as possible. You will be amazed how much you can connect with someone else just by truly “hearing” them.

2. Always listen first, speak second--Related to the first item, it is easier to understand someone’s perspective when you pay more attention to both their verbal and nonverbal communication.

3. Learning to say “sorry” when you are wrong--Everyone makes mistakes. Admit it when you make a mistake and then move on.

4. Smile--It can make you feel better as well as making others feel welcome and “open”.

5. Keep your word--If you say you are going to do

something: do it. If you cannot complete what you have promised, communicate that information as quickly as possible to impacted parties.

6. Setting boundaries and saying “no” when needed--You cannot do everything. Know your limits and do not take on more than you can accomplish.

7. Being on time--We all know that life happens and can quickly “undo” the best laid plans. However, always try to be prompt. It shows that you care about, and have respect for, the other person’s time.

8. Treat others with respect and humility--Try to treat others like you want to be treated.

9. At times, putting other people’s needs above your own--Be a good team player. For example, occasionally volunteer for

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the least favorable work task if it helps others.

10. Forgive quickly and easily--Learn to try to do this for both yourself and others.

11. Try to find common ground--If you do find yourself in disagreement with someone else, try to find common ground and build from there. This does not mean that you need to abandon your own thoughts and beliefs but try to be open to the other person’s perspective.

12. Be kind to yourself--Learn to treat yourself like you are learning to treat others: with patience, kindness and respect.

13. Be more mindful of the world around you and your place in it--Take time each day to just relax and enjoy the moment. You will be amazed how a small act like this can alter your whole day for the better.

14. Understand that others may see the world

differently than you--Don’t allow these differences to foster negative feelings towards others. As was said before, find commonalities and shared interests and beliefs to build on.

15. Try to bring out the best in others--No matter how much you may feel that you do not like, respect, etc. another person, try to find at least one positive about that individual. You will quickly see that that person probably has a lot of positive qualities that you have been overlooking.

No Magic Pill: For National Nutrition Month 2021Sheila Triggs, MS, RD, LDDietician

CHICAGO – Good nutrition is essential for a healthy immune system, which may offer protection from seasonal illness and other health problems. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

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recommends focusing on food to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy.

In March, the Academy focuses attention on healthful eating through National Nutrition Month®. This year's theme, Personalize Your Plate, promotes creating nutritious meals to meet individuals' cultural and personal food preferences. The Academy encourages everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year long.

"There is no magic immune-boosting pill or food, but a well-balanced eating plan that includes a variety of nutritious foods from all of the food groups will help give your body the nutrients it needs to support your immune system," said registered dietitian nutritionist Wesley McWhorter,

a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Houston, Texas.

The Academy recommends obtaining nutrients primarily through food, because multivitamin and mineral supplements are not scientifically proven to prevent disease. They can benefit those who are unable to meet vitamin and mineral requirements through food or have been diagnosed with a deficiency, according to the Academy's 2018 position paper "Micronutrient Supplementation."

"To get the most nutrients out of your meals, a registered dietitian nutritionist can help navigate delicious, healthful eating plans that are individualized to meet your preferences. An RDN can also provide guidance if supplements are needed," McWhorter said. To find a registered dietitian nutritionist

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near you, use the Academy's online Find an Expert service.

McWhorter recommends the following nutrients to help support a healthy immune system:   Beta carotene is found in

plant foods, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, mango, broccoli and tomatoes.

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit, bell peppers, and strawberries or foods fortified with vitamin C, such as some breakfast cereals.

Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, eggs and milk and 100 percent juices fortified with vitamin D. 

Zinc tends to be better absorbed from animal sources such as beef and seafood, but also is in plant-based sources such as beans, nuts and seeds.

Probiotics are "good" bacteria that promote health. They can be found in

cultured dairy products such as yogurt and in fermented foods such as kimchi.

Protein is found in animal sources such as seafood, lean meat, poultry, eggs and plant-based sources such as beans and peas, soy products, nuts and seeds.

National Nutrition Month®

National Nutrition Month® was initiated in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and it became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. The second Wednesday of March is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, an annual celebration of the dedication of RDNs as the leading advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world. This year's observance will be March 10.

From: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

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Listening to God’s DirectionChaplain HoggattChaplain Service

Recently I was an avid fan at my grandson’s soccer game. From the sidelines, I was loudly cheering him on with encouraging words. In my opinion, my grandson was the star player and could make no mistakes.

On the other hand, my son is one of the coaches for my grandson’s team and, let me say, his words on my grandson’s performance, or lack thereof, were not as encouraging as mine. At one point my son yelled “CJ, keep your head down when you shoot the goal.” One of the parents on the sideline looked visibly offended which prompted the other coach to say, “it’s alright; that is his son.”

Who was right on the soccer field that day: me or my son?

My son was attempting to improve my grandson’s performance, as was I. We just approach the issue from two different perspectives. I was attempting to make my grandson feel good about his soccer abilities. My son was attempting to motivate CJ to use those abilities.

How does God motivate us to listen? Through encouraging words or by sometimes using loud words with us? Deuteronomy 11 is our guide. It contains words of encouragement and loud words.

God our father says to us “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses

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and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.”

There are powerful verbs--you might even say loud words--in this passage: FIX, TEACH, TIE, and WRITE. The challenge to our spiritual journey is to “keep our head down as we shoot to the goal.” In other words: focus on the truths of our God. This can only be accomplished when we fix God’s words on our hearts and mind, teach them to our children and tie them to us a symbol of our devotion to truth.

May God bless each of us as we seek to follow our God.

Social Work News:Diversity and InclusionBeth Bosarge, LMSWGCBRC Social Worker

February 2021 marks my second anniversary as your GCBRC Social Worker. As I look back I am very thankful to have found this place. A place where I have met a diverse group of Veterans and co-workers from various backgrounds, cultures and races. I have listened to your stories and felt your joy and pain, and I believe this topic of Diversity and Inclusion is a conversation we must continue without end. Our communities are suffering, but there is hope for healing from this pandemic and political polarization.

Author Dr. Tiffany Jana asks the question “how can we heal the hearts of those around us?” and reminds us “If you cannot aspire to or you don't believe that you're here to heal the people around you, at the very minimum what we want to do is cause no harm or at least leave people not injured”. These statements are more important now than ever. Dr.

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Jana challenges her audience to maintain our sense of curiosity - avoid making assumptions about others and “hear that individual expression of someone’s soul”. This seems deep yet it is simple. Before judging others, get to know them. My grandmother told me the world would be a boring place if we all looked the same way. I agree!

When we meet someone, who does not look like us and does not have the same religious or political beliefs, be open to getting to know one another. You and I may not have the same background or beliefs, but did you know that I have been skydiving?! Most of you know that I am not “young” so it should surprise you.

Each one of you has an interesting life story. It is heart-warming to watch you share and connect with one another while you are an inpatient at the Gulf Coast Blind

Rehabilitation Center. I look forward to the day we can be together again and share our experiences of this past year. In the meantime, be Blessed, be kind, embrace diversity, be inclusive and stay safe!

Voting while BlindRobin Sniffen, M.Ed. VIST Coordinator

Voting is a right in the United States. Though the presidential election has past, our blinded Veterans should be able to make their opinions known. Not just for presidential elections, but you can contribute to your local elections as well. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 990 and Help America Vote Act of 2002 require voters with disabilities have equal access to voting so here is some information about voting

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options for people with visual impairments.

Absentee Voting: Due to vision loss, you can request an absentee ballot to complete and return to your election office by mail. This is very helpful because you can make sure that your vote is counted and complete the ballot at your convenience, though you may need some visual assistance to fill out the form. Some states even allow you to track your ballot online and address any issues that may keep it from being accepted. Also make sure you mail it in as early as possible as you never know when there are going to be delays with the mail.

Accessible Voting Equipment: HAVA requires that every polling place have at least one accessible voting system for all federal elections. The accessible voting devices have both a touch screen and audio ballots. The audio ballot can be accessed by

connecting a special keypad and headset to the machine. Voters can adjust the speed and volume of the speech and make their selections. People with low vision can use the touch screen ballot and adjust the print size and contrast. This does rely on the poll workers to have the training to set up the equipment for the visually impaired voters.

Voting with Assistance: Voters who are unable to access the special equipment, or who would prefer to have someone read the ballot, can have it read to them. They can either have a trusted friend or family member or poll worker read and mark their ballot. Some may find this easier, but others prefer the privacy and independence that is provided by the accessible voting machines.

Whichever method you choose to vote, it is important you know what options are available to you. You can

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decide which option is best for you. Make sure you know the dates of your local elections, your assigned polling place, and are registered to vote with plenty of time to spare.

Source: National Federation for the Blind, The Chicago Lighthouse

Farewell from a VIST CoordinatorScott TurnerVIST Coordinator

I will retire this week after 30 years of service with the Department of Veterans Affairs (It was called the Veteran’s Administration back then). During my 30 years, I served as either a full or part-time VIST Coordinator for about 20 years give or take. I have seen many changes over the years.

If I could have seen blind rehab services as they are today back when I started doing VIST services in the early 90’s, I am sure that it

would have seemed like a science fiction movie. I think back to days of being the only staff member doing any kind of blind rehab service (and that was part time) with-in the entire Gulf Coast Health Care System and how far things have come since that time (Now we have a Blind Rehab Center, two full-time VIST Coordinators and a BROS). Back then Veterans would come back from a Blind Rehab Center with blind aids such as the abacus instead of the iPhone. Not to say that a lot of good instruction didn’t occur back then, but the technology explosion has given blind rehab many wonderful tools that substantially help to meet training goals.

I have seen great expansion in services provided to Veterans in general and, also specifically, to visually impaired Veterans. Changes in eligibility over the years have also had a big impact in the

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services that are provided today. For example, I can remember days when some Veterans didn’t qualify for routine prosthetic devices on an outpatient status unless they met very specific criteria or didn’t qualify for Blind Rehab services (before Catastrophic Disability) due to financial means. Too often the VIST Coordinator became the bearer of bad news back in those days and thankfully those days are long gone.

My point is that I have witnessed vast improvements over my career in what services can be offered to Veterans. Changes tend to come slow, and alone they usually don’t seem that big. But, having the ability to look across a 30-year period, I can attest that they have been large and very significant in helping to meet the VA’s motto of “Care for him (or her) who shall have borne the battle”.

While retirement is a time of excitement, I find that it has also become a time of reflection. During my time at the VA, I have had the honor and pleasure of serving and working with some great Veterans, fellow VA staff members, and community partners including VA vendors. These relationships have helped me to find the resilience needed to complete my career with the VA. As I depart the VA, many of the Veterans that I have served have conveyed appreciation for the assistance that I have provided during our time of working together, but the truth is that I, too, have greatly benefited. I have been inspired by the things that I have witnessed with my Veterans over the years. After working closely with Veterans for many years, they feel much more like friends than clients. I want to also convey my gratitude to my co-workers and those in community who were so vital

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to our mission. So much of what we do absolutely depends on teamwork, and it would not feel right to not recognize how much my work has benefited from the efforts of others.

At times, I have complained about the VA (like most good VA employees), but in hindsight, I am grateful. To have a job that allowed me to help Veterans every day, to apply creativity to what I do again every day and be surrounded by dedicated talented co-workers (you guessed it—every day) was truly a gift. My retirement brings a real rollercoaster of emotions (like where are the fireworks) including a little sadness with having to say goodbye.

Some of my Veterans have voiced concern with having a

new VIST Coordinator. A good VIST Coordinator can be a real asset, and these concerns are certainly understandable. I have tried to convey my confidence that a quality replacement will be found to assume the VIST Coordinator position and that they, too, will be treasured over time. It is this confidence that helps put me at ease with my decision to retire at this time. I am hopeful that new talents will be brought to the table and some good will come from my departure. I want to thank all the Veterans who I have served current and past for many memories that I take with me. Now, it is time to shove off and chase some new adventures.

Farewell, Scott!! Toss the alarm clock and enjoy retirement! –GCBRC Team

COMBINED VIST Support GroupsBy telephone: 1-872-701-0185 then

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conference ID: 419 167 212# at the promptBiloxi, Mobile, and Pensacola, VIST Support Groups 10 a.m. on the second Thursday of each monthFor additional information contact, Robin Sniffen below.

Know Your VIST CoordinatorThe Visual Impairment Service Team Coordinators are your case managers for blind rehabilitation care and services and your first contact when you need to enroll or apply for a program. These representatives are important to your success. The following is the current updated list for the South-Central VA Health Care Network VIST Coordinators.

VIST COORDINATOR

LOCATION

Adrienne Thompson (713) 791-1414ext. 25398

Michael E. DeBakey VAMC 2002 Holcombe Blvd. (580/112-C VISOR) Houston, TX 77030

Amy Wheeler(713)791-1414ext. 23894

Michael E. DeBakey VAMC 2002 Holcombe Blvd. (580/112-C VISOR) Houston, TX 77030

Harold Miller (601) 364-1551

G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Ctr. 1500 E. Woodrow Wilson Dr. Jackson, MS 39216

Melanie Shurden(601) 364-7937

G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Ctr.1500 E. Woodrow Wilson Dr. Jackson, MS 39216

Darla Pascal 1-800-935-8387ext. 66387

Southeast Louisiana Vet. Health Care System 2400 Canal Street, Eye ClinicNew Orleans, LA 70119

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VacantSee Sniffen below

Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System Joint Ambulatory Care CenterPensacola, Florida

Robin Sniffen(228) 385-6762

Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System 400 Veterans Ave. Building 14 (124)Biloxi, MS 39531

VACANT Alexandria VA Medical Center P. O. Box 69004 Alexandria, LA 71306

Kara Aaron (501) 257-5070

John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hosp. Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care System 4300 West 7th St. Little Rock, AR 72205-5484

Lori Ruddick (479) 443-4301 ext. 63489

Fayetteville VAMC 1100 N. College Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72703

Broderick Burks(318) 990-4839

Overton Brooks VAMC510 E. Stoner Ave., Shreveport, LA 71101

GCBRC Biloxi Breeze Gulf Coast Blind Rehabilitation CenterGulf Coast Veterans Health Care System400 Veterans Ave. (124)Biloxi, MS 39531

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FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND & PHYSICALLY

HANDICAPPED POSTAL MANUAL

PART 135