From: Andy Baracco 
Subject: Resolution 97-04 Cont'd
     After re-reading Resolution 97-04, I felt that some
additional comments were necessary, because of all of the
distortions, misconceptions, and misstatements that were part of
one of the most poorly written resolutions that i have ever seen.
Medical Model                   
     Let us begin with some historical perspective. Many of the
techniques and devices used in the rehabilitation of the blind
were developed by the V. A., including the techniques involved in
the use of the long white cane. The impetus for blind
rehabilitation was the number of soldiers who were blinded as a
result of military combat. Because bullets, shells, and land
mines do not discriminate as to the types of injuries they cause,
many of these soldiers had injuries to several parts of their
bodies, so it was reasonable to expect that their rehabilitation
would be hospital based. At first, they were called patients
because that was what they were. However, the term for a
participant in these programs was changed to trainee, or student
over 20 years ago. It is true that the V. A. blind rehab
facilities are located on the grounds of V. A. hospitals. Why
not? This again demonstrates judicious use of resources. With the
cost of real estate and construction what it is, why not use
facilities that the V. A. already owns? Why squander tax payers'
money buying property and building buildings? The facilities that
have been chosen to house blind rehabilitation programs are
large, and have several buildings. The blind rehab center is
typically housed in a building that is removed from the rest of
the hospital, so the veteran knows that he is not considered a
patient. Also, one must consider that the typical veteran
participant is about 70 years old. This is much older than the
typical non-veteran blind rehab client. Many of these veterans
have medical problems other than blindness, and it is a great
help to have needed medical care moments away. Also, the V. A.
also offers blind rehabilitation services to veterans with severe
psychiatric problems, such as Schizophrenia, severe depression,
and Bi-polar affective disorders. These persons would probably
not be accepted in N. F. B. or other centers. The V. A. should be
commended and not ridiculed for offering services to these
veterans. There are other advantages to having the program at
this type of facility. These facilities resemble small cities,
with buildings, sidewalks, and small streets, and even traffic.
It is an ideal setting for beginning mobility training. As the
students advance, they can walk to the exterior of the facility
to find larger streets with more traffic. They also receive
training in bus and train transportation. 
     One other point, the V. A. does not feel that it is its
place or mission to teach a philosophy of life. As a person
learns skills, and his or her proficiency in these skills
develops, so does self esteem and confidence. Then the person can
incorporate his self concept into his existing life philosophy. I
would think that as a Government agency, the V. A. could get into
a lot of trouble espousing the philosophy of one organization,
just like it would if it preached one religion. The veteran
participants have free time, and are welcome to attend meetings
or functions of any organization that they choose. As I said
previously, I feel that the authors and supporters of this
resolution have other adjendas, and care little about the welfare
of veterans or anyone else besides themselves. It is troubling
that a great organization like the N. F. B. immerses itself in
these kinds of issues.
Andy Baracco                    
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