From: Jim Gashel 
Subject: Re: Resolution 97-04 Cont'd
hello again:
why be so defensive about the discription of the va's blind rehab program?
the point of the resolution is that we don't want the same approach for
the private sector, not that the va should change in any way.  
On Wed, 8 Oct 1997, Andy Baracco wrote:
> 
> 
>      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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