Mid-Atlantic Regional Group
Blinded Veterans Association
Roanoke/Salem BVA Chapter
Chapter Officers:
President: Mike Doyle
E-mail: doylems@cox.net
Phone: 540-871-6164.
Vice President: Rick Rhett
Phone: 540-343-3308.
Secretary/Treasurer: Ernest Bradly
EMail:
ebradleyiii@ntelos.net
Phone: 540-966-6181.
Vist Coordinator: Stephanie Ayers
Phone Number: (540) 982-2643 Ext. 3356
Visual Impairment Services Team
Dear Veteran,
Greetings from the VIST Program!! My name is Stephanie Ayers and I am the VIST Coordinator (Visual Impairment Services Team) at the Salem VA Medical Center. I want to inform you about an exciting resource for all of our visually impaired veterans.
We now have a paging system at the pharmacy for veterans who are visually impaired and cannot read his or her name on the pharmacy pick-up television monitor.
If you cannot read your name on the television monitor and need to pick up medication, please go to the pharmacy and take a number. When your number is called by the pharmacist, please let the pharmacist know that you are visually impaired and that you need a pager. The pharmacist will give you a pager and once your medication is ready, it will vibrate and beep to alert you that your medication is ready to be picked up. Once you pick up your medication, you will give the pager back to the pharmacy staff.
If you should have any further questions about this process, please feel free to contact me at 540-982-2463, extension 3356. I am always here to help, so please do not hesitate to call!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Ayers, LCSW
VIST Coordinator
Roanoke/Salem BVA volunteer Office.
Hours of Operation: 09:00 to 1:00 Monday through Friday
Phone number: (540) 982-2463 Ext. 1758
Office Manager: Mike Doyle
Assistant Manager: Rick Rhett
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Group
Blinded Veterans Association
Salem Vist Support Meeting
Have you ever thought about attending a Blind Rehabilitation Center? Are you interested in more information? If so, you don't want to miss this!
There will be a VIST Support Group Meeting on Friday, July 30, 2010 from 10:30am-11:30am. The group will meet in Building 76 on the 1st Floor in Room 111B (Conference Room). There is shuttle service available to Building 76 at the entrance of Building 143.
Our speakers for this meeting will be other Veterans who have attended the Blind Rehabilitation Centers. They will be there to share their experiences and also address any questions you may have. If you have attended a Blind Rehabilitation Center and would like to share your experiences, please attend!
If you plan on attending, please contact me at 540-982-2463 extension 3356.
If you cannot attend the meeting but would still like to participate by phone, you may call 800-767-1750 – then enter the access code 89213.
If you are interested, there will be a Blinded Veterans Association meeting immediately following the VIST Support Group, if you would like to attend.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Sackett, LCSW
VIST Coordinator
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Group
Blinded Veterans Association
Roanoke/Salem chapter, MARG, BVA
Discussion participants
Present -- -- Mike Doyle, Julie Atkins
Call in -- -- Roger Lewis, Bill Hadden, Jerry Fitzpatrick, James Hammond
The Roanoke/Salem chapter, MARG, BVA was supposed to have a meeting on April 7 at the Salem VAMC. However, the meeting had to be canceled at the last minute because we did not have a quorum of officers to hold the meeting. We did on the other hand have an informal discussion group with the guest speakers.
The guest speakers were Deidra Keeling-Willis from the authorized FEE basis unit at the Salem VAMC and Ms. BJ Parker from the Centralized FEE Unit for the VISN. Each of these speakers discussed the specialized aspects for each of their offices. I have provided you with copies of the literature they brought to the discussion. If you have any further questions concerning fee basis services call the office at the number above or the fee basis unit listed in the literature you have received.
Note -- -- if you are hospitalized for an emergency visit it may be covered under the fee basis program if someone calls the centralized fee basis unit on your behalf within 72 hours of your hospitalization. The number is 800 -- 936 -- 7540.
If you are an international traveler you can still receive care and possibly have it covered under the basis by going through the US Embassy in the country you are visiting.
Fee basis is not a program surrounded by mystery, if you have questions concerning this program called the fee basis offices in the paperwork you have received.
During the discussion I covered some areas of concern that I was going to present at the meeting.
1. Under new business I brought up the subject of a Roanoke/Salem chapter picnic and Christmas party. It was suggested that we have the picnic in either September or October instead of during August.
2. Chapter funds -- we currently have $2.47 in our pay -- fund; we have $98.46 in our savings account; and we have $498.75 in our checking account.
3. I introduced Julie Atkins to the group as our new volunteer.
4. I mentioned the regional group meeting that will be held on April 16 and 17th in Richmond and the we have DAV transportation to and from this meeting.
5. I mentioned that we have Bibles on audiotape and cassette players for issue to blind veterans in the office. We also have information about a digital player that is available to the blind that has a Bible on it. You can get an application for the digital player from the BVA office.
6. I mentioned to those in the discussion group that we should hold chapter elections in August so officers can be installed at the October meeting.
7. Suggestions for future meetings,
· provide more information for non-service-connected veterans
· coincide chapter meeting dates with the VIST meeting dates
· basic computer training (possibly Katie Wiseman)
· what services or programs are available for the blind including rehabilitation services
· it was also mentioned that we have an informal discussion group monthly via conference call
I can immediately place into effect this last suggestion and I am scheduling the first discussion group (NOT A MEETING) conference call for May 5 at 10 AM. The number to call is 800 -- 767 -- 1750 and the access number is 89213. This conference call and discussion can last up to two hours. The purpose of this group is to share information with one another.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this notice this is not minutes of the Roanoke/Salem chapter meeting, instead this is comments on the discussion that was held in place of the chapter meeting.
If you have any questions or concerns about the information above please contact Mike Doyle at 540 -- 982 -- 2463 extension 1758.
Michael Doyle
Roanoke/Salem chapter President, MARG, BVA
Roanoke/Salem BVA chapter meetings are on the first Wednesday of every other month. The meeting is held in bldg 76 first floor conference room. All meetings are conference call and that number is 1-800-767-1750 Code number 89213.
February 2010. Meeting is in bldg 76 first floor conference room and the meeting will start at 10:00 to 11:00. The meeting will be on the first Wednesday.
April 2010. Meeting is in bldg 76 first floor conference room and the meeting will start at 11:30. The meeting will be on the first Wednesday.
June 2010. Meeting is in bldg 76 first floor conference room and the meeting will start at 11:00 am to 12:00pm. The meeting will be on the first Wednesday.
August 2010. Meeting is in bldg 76 first floor conference room and the meeting will start at 10:00 to 11:00. The meeting will be on the first Wednesday.
October 2010. Meeting is in bldg 76 first floor conference room and the meeting will start at 10:00 to 11:00. The meeting will be on the first Wednesday.
December 2010. Meeting is in bldg 76 first floor conference room and the meeting will start at 10:00 to 11:00. The meeting will be on the first Wednesday.
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Group
Blinded Veterans Association
Roanoke/Salem Chapter Meeting Notice
MARG, BVA
ROANOKE/SALEM CHAPTER
Mid-Atlantic Regional Group, BVA
(540) 982-2463 ext. 1758
July 13, 2010
Dear members,
We are having our next meeting on Friday, JULY 30, 2010 from 12:00 (noon) to 1:00 pm at the Salem VAMC, in building 76, on the 1st floor in the conference room. This meeting will follow the VIST meeting on the same day and in the same room.
The topic for this meeting will be chapter elections.
We will be providing lunch (pizza) in between the VIST meeting and the BVA meeting.
If you cannot attend the meeting in person you can still participate by calling the following number; 800-767-1750. When asked enter access code; 89213.
Parking is available across from building 76.
If you want the chapter to succeed, you need to participate. The few of us who do participate on a regular basis can't do it alone. So please help us help you by letting us know what you are thinking.
The BVA’s 65th convention will be held in Arlington Virginia at the CRYSTAL GATEWAY MARRIOTT. The dates are August 24-28, 2010. You can make reservations by calling 703-920-3230.
If you have questions about your VA benefits and/or want to file a claim for benefits call the office and leave a message or call our Field Service Representative Claudia Perry at 202-530-9286.
WE HAVE A LOT HAPPENING AND YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT.
Michael S. Doyle
Chapter President
MARG, BVA
Roanoke/Salem Meeting Notice Archive
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Group
Blinded Veterans Association
Salem BVA chapter
May 5, 2010 Conference call group discussion notes
Participants
Mike Doyle, Jim Collins, Roger Lewis, and Elroy Bashem
Topics discussed
After we introduced and shared a little about ourselves we had Elroy Basham (a new BVA member) tell us about his self. And then we discussed a variety of topics and the future of this conference call discussion group.
The participants discussed various topics that they would like to hear more about in this group discussion format. Some of the topics are as follows: the computer program guide, blindness -- and how it affects individuals, more information about non-service-connected vets and available services, activities of daily living and long-term care. It was also mentioned that we have representatives from various services involved in our conference call.
The participants expressed their desire to continue with the conference call discussion group they felt that we as blind veterans need to have more contact with one another. Therefore, we will continue to have a conference call discussion group the first Wednesday of every month between 10 AM and 12 PM.
If you want to participate call the number: 1 -- 800 -- 767 -- 1750 the access code is: 89213
the next conference call will be part of the next Roanoke/Salem chapter meeting on June 2, 2010.
If you have any questions I can be reached at 540 -- 982 -- 2463 extension 1758.
Sincerely,
Michael S. Doyle
BVA -- VNSO, Pres. Roanoke/Salem chapter, MARG
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Group
Blinded Veterans Association
The Roanoke/Salem Chapter meeting minutes of the MARG, Blinded Veterans Meeting on December 2, 2009 was attended by:
Ed Walker
Richard Rhett and Linda Rhett
Mike Doyle
Stephanie Ayers
Telephone conferees were
Clyde Compton (Tazewell, VA
Butch Lawrence
Roger Lewis
Ernie Bradley (and Lola)
Ronald Wright
Guest Speaker Rosemary Duda, Director of the VISOR program at the Richmond VA Medical Center.
Mike Doyle welcomed everyone and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.and then Ed Walker offered a prayer.
Mike introduced the guest speaker Rosemary Duda and turned the program over to her. She said she had been the Director of the VISOR
Program in Richmond for 6 months. Prior to that she was with the LIGHTHOUSE for 21 years. She said that VISOR stands for Veterans Impairment Services Outreach Rehabilitation. She said that in 2007 Congress passed a bill for forty million dollars for VISOR. Richmond is now fully staffed and is the highest level of VISOR in the region. There are two lower levels, one is in NC.
VISOR works with VIST coordinators and optometrist outpatient services. They have the fifth floor of the hospital. Rosemary is working to put VISAR on the map. At the present time they have 4 lodger beds but anyone participating in the program must have a place to stay on their own in the evening. They do not have any personnel on the floor after 4:30 daily. They are trying to get the four beds incorporated into some other department in the hospital where supervision would be available 24/7.
They offer low vision evaluation which amounts to little more than the basics. They have computer access and technical training, mobility, living skills, manual skills, and low vision therapy as well.
They have no canine training except as a follow-up need. The basic computer training includes how to get on the internet, how to check your e-mail. It offers Zoom-Text, Guide, and JAWS programs. Your technical skills would be assessed with the scanner and other technical details. Nothing work-related is offered; just communication.
They do issue equipment you are trained in using. If the equipment is sent directly to your house at the end of your training, someone would be made available to help you set it up in your home if necessary.
The question regarding the use of private optomologists was asked. Rosemary said we do not have anything really to do with the wait list in the Optomologist office. The chief and office are very busy. I do not know if she contracts out work. We cannot recommend any body.
Rosemary said that she is working on the CAT program (Computer Access and Technology) of the home care program of VISOR. They are still working on procedures, protocol and approval. The home care part includes troubleshooting computer problems in the home and adaptations and training in the home regarding the kitchen, et.al. Another facilitator at the hospital is especially interesting in vets with sensory problems such as hearing loss a well as low vision.
Rosemary said she would give an update at the April Regional Meeting. Before she got off the phone she said she hoped to visit the Roanoke Chapter some time. She thinks Roanoke is a beautiful location. Rosemary left at that time.
Mike asked Stephanie Ayers, VIST coordinator, to speak to the group about anything she wanted to address. She explained that the first of next year she hoped to have in place a support group on months that the Roanoke/Salem Chapter does not meet. She asked for suggestions for speakers, topics, any feedback she could get from each one listening.
She reiterated that any requests for equipment repair or replacement should go through her as she has to prepare the proper paperwork to place the order and then to see that you get the item ordered.
Stephanie said the buzzer program she is working on that will notify blind veterans that their prescription is ready for pick up at the pharmacy is not in effect yet, but it will be soon. Stephanie said that her e-mail address is Stephanie.ayers@va.gov but to follow up with a phone call (ext 3356) as some of her messages are marked as spam and never reach her.
Mike announced that as of yesterday H1N1 flu shots were available and all you had to do is walk into your primary care doctor and say you want the H1N1 flu shot.
Mike said that to get to a specific office or clinic within the VAMC telephone system all you have to do is dial the last four digits/extension of the office or clinic you want which will give you the clinic you want. If you call the VAMC at 982-2463 then the four digit extension you will reach the clinic or office you want.
Another change to expect soon is when you check in to the front desk as normal, you will not have to do this. Just go to your Primary Care Office. BUT for now, continue to check in at the front desk.
Mike reiterated the plans for the Christmas Party at 4 PM December 8 at Applebees at Tanglewood Mall. Those who have RSVP’d thus far are Ed, Rick, Mike, Butch, Clyde, Roger and Ernie. He spelled out that the dinner for 2 for $20 a couple will also include one appetizer and non-alcoholic drinks. Any desserts and alcoholic drinks would be out of your pocket. If you bring more than one guests, you will be responsible for all their charges.
Mike gave a detailed accounting of the new accounts opened up at the Credit Union and each expense thus far and the balances. The chapter has $543 (and change) in checking, $5.00 in savings, and $38.04 in cash.
Mike told everyone. The accounting book is open for anyone to look at and you are welcome to come by the office and check it..
Mike mentioned that lodging for the Spring Regional Meeting in Richmond in March or April would be $69 per room. The Regional Convention will be in Alexandria the latter part of August, probably after August 18th but lodging and prices are not available yet.
With no other business to be discussed, the meeting was adjourned.
Ernest E. Bradley
Secretary/
End Document