In honor of Veterans Day this week, here are a few resources for veterans with disabilities living in Indiana …
Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST): Whether they’re injured in the line of duty or simply experiencing the side effects of aging, vision loss is a common issue for veterans. If eligible for Veterans Affairs’ healthcare coverage, any veteran who is legally blind or severely visually impaired may participate in the VIST program. After an evaluation with VIST coordinators, veterans receive assistive technology and hands-on training tailored to their needs. Typical AT devices include canes, head-mounted vision devices, electronic magnifiers, large-print computer programs, text-to-speech software, etc. VIST not only assists in issuing AT devices, but it keeps track of veterans’ progress with them and it provides replacements when necessary.
Richard L. Roudebush Veterans’ Administration Medical Center: This comprehensive medical center provides mental health care, women’s health services, prosthetics, treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prescriptions, cancer treatment and palliative care — among other support.
Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana’s Adaptive Sport Program: Free for veterans with disabilities, this program offers competitive and recreational team sports, elite/Paralympic athletic programs, and recreational clinics. The program not only promotes physical fitness but social connection and the empowerment of living with a disability.
These are just a few of the many opportunities available for veterans with disabilities here in the Hoosier state.