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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Hello everyone,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">VRCBVI is excited to announce that for the first time, the Senior Retreat, “Live Active, Live Healthy, Live Modern,” will be offered twice in 2023. By offering the senior retreat
twice, it is our goal to provide introductory skills of blindness training to more people who can benefit from the program. If participants would like more in-depth training, we encourage them to apply for the adult program after attending the Senior Retreat.
The first Senior Retreat will take place from Sunday, August 13 through Thursday, August 17, and the second Senior Retreat will take place from Sunday, August 20 through Thursday, August 24. Please find the attached program flyer for details. It is also
pasted into the body of this e-mail for your convenience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The Senior Retreat is open to individuals 55 and older on Rehab Teaching caseloads only. It is not open to individuals who are receiving VR services.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The text of the flyer is below:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired (“VRCBVI”) Presents “Live Active, Live Healthy, Live Modern”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Two sessions, each five days, for seniors experiencing vision loss + one (a loved one, family member, or friend)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Sunday – Thursday, August 13-17, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">OR<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Sunday – Thursday, August 20-24, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">(Participants will arrive at the VRCBVI dorm Sunday after 4:00 PM, and the program will end on Thursday at 3:00 PM)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired, 401 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227, phone: (804) 371-3151<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Does your vision loss affect your ability to read, get around independently, take care of your home, and enjoy your hobbies? If so, how can VRCBVI’s program help you? We can
help by providing the following services free of charge:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Coping with vision loss<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Daily living skills<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Independent travel<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Assistive technology skills such as learning to use iOS devices<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Diabetes education and training on the use of talking glucometers<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Nutritional consultation<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Recreational activities designed to promote a healthy, active lifestyle<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Additional resources<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Coping Skills<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">In a group setting, we discuss our personal journeys involving loss of vision, loss of independence, inability to do tasks we once did, depression, and reaction of family and
friends. We identify solutions for challenges related to vision loss and develop a network of individuals who share our experiences to create a resource for the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Daily Living Skills<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Just because your vision is getting worse doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy life. We can teach you safe cooking and sewing techniques, methods for labeling medications
and personal items, money identification, and the use of adaptive tools, i.e., talking clocks, signature guides, etc.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Independent Travel<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">You can still travel safely and independently. We can teach you techniques for traveling with family and friends with confidence and dignity. These include the use of the long
white cane for independent travel and identification purposes so that you can remain active in your community.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Assistive Technology Skills<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">You will learn the basics of accessing information on the computer using speech software and/or magnification programs, and how to send and receive e-mail communication. You
will also receive an introduction to iOS devices.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Diabetes Education<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">You will learn techniques and strategies for managing your diabetes independently as a blind or vision-impaired individual.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Nutritional Consultation
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">You will learn about the benefits of a healthy diet to mind and body. How do you monitor nutritional information about food if you are blind or vision impaired?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Recreational/Wellness Activities<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">You will learn how to participate successfully in exercise routines to optimize physical fitness and participate actively in the hobbies and interests you had before vision loss.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The program consists of a diverse group of qualified professionals trained in the field of blindness and low vision.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">For information on the application process, call your DBVI Rehabilitation Teacher or Brooke Rogers, VRCBVI Assistant Director for Administration, (804) 371-3338.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Participants must meet the following requirements to attend:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Have an open Rehabilitation Teaching case with the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Be an individual who is legally blind or vision impaired.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Be age 55 or older.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Be able to self-administer all medications and manage medical and personal needs independently (VRCBVI uses no medical staff or personal care attendants for the retreat).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Possess physical health, stamina, and functional ability to participate fully in all retreat activities from morning through evening (breakfast starts at 7:30 AM and
activities continue throughout the day and sometimes into the evening).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Have a strong desire to achieve independence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Up to fourteen seniors, each allowed an accompanying + one, will be accepted for the retreat. Deadline for applications is Monday, July 24, 2023, or until the program is full,
at which time we will begin a waitlist. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">(For individuals who need interpreter services to participate, VRCBVI must receive the request no later than Friday, June 23, 2023.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Individuals will be notified of their acceptance into the retreat as VRCBVI processes applications. Preference will be given to those who have not participated in a VRCBVI-sponsored
senior retreat. This means that individuals who have previously attended a VRCBVI-sponsored senior retreat will be notified of their acceptance status after July 24, 2023, the program application deadline.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Come prepared to have fun, learn a lot, and build lifelong networks and friendships.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Melody L. Roane, Director</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Virginia Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">401 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:Melody.Roane@dbvi.virginia.gov"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Melody.Roane@dbvi.virginia.gov</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Phone: (804) 371-3323 | Fax: (804) 371-3092</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Facebook:</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:gray"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VDBVI" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">facebook.org/VDBVI</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">LinkedIn:</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:gray"> </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/virginia-department-for-the-blind-and-vision-impaired" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">linkedin.com/VDBVI</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.vdbvi.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1155CC">www.vrcbvi.org</span></a><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><img border="0" width="409" height="125" style="width:4.2583in;height:1.3in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.png@01D96EDC.EF690D00" alt="https://www.vdbvi.org/images/logos/DBVISPOT%20-%20corrected%20blue.png"></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Notice:</u></b> This email is for the exclusive use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain privileged and confidential information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or duplication of this email is expressly prohibited.
If you are not an intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately, delete the email from your computer, and do not copy or disclose it to anyone else. Your receipt of this message is not intended to waive any applicable legal privilege and does not
constitute an electronic signature or provide consent to contract electronically. Also, given the nature of electronic mail and its potential to carry computer viruses, the Department of the Blind and Vision Impaired and the sender in no way warrant a virus
free transmission. You and your organization should use appropriate means to check this email and any attachments for potential viruses and to prevent their execution<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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