SUBMITTED
Many senior adults in rural Kansas, age 55 and older, are unaware of the services and resources available to them through the Veterans Administration and private sector that help address challenges they experience because of combined low vision and hearing loss. For some, the losses in these two major senses are hard to describe and perhaps even harder to acknowledge. The magnitude and complexity of the everyday challenges can seem overwhelming.
The Hays Lions Club has received a grant from the Heartland Community Foundation to conduct a workshop September 18, 2019, at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Hays, for hearing and visually impaired veterans. The workshop is in cooperation with the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, Wichita.
This one-day workshop is based on a peer support model and is designed to provide information about low vision and hearing loss, which will in turn reduce the fear, isolation, helplessness and loneliness by many seniors who did not expect their “Golden Years” to be like this. The workshop is an event where each participant can count on acceptance and accommodation for his or her hearing and vision loss.
Participants obtain information and an introduction in the following areas: coping with hearing and vision loss, enhancing independent living and communication skills, experiencing new technology, community integration and developing community sources, and sharing life experiences.
Participants will also be screened to determine their level of hearing and vision impairment to advise them as to available resources though the Veterans Administration and other agencies.
Bob Hamilton, Visually Impaired Service Coordinator with the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, is working with the Helen Keller Foundation which will be providing presenters and assistance.
Fort Hays State University Leadership Studies professor Seth Kastle, an Army veteran, is committing some of his leadership class to help with the project.
As part of the workshop, we will be performing vision and hearing screenings utilizing the Kansas Lions Club Mobile screening unit.
The number of rural senior citizens is growing throughout Hays and northwest Kansas and the number challenged with this dual cognitive disability is growing as well.
Western Kansans have always placed emphasis on independent living, and when independence is lost, it many times results in isolation and loneliness for the individual.
Awareness of specialty aides, opportunities to enhance communication with others with like challenges can help improve one’s independence.
U.S. Census data identifies 1,597 veterans living in Ellis County in in 2017, of which only 8 have been identified with dual low vision and hearing loss who are currently receiving services through the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, the closest facility providing these services.
There are a significant number of dual impaired veterans also living in Rooks and Trego counties that have needs.
The workshop will expand awareness of rehabilitation and specialty devices specifically for those with dual sensory impairments. Provide attendees opportunities to discuss the challenges of living with dual sensory impairments and ways to enhance daily living. It will provide education for the senior veterans families and communities where they live to understand and provide additional resources to those who are challenged.
Many senior Kansans hold strong religious beliefs and are active in their faith-based communities. The Hays Ministerial Alliance, with guidance from the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center Chaplaincy Department, will be supportive of the project.
The following are involved in the workshop:
- Hays Lions Club
- FHSU Leadership Studies Department
- FHSU Communication Sciences and Disorders Dept., Dr. Karmen Porter
- Hays Ministerial Alliance
- Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging
- Blinded Veterans Association
- Independent Living Center of Northwestern Kansas
- Robert J. Dole VA
- Hays VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic
- Helen Keller National Institute
- Hays Senior Center
- Kendall Krug, OD Diplomate, American Board of Optometry
- Bob Hamilton, Visually Impaired Service Coordinator, Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center
For more information contact Hay Lions Club Jim Huenergarde at 785-650-7338.