THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD 3:30 TO 5:00 FOXFIRE
Technology, Dementia, and the Visually Impaired:Possible Interventions for this Challenging Trifecta
Ms. Terri Everett, Ms. Dana Draa, US Department of Veterans Affairs
About The Session:
Technology can be challenging for many, in particular those experiencing identified dementia and visual impairment. The objective of this presentation will be to educate the audience on various types of dementia, technology that may be suitable for individuals with memory loss, and strategies for teaching these individuals technology that meets their goals and needs.
About The Presenter(s):
Terri Everett:
is currently the Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) for the Department of Veteran Affairs located in Kernersville, NC. Patients from a 24 county catchment area have access to services from the BROS, and she provides assessment and training in all areas of visual impairment. Ms. Everett has 35 yrs. of experience with the visually impaired, having served as a rehabilitation teacher, low vision therapist, teacher for the visually impaired, special education administrator, and school administrator. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Science in Low Vision Rehabilitation from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from George Washington University. She is a Certified Low Vision Therapist, Certified Vision Rehab Therapist, a licensed school administrator and a licensed special education administrator. Ms. Everett is also the local chapter coordinator of Team River Runner, a program that promotes healing for veterans through watersports and kayaking.
Dana A. Draa:
is currently serving as a Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator for the Department of Veterans Affairs- Health Administration and is responsible for the case management of over 300 legally blind and visually impaired Veterans in the Charlotte, NC area. Ms. Draa provides benefits review and referral, rehabilitation interventions, and serves as a vision loss expert for the Salisbury VA Medical Center. She is also responsible for the assessment, issuance, and training of assistive technology devices for her Veterans. Prior to her tenure with the VA, Ms. Draa was an Assistive Technology Consultant for Division of Services for the Blind where she used her knowledge of technology and assistive technology to assist persons with vision loss to return to independent living, school, and work. Ms. Draa has a Masters of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from University of Arkansas-Little Rock and Masters of Arts in Counseling with a focus on Orientation and Mobility for the Blind from Western Michigan University. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology from the Flourishing Center. Ms. Draa served 4 years active duty in the United States Navy and 3 years in the Alaska Army National Guard. She is a Veteran of Desert Storm/ Desert Shield. In addition to her professional duties, Ms. Draa is a board member for Peace of Adventure; a nonprofit that empowers veterans, and serves civilians with disabilities through outdoor recreation. She also serves as Acting Chapter Coordinator for Team River Runner, a program that promotes healing for service members and Veterans through watersports.
Technology, Dementia, and the Visually Impaired:Possible Interventions for this Challenging Trifecta
Ms. Terri Everett, Ms. Dana Draa, US Department of Veterans Affairs
About The Session:
Technology can be challenging for many, in particular those experiencing identified dementia and visual impairment. The objective of this presentation will be to educate the audience on various types of dementia, technology that may be suitable for individuals with memory loss, and strategies for teaching these individuals technology that meets their goals and needs.
About The Presenter(s):
Terri Everett:
is currently the Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) for the Department of Veteran Affairs located in Kernersville, NC. Patients from a 24 county catchment area have access to services from the BROS, and she provides assessment and training in all areas of visual impairment. Ms. Everett has 35 yrs. of experience with the visually impaired, having served as a rehabilitation teacher, low vision therapist, teacher for the visually impaired, special education administrator, and school administrator. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Science in Low Vision Rehabilitation from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from George Washington University. She is a Certified Low Vision Therapist, Certified Vision Rehab Therapist, a licensed school administrator and a licensed special education administrator. Ms. Everett is also the local chapter coordinator of Team River Runner, a program that promotes healing for veterans through watersports and kayaking.
Dana A. Draa:
is currently serving as a Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator for the Department of Veterans Affairs- Health Administration and is responsible for the case management of over 300 legally blind and visually impaired Veterans in the Charlotte, NC area. Ms. Draa provides benefits review and referral, rehabilitation interventions, and serves as a vision loss expert for the Salisbury VA Medical Center. She is also responsible for the assessment, issuance, and training of assistive technology devices for her Veterans. Prior to her tenure with the VA, Ms. Draa was an Assistive Technology Consultant for Division of Services for the Blind where she used her knowledge of technology and assistive technology to assist persons with vision loss to return to independent living, school, and work. Ms. Draa has a Masters of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from University of Arkansas-Little Rock and Masters of Arts in Counseling with a focus on Orientation and Mobility for the Blind from Western Michigan University. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology from the Flourishing Center. Ms. Draa served 4 years active duty in the United States Navy and 3 years in the Alaska Army National Guard. She is a Veteran of Desert Storm/ Desert Shield. In addition to her professional duties, Ms. Draa is a board member for Peace of Adventure; a nonprofit that empowers veterans, and serves civilians with disabilities through outdoor recreation. She also serves as Acting Chapter Coordinator for Team River Runner, a program that promotes healing for service members and Veterans through watersports.