SGT. SHAFT: Care available for blind vets

By | Thursday, November 20, 2008

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Dear Sgt. Shaft:

As recent Veterans Day activities have reminded us of the sacrifices many Americans have made for our country, it is important to note that more than 1 million U.S. veterans have either a visual impairment or some other disability that prevents them from effectively reading standard print. Because of medical advances, todays soldiers increasingly are surviving but returning home with serious combat injuries that affect their reading ability.

As these brave young men and women embark on the journey of rebuilding their personal and professional lives, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) can help.

RFB&D has a 60-year history of serving U.S. veterans. Founded in 1948 to help blinded World War II veterans attend college via the GI Bill of Rights, RFB&D and its audio textbooks are helping more than 237,000 students and professionals who have print disabilities pursue educational and professional success. One of our newest members is retired U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Jernigan, who was blinded by a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq. Mike is rebuilding his life and attending Georgetown University using RFB&D audio textbooks. He recently filmed a public service announcement and video interview for RFB&D that can be accessed at www.youtube.com/record4bd.

For more information about our Learning Through Listening services for veterans and others with print disabilities, please visit www.rfbd.org/vet or call our Metropolitan Washington Unit at 202/244-8990. RFB&D was there to help our nations veterans in 1948, and we are here to help them now.

Betsy Paull OConnell, executive director

RFB&D Metropolitan Washington Unit

Dear Betsy:

Thank you for your service in thanking our special veterans for their service. I urge not only those eligible veterans, but anyone who requires your assistance to contact you.

Shaft notes

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