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VA Long Beach Healthcare System held a two-week intensive driver rehabilitation training course for eight VA occupational therapists, physical therapists, and kinesiotherapists from across the country. This bi-annual course enables clinicians to be proficient in evaluation and assessment techniques and safe driving techniques for Veterans and active-duty military who need adaptive equipment to independently drive a vehicle after sustaining various disabilities including spinal cord injury, amputation, brain injury, stroke, and orthopedic conditions.
Veterans and servicemembers who get referred to the program are evaluated, attend behind-the-wheel training with certified instructors, an equipment recommendation, and even assistance with the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a license.
"Working the interdisciplinary in-house can actually fulfill independence that no one could foresee" explained Eddie Duag, VA Long Beach Healthcare System Driver Rehabilitation National Trainer; Certified Driver Rehab Specialist. When disabled Army Veteran, Art Lyles came to him after being told he didn’t possess enough range of motion to safely drive a vehicle after healing from surgery, the kinesiotherapist wouldn’t accept that as an answer. He quickly fabricated a knob to attach to his prosthesis, making it possible for Mr. Lyles to safely drive his vehicle, restoring his independence.
When asked what the most meaningful part of this experience was, Mr Lyles said, “The relationships I have created with the therapists…Eddie and I are like distant brothers”. The countless staff who help in every aspect of a Veteran’s rehabilitation is what makes VA Long Beach Healthcare System one of the premier facilities across the Veterans Healthcare Administration.
In fiscal year 2019, there were over 10,000 referrals to the VA Drivers Training Program, which resulted in over 15,000 visits.
Disabled Veterans can apply for VA automobile allowance and adaptive equipment by filling out a VA Form 21-4502.
 Calling on creative and artistic Veterans: VA Long Beach is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Creative Arts Local Competition. Artists are welcome to submit their work in the Arts, Creative Writing, Drama, Dance, and Music Divisions.
Submission deadline: August 1, 2023
For further eligibility information and entry forms, please contact:
Elizabeth Greco, BRC Recreation Therapist
Vineece Florabe R. Whitener, BRC Recreation Therapist
 
 Tune in to our next Virtual Veteran Town Hall on July 11th from 6-7p.m. on our streaming player.
Join us for the next Los Angeles Veterans Collaborative on
July 12th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
REGISTER
This meeting will take place IN-PERSON ONLY at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall
Parking Location: 240 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015
**A shuttle service will be available for transportation**
Welcome to the Month of July! We are working on restructuring the Los Angeles Veterans Collaborative both virtual and in-person meetings! In-person only meetings will take place quarterly throughout the year and our virtual meetings will be condensed in order to allow our membership to actively participate in our Working Groups. These Working Groups are focused on finding solutions to the barriers that our veterans and military families face throughout Los Angeles County.
We continue to encourage collaboration among local nonprofits, veteran organizations, and community groups to continue to attend this comprehensive support network for veterans. By leveraging existing resources and expertise, we can develop holistic solutions to address the underlying causes of the barriers that are discussed. Thank you all!
Also, important dates to remember this month:
National Hire a Veteran Day (July 25)
National Buffalo Soldier Day (July 28)
 Come out and join us in reopening the PIER Center, bldg. 136, on Thursday, July 13th, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more about what the PIER Center has to offer and enroll in the program.
 Join the County of LA Dept. of Military & Veteran Affairs in partnership with Supervisor Janice Hahn at a Veteran Town Hall from 6-7pm on Thursday, July 13th at the Liberty Community Plaza, 14181 Telegraph Rd., Whittier, CA 90604.
 
VA Caregiver Support Line
1-855-260-3274 toll-free
Dial 988 then press 1
Text 838255
Chat online
Disclaimer of Endorsement:
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
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