The RT News
Newsletter of Division 11
July/August 2005
AER Rehabilitation Teaching Division
Here Comes Snow Bird In 2006
It is now the summer of 2005 and plans are a foot for the next national AER Conference. It will be held in Utah at the resort just outside of Salt Lake City known as Snow Bird.
We need everyone to put on their thinking caps and come up with ideas for meaningful, instructive, and fun presentations for the conference. You will be getting in the mail, or have already gotten information from AER on submitting presentations. I encourage you to submit your ideas. All submissions must be via email this year, according to AER Central Office.
What fun we could have doing RT related things in the grassy meadows around Snow Bird. In the summer there will not be the snow for which it is so famous in the winter, but just think of it, we could doing birding by ear or how to cook on a campfire or orienteering. I’m sure a whole variety of outdoor activities come to mind.
Also, the McFarland Seminars will feature Diabetes. So if you or colleagues are doing a unique program or have developed some adaptions that work particularly well with diabetics. Submit your expertise to the committee for the McFarland. Margaret Cleary is an active member of that committee and can be reached via email: macleary@aol.com Again all submissions must be via email and these are due by the end of August.
We also need you to think about who should be given our next set of awards: The Bruce McKenzie (lifetime achievement), The Award of Merit for notable contributions to the field, and the Rising Star Award for someone who has only been in the field under 3 years but has already made a contribution. Let me know what you think, who would you nominate!
And speaking of nominations...we also need to find eager people to serve as officers for this Division for the 2006—2008 term. Mary Beth Harrision will become the chair and I will become the past-chair, but we need new candidates for the positions of chair-elect and secretary/treasurer. So speak to your colleagues and let me know or any of the current officers, so we can speak more in depth with potential candidates. Your help is needed here!!!
Nancy P.
Email: nansam@peoplepc.com
What does our name change mean?
In 2004, the Academy, our certification organization, voted and changed our professional name from Rehabilitation Teaching to Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. Everyone who is currently ACVREP certified received in the mail a new certificate that reflected the name change. All future certificants will also be called CVRT or certified vision rehabilitation therapists.
At the same time, the Academy put in paperwork with the US Patent Office to register both the initials CVRT and the words certified vision rehabilitation therapist.
The Patent Office allows an amount of time to pass, usually a year, to find out if any objections to the applications will occur. If there are no objections, the Academy will be granted registration numbers for these initials, etc.
The name change occurred in the first place because a challenge to our use of RTC was raised by recreation therapists in California. They had a claim to the initials in CA and wanted all Californian rehab. Teachers to stop using the initials. The Academy wisely felt that they could not do something unique for only one state and went about the task of finding and voting on a unique acronym for RTs.
All RTs are encouraged to use the new title and new acronym on business cards, in correspondence, etc. The Division officers want to ensure that a registration number is issued before any changes to this publication or our website occur.
What’s your view on this subject? Send your comments to Nancy Paskin, nansam@peoplepc.com or to either of the other officers. A diverse set will be published in the next newsletter.
RT MARKET PLACE
COMMUTER MUG: Beautiful stainless steel commuter mug. Features the motto "Qualiter Signum" (Whatever Works) in black script. Also features the RT logo and Website address. $10.00
BASEBALL CAP: Stonewashed green cotton cap. Features the RT logo with the motto “Qualiter Signum” (Whatever Works) in black script. Adjustable sizing strap. SALE $5.00
Please add $3.50 for shipping and handling of all orders. Make checks payable to AER Rehabilitation Teaching Division.
Send your orders to: Nancy Paskin, 3771 ValleyView St., Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
Due to items selling out, please also include an email or phone number so we can notify you if a change in our supply may affect your order.
Meet the new Executive Team: Elected at the International Conference
Contact information: nansam@peoplepc.com
Work: As of April 2005, Nancy is retired.
Home: 3771 Valleyview St., Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
Home Phone: 914– 526-3185
CHAIR ELECT: Mary Beth Harrison
Contact information: marybeth.harrison@med.va.gov
Work: Hines VA Blind Center, Hines, IL
Work Phone: 708– 202-7949
SECRETARY/TREASURER: Susan M. Dalton
Contact information: smdtvp@joltmail.net
Work: TransVision, Marengo, IL
Work Phone: 815– 023-7545
The Sugar Blues: What Rehabilitation Teachers Should Know
Chronic Complications of Diabetes
Debra holds certifications as a Rehabilitation Teacher and a Diabetes Educator and is currently employed by the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI), 614 North 13th Street, Allentown, PA 18102-2199; phone: 610- 433-6018; e-mail: dasmot@rcn.com. At ABVI, the majority of her work is focused on providing adaptive diabetes management services to her clients. She is a graduate of the M.S. Program in Rehabilitation Teaching at the PA College of Optometry.
The chronic complications of prolonged high blood glucose or hyperglycemia can be divided into 2 categories based upon the size of the blood vessels affected. Microvascular changes occur when high blood glucose levels affect the small blood vessels in the eyes, nervous system, and kidneys. Macrovascular changes involve damage to the large blood vessels of the heart, brain and extremities. Rehabilitation Teachers need to have a basic understanding of these complications and how they can impact on the client’s functioning and performance. The following article focuses on the most common symptoms or consequences of these complications, and general precautions, practical considerations and adaptations that can be incorporated into and reinforced during the rehabilitation process.
Microvascular Complications
- Retinopathy, or damage to the retinal blood vessels can result in mild blurring, irregular patches of vision loss to total blindness. Precautions (to reduce bleeding):
- Avoid lifting five pounds or more¹ (or as permitted by eye care physician).
- Avoid bending so head is lower than waist (see box)
- Avoid activities that raise blood pressure (general target for person with diabetes is 130/80, acceptable blood pressure is determined by physician).²
- To aid in control of blood pressure a large display or talking blood pressure cuff can be incorporated, if prescribed.
Suggested Techniques to Avoid Retinal Bleeding During Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):
Use a sock aid to put on socks, long handled shoe horn to don shoes, and a dressing stick to put on pants, as well as remove pants, socks and shoes.
Wear slip on shoes or use elastic laces to convert tie shoes into slip on .
When bathing feet, stand using grab bar and raise foot, sit on bath seat and raise foot or use long handled sponge or suction cup mounted foot brush on tub floor.
When reaching for objects below waist level bend at hips and knees (squat), use a reacher or place frequently used objects above waist level.
Refer to occupational therapist.
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, consists of several types including: peripheral neuropathy (diffuse damage to nerves in hands and feet); autonomic neuropathy
_________ ¹Cleary, M. (1994) Diabetes and Visual Impairment: An Educator’s Resource Guide, Chicago, American Association of Diabetes Educators, p.34. ²Franz, M.J., Freeman, J., McCloskey, B., Nath, C., Polonsky, W.(2003). A Core Curriculum for Diabetes Education, Fifth Edition. Vol “diabetes and Complications,” Chicago: American Association of Diabetes Educators, p. 137-138. (damage to nerves that affect internal organs and control automatic body functions) and focal neuropathy (nerve damage affecting a single nerve or nerve group).
Peripheral neuropathy can result in pain, numbness and “pins and needles” sensation in the hands and feet; diminished ability to detect temperature, touch and sense of position; impaired ability to feel feet when walking; impaired balance, and muscle weakness.
Precautions:
- Care in use or disposal of sharp objects.
- Care with hot objects.
llightheadedness, dizziness, and weakness.
Precautions:
- Bring symptoms to attention of physician.
- Perform position changes slowly (from lying to sitting, sitting to standing).
- May require adaptive techniques or devices for activities of daily living. Use utensils with larger handles or enlarge/pad handles of eating/grooming utensils, pitchers, and pens.
- Refer to occupational therapist.
Macrovascular Complications
Macrovascular Disease occurs when blood vessels become thick, hard, nonelastic (arteriosclerosis) and plaque builds up on walls (atherosclerosis). Three types include:
Coronary artery disease, or damage to large blood vessels to the heart can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF) or a heart attack. Typical symptoms include severe pain and a feeling of pressure in the region of heart. If nerves to the heart are damaged by autonomic neuropathy then a silent heart attack may occur; chest pain may be absent but nausea, shortness of breath, sweating & vomiting may be present. 4
Precautions:
- Adhere to client’s personal neal plan regarding fat, sodium & carbohydrate content during food preparation activities.
- To monitor fluid retention related to CHF, a talking weight scale should be incorporated, if prescribed.
- If symptoms observed or reported, immediately refer to emergency medical services.
³ Franz, M. J., p. 159. 4 Franz, M. J. , p. 101.
Cerebral vascular disease, or damage to large blood vessels to the brain can lead to a stroke. Symptoms can include dizziness, slurred speech, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, or sudden loss of sight.
Precautions:
- If symptoms observed or reported, immediately refer to emergency medical services.
Precautions:
Remain seated during tasks. Incorporate rest periods into standing/walking activities if pain relieved by rest.
If pain interferes with program or is reported at rest or during the night refer to medical services.
Conclusion: The chronic complications of diabetes are many and varied. This disease, given time, can affect nearly every system of the body. Rehabilitation teachers need to be aware of the complications, and their symptoms and consequences, in order to better assist their clients to manage the effects of complications when they occur. Future columns will address the adaptive tools and techniques that RTs can use to assist clients to better self manage their diabetes and delay or avoid complications.
Resources:
A wide range of ADL devices are available through Maxi Aids (1 800 522 6294), Northcoast Medical (1 800 821 9319) and Sammons Preston Rolyan (1 800 323 5547).
Bylaws
AER REHABILITATION TEACHING DIVISION NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Interested? Please contact Nancy Paskin at nansam@peoplepc.com
Labels for Living
By Maureen Moscato, CVRT
In the real world consumers do not have a rehabilitation teacher in residence or access to prompt delivery of adaptive labels. Labeling is a daily task which must be performed in almost all life situations. Medications, mail, groceries, clothing, and toiletries may have to be identified and labeled immediately. Consumers should be taught to use materials in their own environment to create labels. Homemade labels are inexpensive and easy to make.
A label is any distinguishing tag or mark which identifies or describes the purpose of the item to which it is attached. People who are visually impaired should utilize labels that have striking colors, color contrasts and/or tactile components for meaningful identification. Labels should be designed to enhance identification, organization, safety, independence and confidence. The choice of labeling materials is contingent upon specific needs, environmental factors, cost, type and degree of vision loss, level of tactile sensitivity, lighting conditions, allergic reactions, dangers to children, availability, durability and portability.
All kinds of sticking tapes can be used as labels. Duck tape in iridescent or standard colors can be used to make adequate labels. Scotch tape, adhesive tape, surgical tape (cloth and paper), packing tape and electrical tape all provide a variety of textures, designs and colors. Rope, string, yarn, ribbon, shoe laces, and fish line can serve as labels by fastening them to the item to be identified. Also, rubber bands in a variety of colors, sizes and widths and with textured coverings (sold under the brand name Hair Expressions) are ready-made labels.
Miscellaneous materials in various sizes, shapes, colors and textures can be fashioned into labels. These items include the following: paper clips, staples, safety pins, hair pins, clothes pins, pipe cleaners, twisties, construction paper, sandpaper, wrapping paper, cardboard, aluminum foil, plastic and waxed food wrap, food storage bags, paper and plastic shopping bags. Also, any type of paper can be folded, ripped, or cut into geometric shapes.
Another kind of label could be any visual and/or tactile mark (dot, spot, line, etc of varying sizes, lengths and/or colors) that differentiates one item from another. Nail polish, lipstick, eyebrow pencil, puff and all-purpose paints, food dye, crayons, markers, and Sharpe pens can be used as labels with striking color contrasts and assorted textures. A number of these items require drying time in order to be visually and/or tactually effective. Read carefully the manufacturers’ instructions on these products fi they are to be used on items that generate heat.
Adaptive labels are functional when they can be perceived by the visual and/or tactual senses. A tag or a mark need be neither elaborate nor costly, provided it is easy to use and clearly identifies the item. Consumers can adapt anything and every thing to design simple and practical labels.
NOMINATION FOR OFFICE
0 Chairperson-Elect
0 Secretary/Treasurer
Be sure that you have discussed this nomination with the proposed candidate!
Name:
Contact Info.
Nominated By:
AWARD NOMINATION
0 Bruce McKenzie Award (Lifetime Achievement)
0 Rising Star Award (New Teacher)
0 Award of Merit (Key Contribution)
Name:
Contact Info
BYLAWS
Name:
Contact info:
0 Email 0 Print
If you want the Bylaws as an email, put your email address in the Contact Info. Spaces.
If you want the Bylaws in print, put your address in the Contact Info. Spaces. Send to Susan Dalton (over)
NOMINATIONS CRITERIA
QUALIFICATIONS: Voting member in good standing of the Rehabilitation Teaching Division.
TERM: Serves for six (6) years in total: Chair-elect for two (2) years; Chairperson for two (2) years; and Immediate Past Chairperson for two (2) years. Succeeds t the office of Chairperson. Term commences ager final board meeting at biennial conference.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serves as member of the Board and Executive Committee. Serves as assistant to the Chairperson and, in the absence of the Chairperson, shall preside at meetings of the Board and the membership. Serves as chair of the Division’s Program Committee for the biennial conference.
Serves on AER’s Council of Division Chairpersons.
Works with the AER Program Committee in planning, coordinating , and presenting general and division programming at the AER biennial conference.
Collects papers referred to the Division by the AER Program Committee. Serves as chair of Awards Committee. Seeks nominations for awards from Division membership.
Keeps Division Chairperson informed of all activities and decisions of the AER and Division Program Committee.
Tentative Division programming shall be submitted to and approved by the Division’s Executive Committee.
Serves as Chair of the In-Service Committee and reports activities to the Division’s Executive Committee.
Serves as Chair of the Marketing Committee and reports activities to the Division’s Executive Committee.
Have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the Division as may be proved by the Board, Bylaws Board Policies and, to the extent not so provided, as generally pertain to the office of Chairperson-Elect.
JOB DESCRIPTION: SECRETARY-TREASUER
QUALIFICATIONS: Voting member in good standing of Rehabilitation Teaching Division.
TERM: Two (2) years. Term commences after final board meeting at biennial conference.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serves as member of the Board and Executive Committee. Records, prepares and disseminates the minutes of all meetings of the Board and membership meetings.
Corrects previous meetings as required.
Conducts routine correspondence for the Board as directed by the Chairperson.
Assists the Chairperson in preparing a budget for the Division.
Maintains financial records of the Division. Prepares Treasurer’s Report and reports on the financial status of the financial status of the Division at Board an Membership meetings.
Maintains a ledger of bills submitted and paid.
Maintains communication with AER Central Office finance officer and reconciles the Division’s financial records.
Submits all appropriate records to the Archives for cataloging. 10. Carry out duties as stated in Bylaws.
NOTES and NEWS:
We are now the Rehabilitation Teaching Division of AER.
Many states and regions are holding Fall Conferences. Attend….be ACTIVE RTs!!! Send in a short report that we can share with everyone on what happened in your state.
Our certified title and acronym are now Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and CVRT respectively. We should all be using these next to our names in official correspondence.
End of July August 2005 issue of the RT News.