New Haven, CT (February 26, 2014): The New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) is proud to announce the 2014 recipient of its Community Award; the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center (EBRC).  More than 200 legally blind veterans participate in EBRC programs annually, which offer personalized adjustment services in a therapeutic atmosphere where privacy, dignity, personal values and emotional needs are recognized and respected. The blind veterans are transported to Woolsey Hall to enjoy each New Haven Symphony Orchestra performance.

As part of the Veterans Administration Connecticut Healthcare System, the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center provides comprehensive services in a 32-bed inpatient facility located at the West Haven Campus including: a 4-8 week residential training program, a 2-6 week computer access training program, daily classes in four basic skill areas (orientation and mobility, low vision skills, daily living skills, and manual skills), an individualized treatment plan, counseling and family training programs, a comprehensive low vision examination in optometry, ancillary services such as recreation therapy, health education, and psychology, and discharge planning and follow-up services coordinated with the Veteran’s local Visual Impairment Service Team (VIST).

The Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center is being recognized by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra for its extraordinary commitment to providing their clients with access to cultural events. The ERBC, in turn, was gracious in explaining the value of NHSO concerts to their clients:  “The trips to the symphony are far more than a ‘music appreciation’ evening—they are an opportunity for the Vets to utilize their newly-learned skills in a real-world environment where all their skills (low vision devices, mobility, etc) can coalesce into an enjoyable—and valuable—learning experience without parallel,” explained Blind Rehab Specialist Mark Matthiessen.

“The NHSO is so grateful to the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center for transporting hundreds of blind veterans to our concerts” says NHSO Executive Director Elaine Carroll. “The Symphony is proud to partner with the EBRC to help bring music and happiness to the lives of its veterans. They are more than deserving of this award.”  The NHSO’s Community Award will be presented at the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center in West Haven on Thursday, March 27.

For more information about the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and its community partners, visit www.NewHavenSymphony.org