(NAPSA)—Otis Scott, a decorated World War II veteran and native of Ohio, was just 23 years old when he contracted glaucoma and nearly lost his sight in 1945. Scott could have felt anger and self-pity. Instead, like a remarkable numberof this nation’s veterans, he took personal responsibil- ity for his future. “As they released me from the | hospital after several unsuccessful and physically exhausting opera- ' tions, I was abruptly handed a 30-inch cane, almosthalf the S size of today’s stan- dards, and wastold nothing else could be donefor me,” he said. Instead of feeling sorry for him- self, Scott resolved to take control of his life, remain positive and stay true to the goals he had set for him- self in his youth. “I knew I could makeit if someoneout there could just teach andtrain me,” he said. He soon discovered the Blinded Veterans Assocation (BVA) and was amongthefirst 500 members to join the organization. BVAtraces its roots back to a group of veterans wholost their sight in combat during World War II. The group met for the first time in an Army convalescent hospital in Avon, Connecticut, in 1945. The organization has been helping blinded veterans ever since, representing their interests before the legislative and execu- tive branches of government. BVAalso offers a full-time field service program that provides advice to veterans and links them Scott, now 81, was among the first 500 membersto join BVA. with VA benefits to which they are entitled. Field reps often assist veterans with their medical claims. Perhaps, most impor- tantly, BVA offers emotional support, friendship and the kind of social and recreational activities that foster rehabilitation. Through BVA, Scott learned about the Hines Blind Rehabilitation Center just outside of Chicago, a discovery that would changehis life. He promptly decided to enroll in a rehab program at Hines, then attend college in Cleveland. One of the end results was a 21-year career in physical therapy in Marion, Ohio and anactive lifestyle spentin the pursuit of learning. Scott, now 81, has held various national leadership positions dur- ing his 55 years of involvement in BVA. BVA stands ready to provide direction and individual assis- tance. The association’s services are free and available to any blinded veteran. For more infor- mation, visit www.bva.org or call 1-800-669-7079toll free.
