Noteboom The Law Firm

Model Community Opens At DC VA Medical Center

November 9, 2010 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates thousands of outpatient clinics, medical centers, treatment centers, and hospitals around the country. Some of these are limited in the services they are able to provide whereas others offer services ranging from physical therapy to complex surgeries. The Washington DC Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (DCVAMC) recently opened the first ever model community, known as Independence Way^TM.

The new model community the VA built enhanced the DCVAMC's physical rehabilitation capabilities by giving them the ability to help veterans reintegrate themselves into their community. Veterans with either neurological or physical complications affecting their cognitive utilities or mobility can use Independence Way^TM; which is a revolutionary and highly focused tool used in veterans' rehabilitation. 

Independence Way^TM is essentially little parts of a city, completely constructed inside the DCVAMC. Veterans use these city models to help them get used to operating in a city environment. The models include:

• A simulated bank;
• An ATM,
• A metro station;
• A mini-mart;
• Sidewalks and walkways;
• Lawns; and
• Standard front porches.

The DCVAMC also offers polytrauma and dedicated services for rehabilitation. The center can establish rehabilitation programs for the lifetime of the veteran because of their broad offerings. Independence Way^TM makes the DCVAMC a much more effective tool for veterans.