New Roads, New Directions: Finding Your Way After Brain Injury

Transcription

1 The Traumatic Brain Model System presents New Roads, New Directions: Finding Your Way After Brain SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, a.m. to 5 p.m. (registration opens 8 a.m.) Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA Participating Partners: Bancroft, Beechwood NeuroRehab, Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, Community Skills Program, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, ReMed, The Brain Association of Pennsylvania, and The Brain Alliance of New Jersey. Sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)

2 New Roads, New Directions: Finding Your Way After Brain Program Description Survivors of brain injury and their families and friends are invited to attend this special program offering a day of lectures and discussion groups, hands-on workshops, networking and resource sharing to find new roads, new directions. Workshops, panels, and information booths will be staffed by professionals from area rehabilitation facilities, persons with brain injury and their family members, and agency experts. Registration Fee The fee for this event is $15 per person to offset the cost of food (a light breakfast, lunch and snacks). Conference materials are complimentary. Scholarships are available for those for whom this fee would be a hardship. Registration Deadline: Monday, November 3, 2014 Enrollment is limited, so please register early. See last page for registration form. Transportation and Parking The Pennsylvania Convention Center is adjacent to the Market East Station, across from the Reading Terminal Market, in downtown Philadelphia. The most convenient entrances are at the corner of 12th St. and Arch St. For directions, and parking information, go to tinyurl.com/tbimsparking. Visit for public transportation. Conference Program at a Glance* 8 to 9 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast 9 a.m. Welcome and Orientation 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Keynote Address: Navigating the Road Less Traveled After Brain Doug Markgraf 10:15 to 10:30 a.m. BREAK 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. A1: Brain Anatomy 101 A2: Managing Your Moods A3: Influencing the Legislative Process in PA and NJ A4: Brain Services and Supports: What s Available and How to Get Them Paid For A5: There s an App for That! 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. BREAK / INFORMATION BOOTHS OPEN 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. B1: Substance Abuse and Brain : A Toxic Mix B2: Sexuality and Intimacy After Brain B3: Mild TBI: New Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment B4: Long-Term Life Adjustments After Brain : or, Aging with Grace B5: There s an App for That! 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Lunch (provided) Information Booths Open (11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.) 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. C1: Enhancing Relationships After Brain (for survivors) C2: It s Not the Challenge You Face, It s How You Face the Challenge (for caregivers) C3: Experience the Benefits of Mindfulness and Yoga C4: Art and Music: Enhancing Quality of Life Through Creativity C5: Cognitive Challenges and How to Deal With Them 2:45 to 3 p.m. BREAK 3 to 3:45 p.m. D1: Returning to Work with Job Coaching D2: Managing Your Medications After Brain D3: Healthy Eating: Your Plate, Your Way, Your Budget D4: Planning for the Future D5: Social Networking: How to Navigate the Safety Zone 3:45 to 5 p.m. Mastermind Speed Networking or Journaling Corner (snacks and beverages provided) *You will be asked to make your selections for concurrent sessions on the registration sheet (see last page). See session descriptions on right for more information.

3 New Roads, New Directions: Finding Your Way After Brain 8 to 9 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast 9 to 9:15 a.m. Welcome and Orientation Tessa Hart, Director, Traumatic Brain Model System 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Keynote Address: Navigating the Road Less Traveled After Brain Doug Markgraf On May 31, 2006, Doug Markgraf was struck by a large pickup truck while riding in the bike lane into Center City Philadelphia. As a result, Doug sustained a traumatic brain injury that left doctors and family wondering if he d ever return to his life. But clearly, he did. Doug rode his bicycle across the continental U.S. in the summer of 2011 to raise awareness and help survivors of traumatic brain injury. This Beats a Coma (2013), a documentary about his mission, propelled his message even further than he d expected. As founder of Project Mend the Mind, Doug is continuing to show others that despite any challenge, there is hope for all brain injury survivors and their families. 10:15 to 10:30 a.m. Break 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Sessions A1 through A5 A1 Brain Anatomy 101 David Long, Medical Director for Brain, Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital Have you ever wondered what part of your brain controls memory or speech? Come and explore the areas of the brain and their functions with a noted Behavioral Neurologist specializing in brain injury. Learn which brain areas are most often affected by brain injury and get answers to questions you ve always wanted to ask. A2 Managing Your Moods Tessa Hart, Institute Scientist, Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute Karen Lindgren, Neuropsychologist, Bancroft Depression, anxiety, and anger/ irritability are mood changes that can interfere with relationships, activities, and quality of life. In this workshop we will discover why mood changes are so common and persistent after brain injury. We ll also present tips for everyday mood management, and discuss the signs that a person might need professional help. A3 Influencing the Legislative Process in Pennsylvania and New Jersey Michael Miller, Pennsylvania Brain Coalition Chair; Family Member Tom Grady, Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs, Brain Alliance of New Jersey This session will focus on issues in Pennsylvania and New Jersey state government that affect persons with brain injury and their families. We ll discuss coalition building, and how the ability to persuade can influence the legislative process. Come and learn how you can get involved in legislative advocacy, and how to develop relationships with your legislators. A4 Brain Services and Supports: What s Available and How to Get Them Paid For Drew Nagele, Executive Director, Beechwood NeuroRehab Wanda Portis, Pre-Enrollment Assistance Coordinator, Brain Association of Pennsylvania The path to getting help after a brain injury is not very clear, especially when it comes to postacute or life-long living supports. We will describe the resources that can pay for services and supports for living in the community, returning to school, or returning to work. We ll explain how to get help finding them, qualifying for them, and applying for them. A5 There s an App for That! Claire Sitarz, Brain Therapist, Ed Liotta, Person with Brain Is there an app for memory, communication, or problemsolving? Join us as we investigate apps for both iphone and Android devices that may help with these everyday needs for people with brain injury. We ll also explore apps for tracking nutrition and fitness, organizing your time, and finding leisure activities. Note: This session is repeated in the 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. time slot, and app demonstrations will be shown in the booth area during lunch.

4 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. Break 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Information booths open: Acquired Brain Network of Pennsylvania Brain Association of Pennsylvania Disability Rights Network Driving Rehabilitation Independent Enrollment Broker Program Office of Vocational Rehabilitation [Pennsylvania] Research Opportunities There s an App for That! Demonstrations Brain Alliance of New Jersey Council on Brain (CoBI) Division of Vocation Rehabilitation [New Jersey] Global Abilities Foundation Legal Clinic for the Disabled Pennsylvania Head Program Team River Runner PA, Better Health Through Paddlesports...and more! 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Sessions B1 through B5 B1 Substance Abuse and Brain : A Toxic Mix Scott Peters, Director, Short Term Rehab System, ReMed Jenna Kobylanski, Person with Brain It is estimated that 50% of individuals will return to using drugs and alcohol after their brain injury. This panel will provide facts about drug and alcohol use, identify why it can be a problem after brain injury, and describe some treatment options for recovery and relapse. B2 Sexuality and Intimacy After Brain Trisha Hicks, Case Manager and Sexuality Educator, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Ann Marie McLaughlin, Director, Community Outpatient Services, ReMed This workshop will begin with a short lecture on the many changes after brain injury that can affect sexuality and sexual function. We ll also discuss intimacy, relationship roles, the partner s perspective, and tips for communication. Panelists will facilitate an audience discussion around common experiences and concerns. B3 Mild TBI: New Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment Thomas Watanabe, Medical Director for Brain, Max Shmidheiser, Neuropsychlogist, Research on diagnosis and treatment of so-called mild TBI has exploded in recent years with much attention focused on the problems of warfighters and athletes. In this presentation, two concussion experts will discuss selected hot topics in mild TBI research and explain implications for clinical practice. B4 Long-term Life Adjustments After Brain : or, Aging with Grace Mary Pat Murphy, Nurse, ReMed Pam Toia, Person with Brain Nanette Long, Person with Brain People with brain injury may wonder: Will I enjoy an old age? Am I likely to age faster now? This workshop will cover effects of brain injury on aging from the research, and from the perspective of people living longterm with a brain injury. We ll discuss medical and health issues; physical and cognitive changes; and unexpected changes in other parts of life. We ll also provide advice on how to age gracefully with brain injury. B5 There s an App for That! Claire Sitarz, Brain Therapist, Ed Liotta, Person with Brain Is there an app for memory, communication, or problemsolving? Join us as we investigate apps for both iphone and Android devices that may help with these everyday needs for people with brain injury. We ll also explore apps for tracking nutrition and fitness, organizing your time, and finding leisure activities. Note: This session is repeated from the 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. time slot. App demonstrations will be shown in the booth area over lunch.

5 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Lunch (provided) Please visit the information booths in the concourse area 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. Sessions C1 through C5 C1 Enhancing Relationships after Brain Members of the Brain Alliance of New Jersey s Council for the Head Injured Community (CHIC): Michael Greenwald, Mike-at-the-Mike, Person with Brain Richard Anderson, Person with Brain Rose Anderson, Family Member Joe Caminiti, Person with Brain Kerry McCann, Person with Brain Members of the BIANJ CHIC will present a panel discussion on relationships and brain injury, emceed by Mike-at-the-Mike. Come to discuss how relationships can evolve after brain injury, and how feelings associated with brain injury can impact relationships; and learn helpful tips for adjusting to a new normal with brain injury. Although everyone is welcome, this session is designed especially for persons with brain injury. C2 It s Not the Challenge You Face, It s How You Face the Challenge Marie Beattie, Family Member Madeline DiPasquale, Neuropsychologist, The role of the caregiver changes day to day, from therapist to chauffeur to case manager. Most days, we just want our old familiar roles back. This session will stimulate an open discussion about caregiving challenges in brain injury, including how to meet future care needs, the demands of 24 hour supervision, role changes in the family, and more. We ll exchange stories and strategies to learn from each other. Although everyone is welcome, this session is designed especially for caregivers and family members. C3 Experience the Benefits of Mindfulness and Yoga Janna Leyde, Yoga Teacher; Family Member Cynthia Boyer, Executive Director for Brain, Bancroft During this workshop participants will learn how to practice mindfulness and yoga, disciplines that can help anyone find calm and relaxation to enhance awareness and to focus in the present moment. After a short discussion, we will move into basic postures and engage in meditation. All poses and postures will be doable from a seated position. C4 Art and Music: Enhancing Quality of Life Through Creativity Katie Lyons, Neurorehabilitation Specialist, Music Therapist, Community Skills Program Lori Tiberi, Art Therapist, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Everyone knows that art and music are fun, but did you know that they can also be great ways to reduce stress and explore your creative voice? Join us for this hands-on session and find out how you can use art and music to improve your quality of life. No experience necessary! C5 Cognitive Challenges and How to Deal With Them Tessa Hart, Institute Scientist, Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute Nina Geier, Senior Director, Bancroft Brain Services Gillian Murray, Clinical Case Manager, Michelle Missy Phillips, Person with Brain Monica Waeltz, Person with Brain Adrienne Beattie, Person with Brain Brain injury can cause changes in cognition, which includes memory, attention, and executive function. We will first discuss two perspectives on cognitive rehab that are being explored in research studies. Experienced clinicians and people with brain injury will then discuss strategies that have been successful for dealing with cognitive challenges in daily life. We ll encourage audience members to share their own successful strategies.

6 2:45 to 3 p.m. Break 3 to 3:45 p.m. Sessions D1 through D5 D1 Returning to Work with Job Coaching Krista Compas, Brain Therapist, Nick Primerano, Person with Brain Carol Bardsley, Neurorehabilitation Specialist, Community Skills Program Howard Blumberg, Person with Brain This panel of job coaches and people with brain injury will discuss issues involved in returning to work after a brain injury using a service known as job coaching. The panel will describe job coaching, review who can benefit from this service, and answer questions from the audience about returning to work after brain injury. D2 Managing Your Medications After Brain David Long, Medical Director, Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital Helen Carmine, Nurse Practitioner, ReMed In this workshop we ll discuss medications that might help with attention, memory, mood and seizures, as well as off label uses of medications of interest to people with brain injury. We ll offer tips for taking medications, funding issues, and how to find medication information on the internet. Bring your questions! D3 Healthy Eating: Your Plate, Your Way, Your Budget Robert Trombley, Dietician, Bancroft This dynamic and interactive workshop will take you on a journey from your health goals through your plate to a healthy life. Learn about the treasures to be found in the grocery store that make food preparation easy and healthful. Taste a sample recipe and take away resources to help you begin your healthy lifestyle journey. D4 Planning for the Future Branden Sacks, Special Needs Planning, Merrill Lynch We ll start with four important questions: Who needs services? What kind do they need? Who will be providing them? How will they be paid for? We ll discuss the importance of an Individual Support Plan as a roadmap for the future, financial and legal planning, the value of building a circle of support, and the basics of Special Needs Trusts, Trustees, Power of Attorney, and Guardianship. D5 Social Networking: How to Navigate the Safety Zone Katie MacKenzie, Recreation Therapist, ReMed Dayna Scott, Community Re-entry Program Supervisor, Jay Cox, Person with Brain Come to this interactive discussion to learn about the associated risks and safety techniques for navigating the digital world. We will cover common social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and will include a discussion of real-life experiences with them. 3:45 to 5 p.m. Mastermind Speed Networking or Journaling Corner Speed Networking: Wrap up the day with a fun and interactive activity. In Mastermind Speed Networking, each participant gets an opportunity to share a challenge he or she is dealing with to a small group of peers seated around a table. Members of the group will brainstorm ideas for dealing with the challenges presented by each participant and then move on to the next person s situation. Join in to meet more new people as you exchange questions, answers, resources and tips. Different tables will be designated for people with brain injury and caregivers/family members. Or for something completely different, join us in the Journaling Corner. What tools will you use to keep in mind everything you leaned today and the people you met? Do you keep a daily journal? What form does it take? There are so many new ways to keep a journal: writing and keyboarding, digital journals, photo journals and more. Come to this session, facilitated by an experienced speech-language therapist, to share your journaling techniques and see what others are doing as well.

7 New Roads, New Directions: Finding Your Way After Brain Registration This form may be copied or additional names and addresses may be listed on a separate sheet of paper. Saturday, November 8, a.m. to 5 p.m. (registration at 8 a.m.) Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA Registration Deadline: Monday, November 3, 2014 Name Address Street Address City State ZIP Code (Area Code) Home Telephone Do you have any special needs of which we should be aware? Attendance Fee: $15 per person Number of people attending:. Payment can be made online at or Detach this form, enclose your check (payable to ) and mail it to: Sheila Wallace Education Department 60 Township Line Road Room 303 West Elkins Park, PA Questions? Please call Please indicate how many people will attend each session: 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. A1 Brain Anatomy 101 A2 Managing Your Moods A3 Influencing the Legislative Process in Pennsylvania and New Jersey A4 Brain Services and Supports: What s Available and How to Get Them Paid For A5 There s an App for that! 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. B1 Substance Abuse and Brain : A Toxic Mix B2 Sexuality and Intimacy after Brain B3 Mild TBI: New Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment B4 Long-term Life Adjustments After Brain : or, Aging with Grace B5 There s an App for that! 1:15 to 2:45 pm C1 Enhancing Relationships After Brain C2 It s Not the Challenge You Face, It s How You Face the Challenge C3 Experience the Benefits of Mindfulness and Yoga C4 Art and Music: Enhancing Quality of Life Through Creativity C5 Cognitive Challenges and How to Deal with Them 3 to 3:45 pm D1 Returning to Work with Job Coaching D2 Managing Your Medications After Brain D3 Healthy Eating: Your Plate, Your Way, Your Budget D4 Planning for the Future D5 Social Networking: How to Navigate the Safety Zone

8 60 Township Line Road Elkins Park, PA New Roads, New Directions: Finding Your Way After Brain