Your SSDI and SSI Benefits: An Overview from Sackett and Herrera

Transcription

1 Issue 39 July Sept. 20 Your SSDI and SSI Benefits: An Overview from Sackett and Herrera Recovering from traumatic brain injuries can be arduous, both physically and emotionally. And though ideally recovery should be the only focus of patients and their families, the combination of costly medical bills and a sudden inability to work adds enormous stress for many. However, Social Security Disability Benefits can help ease financial pressures. The federal government provides two forms of benefits for people with disabilities Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Though both pay benefits to people with major disabilities, applying for the right one can be key. SSDI pays benefits both to you and potentially to your dependent children age 8 and younger, but is only available if you have worked and paid into Social Security for at least five of the last ten years. Your household income (i.e. money made if your partner continues to work) will not disqualify you from the program, but you cannot work continuously without moving off of the program. SSI pays only the disabled individual, and is intended to provide cash for basic necessities. One does not need to have paid into Social Security to qualify for the program, but must fall below certain maximum income and resource levels. Provided your income does not exceed set limits, it is possible to continue to receive SSI benefits after resuming some work. In order to qualify for either program, it must be determined that your injury or disability prevents you from working and will continue to do so for at least twelve months or result in death. $ Because traumatic brain injuries can have such widespread and often initially undetectable effects, determining eligibility can be slightly more complicated. The Social Security Administration evaluates disability stemming from both neurological and mental impairments. Because of the unpredictable nature of some of the consequences of brain injury, if disability cannot be established on a neurological basis immediately after an injury, a decision may not be forthcoming for three to six months to ensure all mental and neurological problems are considered. Some people apply for Social Security benefits on their own, but many find that working with experienced legal counsel from the very beginning both streamlines the process, and proves much more conducive to success. After the filing of the application and related initial paperwork, claims will either be accepted or denied. In the case of a denial, for those who are not yet represented by an attorney, it can be helpful to seek out legal assistance to appeal ("Reconsideration"), because many cases that are initially denied can in fact be won at the next stage, but only with the right help. If you are interested in filing for Social Security Disability benefits or have already been denied and believe you cannot work, it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure that your claim is successful. Your chances of obtaining benefits can be improved by: - Keeping detailed and accurate medical records. - Ensuring honest and straightforward communication with your doctor. - Working with an experienced legal professional to ensure the process is handled properly. Social Security Disability benefits can help you and your family remain financially stable even in the wake of a traumatic brain injury. Having experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel representing you improves your chances of gaining these benefits, and eases some pressure on you and members of your family as you work to recover and adapt to new conditions. For more information about Social Security Disability Benefits and working with an attorney, please visit or call (800) or (408) Kaitlin Halloran Sackett and Herrera Sackett and Herrera is the leading law firm in the San Jose/San Francisco Bay Area specializing in Social Security Disability. With more than thirty years of experience working in Social Security Disability law, every case is handled with the utmost expertise, respect, and understanding. Please note: This newsletter is intended to be a resource for those interested in traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It does not represent an endorsement of the organizations represented nor an affirmation of the information contained therein. So there. Talking Heads Newsletter

2 Bay Area Brain Injury Taskforce (BABIT) The Bay Area Brain Injury Task Force (BABIT) is a collaboration of government, healthcare, law enforcement, legislative, higher education, for-profit and non-profit organizations that are focused on increasing awareness about resources available to people with brain injuries. Through mutual collaboration and community education BABIT strives to be a central catalyst in policy development at the local and state levels through education and networking with family members, communities, and elected officials. BABIT is responsible for the content and production of Talking Heads! How to contact your BABIT agencies: California Brain Injury Association Bakersfield (66) Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Palo Alto (650) x667 San Jose Police Department San Jose (408) San Jose State University San Jose (408) Santa Clara County Crisis Intervention Program (408) (408) Santa Clara County Sherriff's Dept. San Jose (408) Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Rehabilitation Research Center San Jose (408) Services for Brain Injury San Jose (408) Silicon Valley Independent Living Center San Jose (408) TTY: (866) Video Phone: (408) State Department of Rehabilitation San Jose (408) Veteran's Administration Palo Alto Healthcare System Palo Alto (650) Via Services Santa Clara (408) We Will Always Remember Richard Patterson Chris Wilder, VMC Foundation The Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) family has lost a true hero. Richard Patterson passed away June 22, peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends, to a personal rendition of his favorite song. In the words of Dr. Stephanie Kolakowsky-Hayner, who leads SCVMC's Rehabilitation Research Center: Richard was an amazing man who influenced so many diverse circles and will be missed terribly. He led the peer-support counseling program at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for the past 5 years. He was a tireless advocate for individuals with disabilities, peer support coordinator, committee member for the Public Authority for In-Home-Supportive-Services, a co-chair of the Disability Advisory Commission for the City of San Jose, brother, son, fiancé, colleague, and friend. His loss will impact the thousands of lives he has touched. One life was mine. I met Rich eight years ago, and there's no end to what he taught me. Rich was the first to explain to me that "you never really 'accept' your spinal cord injury, rather you learn to live and work with it, the best you can, which is why peer support is so critical." As much as someone not living with a disability can understand, Richard Patterson helped me understand. Our work together saw Richard leading adventurists (like him) with disabilities on glider rides, whale-watching and SCUBA trips, and other excursions that proved what was possible. Great men like Steve Lyon and Marv Tuttle worked with Richard for years to demonstrate to thousands that life after a disabling injury can be full and exciting. The VMC Foundation will be forever proud to be part of his legacy. We have, therefore, established a fund in his name, to ensure that his peer support and community work will grow. His family requests that gifts be Richard Patterson coordinated SCVMC s peer support program for over 5 years. sent to the VMC Foundation, 2400 Moorpark Ave. #207, San Jose CA Be sure to write "Richard Patterson" in the memo of your check, or to give by credit card, call us at or visit us on line < Rich, I'll miss you buddy. We all will. Memorial services for Richard will be held on July 9, 3-5pm at The Point in San Jose (3695 Rose Terrasse Circle). Everyone is invited to come and be part of the celebration of Richard s life Talking Heads Newsletter 2

3 Bay Area Peer Support Groups and Agencies Alameda County East Bay Brain Injury Support Group Support group for survivors of TBI Rockridge Library 5366 College Ave., Oakland, CA 9468 Schedule is posted on Call for times and further information. Dr. Pamela Paradowski (50) Life Skills Group and Caregiver Support Group Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Herrick Campus 200 Dwight Way Berkeley, CA Life Skills: 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 6:30-8:00pm, by invitation. There is also an Advanced Life Skills Group. Caregiver Support: At 6:30-8:00pm, please call for dates. Drop ins are welcome. Please contact Mike Weber (50) for more information. Stroke Support Group Support group for individuals with Stroke Next to Washington Hospital at 2500 Mowry Avenue, Suite #224 Fremont, CA Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month from :00-2:30pm For more information call Doug: (50) Contra Costa County Brain Tumor Group Meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm, Drop ins are welcome. The San Francisco/East Bay Wellness Community 3276 McNutt Avenue Walnut Creek, CA Please contact Judy Blazin for more information: (925) Contra Costa County (cont.) Head Injury Support Group Support group for both survivors and caregivers San Ramon Regional Center 7777 Norris Canyon San Ramon, CA Meets every 4th Wednesday (except November and December) from 7:30-9:00pm, caregivers welcome. Please call JoAnn Swift in advance: (925) Fresno County Brain Injury Support Group for Survivors & Families Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:00-8:00pm Leon S. Peters Rehab Center 6th Floor Dayroom, Community Regional Health Center Fresno, CA 9370 Contact Jeff DiMarco: (559) Stroke Support Group Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:00-7:30pm Leon S. Peters Rehab Center 6th Floor Dayroom, Community Regional Health Center Fresno, CA 9370 Contact Sheila: (559) If your group isn t listed here, and you would like it to be, please Jerry Wright at jerry.wright@hhs.sccgov.org with your group s information (meeting place, times, etc.) Marin County Support Group Class Open to survivors, caregivers, and family members Meets every Tuesday at 5:30pm Marin Center for Independent Living 70 Fourth St San Rafael, CA Contact: Larry for more information (45) Monterey County Brain Injury Peer Support Group Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 3:30-5:00pm Harden Foundation 636 Ercia Street, Salinas, CA Please contact Irene Garcia for more information: (83) x2 Marin Brain Injury Network Education Class: Every Tuesday, 3:00-4:00pm Please sign up, $0 ABI Survivor Support Group: Every Tuesday, 5:00-6:00pm Please sign up, Free. Caregiver Support Group: 3rd Saturday of every month, 0:30am-2:00pm, No RSVP, Free. All are facilitated by Dr. Moran, a neuropsychologist specializing in ABI. Marin Brain Injury Network 32 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, CA Please call (45) or patricia@mbin.org Sacramento County Minimal Brain Injury Support Group Meets the st Thursday at 6:30-8:30pm Easter Seals Society 3205 Hurley Way Sacramento, CA Contact: (96) <Continued on the next page> 3 Talking Heads Newsletter

4 Bay Area Peer Support Groups and Agencies (cont.) Sacramento County (cont) TBI Survivors (Moderate-Severe) Meets every Thursday at 6:30-8:30pm 3205 Hurley Way Sacramento, CA Contact: (96) Meets every Thursday at 6:30-8:30pm 3205 Hurley Way Sacramento, CA Contact: (96) San Francisco County Survivor Socialization Group 207 Skyline Blvd San Francisco, CA 9432 Monday 0:00am-4:00pm (lunch included) Tuesday and Thursdays at :00-5:00pm Please contact Terry Twitchell for information on program fees: (45) Family Member Support Group (Parents and Caregivers) Janet Pomeroy Center 207 Skyline Boulevard San Francisco, CA 9432 Contact Terry Twitchell for date, time, and location: (45) Head Injury Support Group TBI survivors Meets every Wednesday at :00-2:30pm Independent Living Resource Center 649 Mission Street, Third Floor San Francisco, CA, 9405 Please contact in advance: (45) San Francisco County (cont) San Francisco General Hospital BASIC Support Group Group for survivors and caregivers SF General Hospital, Building 30, Medical Library 00 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 940 Meets the first Thursday of every month from 4:00-5:00pm Please contact Tara Croane for more information: (45) San Francisco TBI Network Support All TBI survivors Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 3:00-4:30pm St. Mary's Medical Center 450 Stanyan Street Room #3 East (Conference Room) San Francisco, CA 947 Please contact Tony Cruz at: (45) San Mateo County Support Group for Families and Caregivers Meets every Friday from :00-2:00pm Community Gatepath 764 Marco Polo Way Burlingame, CA 9400 Please contact (650) Santa Clara County Head Injury and Recreation Leisure Network (H.I.R.L.N) Monthly social events for adults with disabilities and head injuries Mayfair Community Center 2039 Krammerer Ave San Jose, CA 956 Please contact Liz Best for dates and times: (408) or Santa Clara County (cont) Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group Camden Community Center 3369 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 6:30-8:00pm Drop ins are welcome. Please call Robert Medel for more information: (408) or contact robert Peer Support Group Silicon Valley Independent Living Center 2202 North First Street San Jose, CA Peer support group every Thursday. Need to register as a client of SVILC. Contact Chau Mai for more information: (408) Support Group TBI clients-full spectrum, family members, caregivers and interested public members concerning TBI awareness. Open to the public at no cost. 60 Daggett Drive, San Jose, CA Meets every Wednesday from 5:30-7:30pm Contact facilitator, Steve Gutierrez with any questions: (209) V.I.P. (Very Important Patient) Support Group Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Cafeteria Conference Room, 2nd Flr 75 S. Bascom Ave. San Jose, CA th Wednesdays 6:00 7:30pm Call Robert Medel at (408) or contact robert medel@hss.sccgov.org Talking Heads Newsletter 4

5 Bay Area Peer Support Groups and Agencies (cont.) Santa Cruz County Brain Injury Peer Support Group Support group for survivors of TBI. Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 3:00pm-4:30 pm. Morning group meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at 0:00- :30am. Dept of Rehabilitation 350 4st Ave, Ste 0 Capitola, CA 9500 Please contact Alisa Sutherland at (83) Head Injury Peer & Family Support Group Santa Cruz, CA Please call Scott Winslow for dates, times, and locations: (83) Caregiver Resource Centers Bay Area Caregiver Resource Center/Family Caregiver Alliance 80 Montogomery Street, Suite 900 San Francisco, CA 9404 Phone: (45) or (800) Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center 344 Salinas Street, Ste 05 RoomE Salinas, CA 9390 Phone: (83) Santa Cruz Office: 537 Pacific Ave, Ste 300 Santa Cruz, CA Phone (83) Valley Caregiver Resource Center 3485 N. Clark, Ste 20 Fresno, CA Phone: (559) or (800) Additional Online Resources Brain Injury Association of America Brain Injury Association of California Brain Injury Connection braininjuryconnection.org Brain Injury Network braininjurynetwork.org BrainLine TBI: The Journey Home traumaticbraininjuryatoz.org Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center msktc.washington.edu National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Traumatic Brain Injury Interventions Resource Options for Back on Track (ROBOT) Please note: This newsletter is intended to be a resource for those interested in traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It does not represent an endorsement of the organizations represented nor an affirmation of the information contained therein. So there. Online Forums Please note that online forums are often not monitored by professionals. Please consult a physician regarding any medical concerns or recommendations. American Veterans with Brain Injuries Forum and live chat: Veterans only on Thursdays Brain Injury Chat Room Brain Injury Forum braininjuryforum.com Brain Talk Forum twitter.com/braintalk200 Family Caregiver Alliance Online support group for caregivers TBI Message Board Talking Heads Thanks You! Special thanks to the Rehabilitation Research Center (and especially Gail Cuevas and Kim Bellon) for checking support group and agency information. 5 Talking Heads Newsletter

6 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Talking Heads tip: You are advised to call before attending a meeting Minimal BI SFGH Basic MBI Group HIRLN Petroglyphs 3 Brain Tumor SG Capitola SG Santa Cruz SG 4 Salinas SG BIAA Webinar 5 6 Marin BIN Caregiver SG Disab. Awareness Night - SJ Giants Fresno Stroke SG 20 2 SF TBI Network Disability Pride Parade Fremont HI/Stroke Fresno BISG MBI Group HIRLN Social 27 Brain Tumor SG Capitola SG San Ramon SG Santa Cruz SG VIP TBI Matters 28 Salinas SG J U L Y 2 0 Talking Heads Newsletter 6

7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 BIAA Webinar 3 4 Minimal BI SFGH Basic MBI Group HIRLN at the park Brain Tumor SG Capitola SG Santa Cruz SG Salinas SG HIRLN Family Movie Night Fresno Stroke SG SF TBI Network Marin BIN Caregiver SG Fremont HI/Stroke Fresno BISG MBI Group 24 Brain Tumor SG Capitola SG San Ramon SG Santa Cruz SG VIP 25 Salinas SG HIRLN Social Talking Heads tip: You are advised to call before attending a meeting. A U G U S T Talking Heads Newsletter

8 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Group or agency information is on page 3. Talking Heads tip: You are advised to call before attending a meeting Friday 2 7 Thursday Minimal BI SFGH Basic Salinas SG 6 MBI Group HIRLN Game Night Brain Tumor SG Capitola SG Santa Cruz SG Fresno Stroke SG 5 SF TBI Network Fremont HI/Stroke Fresno BISG MBI Group BIAA Webinar HIRLN Social 28 Brain Tumor SG Capitola SG San Ramon SG Santa Cruz SG VIP 22 Salinas SG 29 Saturday Marin BIN Caregiver SG 24 September 28- October is Contemporary Forums October 6 is Disability Awareness Day S E P T E M B E R 2 0 Talking Heads Newsletter 8

9 Event Minder: Things Going on in Your Community Disability Awareness Night with the San Jose Giants! July 6: Disability Awareness Night, Gates open at 4:30, Game starts at 6:00pm Various community based organizations serving individuals with disabilities are partnering together to organize an opportunity for individuals with disabilities, their families, care providers and the community to enjoy a free baseball game with the San Jose Giants. For tickets go to < call (408) or jason@embraceallabilities.org The Second Annual SVILC Disability Pride Parade and Festival: Building a CommUNITY of Social Justice Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) is excited to announce the 2nd Annual West Coast Disability Pride Parade & Festival in San Jose on Saturday, July 23, 20. The event is being co-organized by the Office of Santa Clara County supervisor Dave Cortese. All are welcome to attend this free, fully accessible family-friendly community event. As a disability justice organization we are acknowledging how our mission intersects with other communities that have worked to overcome oppression in their struggle for Civil Rights and equality for all. There will be lunch available for purchase for $5, guest speakers, main-stage entertainment, activities for kids, and disability related community resource vendors. This year s theme is Building and CommUNITY of Social Justice. The parade will begin at 0:30 a.m. at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, 2625 Zanker Road, and ends at SVILC, 2202 N. First St., where the festival then continues from a.m. to 3 p.m. To register to attend or for more information, go to < For questions ADAparade@svilc.org or call (408) , or TTY (866) HIRLN (Head Injury Recreation Leisure Network) Recreation Events July -August 29: Class for Adults, 5pm-5:45pm, Mayfair Community center, cost is $40. Come join us for some dancing fun! July 2 : Petroglyphs in Willow Glen, 6:30pm-8pm, $5.00. You will be able to choose a pottery piece to glaze. They have mugs, figurines, plates, and more! July 26: Monthly Social, 6:30pm-8pm, Mayfair Community Center, $5.00 We will be decorating some pots and planting some flowers in them. August 9: HIRLN- in the park, 6pm-8pm location to be determined, $5.00. We are going to the park for some fun! We may even BBQ some hotdogs! August 2: Family Movie Night for all ages! 6pm-9pm, free! Come see a PG rated movie (TBA) with friends and family. August 30: Monthly Social, 6:30pm-8pm, Mayfair Community Center, $5.00. Come make some cute flower pens! Make a bouquet for your table or desk! September 3: Game Night, 6:30pm-8pm, Mayfair Community Center, free. We can play billiards, ping pong, board games and cards! TBI Matters: Vision Dysfunction July 27: 5:30pm-8:00pm,Service for Brain Injury (60 Daggett Drive, San Jose) Speaker: Kristina Stasko, OD For more info: < or paul.carufel@hhs.sccgov.org Contemporary Forums Brain Injury Conference September 28-October : Hyatt Regency, San Francisco.$285-$625. This is a professional conference, primarily for clinicians. < Brain Injury Association of America Webinars July 4: Healthcare reform legislation and brain injury rehabilitation August 2: Technology as a cognitive prosthetic September 27: Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury For more info: < Save the Date! The 4th Annual Disability Awareness Day will be on October 6, 0:00am- 2:00pm at San Jose City Hall Rotunda. For more information DAD@sjdistrict.com or call (408) Saturdays, 6/25-7/23 and 7/30-8/20: Fitness Fiesta, Mayfair Community Center, $20. We can help you get onto the fitness equipment in the gym. For more info on any HIRLN events, contact Liz Best at (408) or liz.best@sanjoseca.gov. If your event isn t listed here, and you would like it to be, please Talking Heads at jerry.wright@hhs.sccgov.org with your event information (meeting place, times, cost, etc.) September 27: Monthly Social, 6:30pm-8pm, Mayfair Community Center, $5.00 Bingo night! We will be playing Bingo and having some snacks! Prizes! 9 Talking Heads Newsletter

10 Personal Stories: Transformation (Life Transition), Roland Gavin Ramirez With twenty two years of application, I am fortunate to share parts of my progressive rehabilitation, with a positive encouragement. In the late 980 s, I was a very enthused young person who suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). In 979, I began junior high-school, enthused. Following, I would stay after school to study with teachers. I raised my class scores, and earned the Honor Roll. As well, I joined the schools Chess Club and the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) Club. Now, after decades, I recognize that one was for imaginative spirit, while the other for structure, and strategy. I earned two copper badges through chess club. During my 7th grade year, I signed-up with the Little League Baseball Association. We learned about building character and team-work: to rely on another team member for support, and accomplishment. These were happy times with team players, and the coaches. For instance, after winning a game, we might be treated for pizza at a parlor. Off its top, I was in an All-Star championship, game. Respectively, all of the competing All-Star teams were collected from their own partition within the same division; our team s partition involved 5-6 teams. Each All-Star team included one or two top player(s) from each separate team. This prized, 82 game was played on a separate division baseball field. This was concluding my 3rd season. While in the bottom of the 9th, the score was 4-3, our team had the one leading point; there were two outs, yet the other team had two base runners, one on second base, who hit a double, and the other runner, who was walked by our pitcher, placing that batter on first base. I was defending left field. Now at bat, was their top hitter (Tony the designated hitter); with a 2-2 pitch, batting righty, the DH connected a solid hit to left field. Left field was next to the opposite teams dugout and bleachers. Focusing on the hit ball, cracked-on its way, I received much cursing and foul insults, from both the dugout and their filled bleachers to throw me off! This was a hard soaring hit, traveling beyond my stance; through training along with focus, I was in sudden challenge, I instantly echoed into, Run it down, and sharply, throw it in. I maneuvered myself, and ran that ball down, making a worthy, collective catch speed-fully releasing a sharp accurate throw, to the cut-off man; instantaneously we won! I Roland Gavin Ramirez made the game winning catch. My whole team happily running at me, to lift me up! Little League Baseball showed me that we can all accomplish, and socialize together, despite the naysayer, or bad sport. Thank God for positive participation and faith; I learned: determination, focus, and most of all, being a good sport these were highly vital! Beyond, five more years of further Off its top experience, would assist in form fitting my personal recognition. In late August 988, I was employed as a dark room technician for San Jose Blue Print CO. In addition, I was a student at DeAnza College and working toward a degree as a Computer Aided Design Drafting (CADD) Technician. Involved interests were industrial drafting skills. Both consciously and unconsciously my life was great but one event would transform my life forever. On October 6th, 988, at night after playing billiards, I was crossing the street ahead of my friends, when I was struck by the San Jose Light-Rail train! [Impact] Within ten minutes, I was ambulance rushed to the San Jose Hospital Emergency Department where the neurosurgeons saved my life; especially Dr. Emeka Nchekwube who led and undertook my medical surgery. At a glance, the suffered detriments were the head/body wounds, the missing/damaged teeth, and the brain contusion: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) attributed scars. I remained in a coma for sixteen days On November st, I awoke and stated offmaudlin Hi <Continued on the next page> Talking Heads Newsletter 0

11 Personal Stories (continued): Transformation (Life Transition), Roland Gavin Ramirez From, and since that date, medications have differed through trial, and per separate therapies. There are three things that have enabled me to survive through this ordeal: self-schema, rehabilitative training/therapy, and educational goals. Self-schema is any mental structure that represents knowledge about oneself; self-concept inculcates goals, plans, incentives, and scripts. How you use, leveled with, what' you have. Daily-developed structures seemed irregular or fussy to me. More distinctively, I was not aware of my understandings or interactions. I was guiding myself with a past paradigm, and using it to guide my current self I had no previous diagram or channel to rely upon. For example, when I adapted to walking with a walker I journeyed within, and away from the hospital: skidding along the challenging streets incoherently. Back, to my immediate TBI another contributing factor to my survival has been rehabilitative training, the basic skill building technique that one harnesses for every day care. It had only been a mere five weeks that had passed since my traumatic brain injury. I was recovering at San Jose Hospital. Within this stage, my self-awareness along with my interpretations were pronounced imbalanced by the treating, medical experts. In week s time, I was placed in the health maintenance section from the high intensive care area. There was a case where I wet (pissed) the bed, and flip-crawled to the neighboring dry bed to sleep. From an incremental, consequential drive, I became reacquainted with using the rest room and brushing my own teeth. However, still ahead of me was the ability to get out of bed and walk independently; communicate clearly to exchange understanding; and familiarize myself with utensils to feed myself. I relearned utensils well enough that today I can go to a Japanese restaurant, and eat my whole meal using chopsticks with rhythm. After my rehabilitative training I began my rehabilitative therapy. In motion, physical therapy consists of techniques that the physical therapist administers to the patient, so that the patient will be able to hold and maintain their equilibrium (balance) and stabilize their gait. Patients are enthused to do their best, to initiate a consistent stretching of all their mobility muscles, along with undertaking maneuvered positions, which are expressed (shown) and explained by the accounted physical therapist. Specifically, I was unable to get out of bed, safely, for any reason. At this moment I was in Los Gatos Hospital, from San Jose Hospital transfer. A uniformed person poked his head into the doorway of my room saying, I ll be back to get you in ten minutes. This was my introduction to physical therapy. In weeks, I was transferred back to San Jose Hospital, and placed in the rehabilitation unit. There I had speech therapy (pathology) which trains diction and comprehension; physical therapy; and for short order, occupational therapy which consists of vocational values and interests. Remarkably, my dreams in the design field remained. There are three things that have enabled me to survive through this ordeal: self-schema, rehabilitative training/therapy, and educational goals. Appreciative, heart felt times, were evolving inside. I was depending on my wheelchair, respectfully, yet my father hand-wheeled me to the shower room, not speeding for an adventure on wheels! Reflections of thoughtful care and adventurous thought are further propelled inside me! Within this immediate trauma of time, I was in-angst, to go beyond my forbearance, and forever dedicate my focus to my accounted therapy sessions whether as an inpatient, outpatient, or on my own. The way I felt, with my newly unknowns, within the essence of mental, physical, and my jolted spirit one after another, strove me to earnestly develop myself, in order to effectively slay this tormenting dragon. I trained into a walker, and then endeavored to a cane. I relied on my walker upon discharge from the hospital; then began my account as an outpatient. From this therapeutic undertaking I regained the understanding to initiate myself toward fit condition spiritually, mentally, and physically. Once my condition revealed improvement, my parents guided their attention to increase my inflected abilities. My enthused mother and I moved to the town of San Clemente, a southern California beach oasis. This environment was healthy for my recuperation. Previously, I lived in San Clemente with my Uncle Sal and Cousin Jay. I worked in construction, while obtaining an athletic sponsorship, and separately attending college. My mother s family within Southern California treated me wonderfully, with respect and courtesy, before and especially after my TBI. Yet, back to the reminiscence of recuperation, my senses enhanced and I realized how much I missed my father, who was living back in San Jose. At this time, I was involved with outpatient therapy and attending college in Mission Viejo. Gathering reflection, I missed my home family, and I was aspired to earn my high school diploma; obtain my driver s license; and specifically, earn a CADD college degree. I returned to San Jose, to share time with family; I earned my high school diploma, which included transportation on the Light-Rail train. Next, I followed through with obtaining my <Continued on Page 2> Talking Heads Newsletter

12 Personal Stories (continued): Transformation (Life Transition), Roland Gavin Ramirez driver s license. Then with inspiration, I successfully earned numbered college certificates, which enhance my completed CADD Technician college Associate degree. For instance, while attending College, I took a certified series of courses (6-8) that included human conciliation training of Management/Supervision (MS), in the business field. This studied program improved my personal attributes as my interpersonal participation began to further broaden and expand. In short, with other students we studied separate scenes that harnessed dilemmas, rippled with individual interactions, curtailed with common and uncommon points of view. Through these presented courses of study, I realized, an open mind is receptive, and applicable to different opinions and ideas that which, may be similar, exact, or opposite of your own. With course focus, along with recognition, another benchmark was placed to guide my character, toward a goal. Along with the major support, that I ve had from faith, my family and friends, these three personal ambitions: educational goals, self-schema, and rehabilitative training/therapy have empowered me to honor my past what I recognize and the recognition received, and form an expanding future; toward any alignment, integrity is courage balanced with compassion learnt from experience! With coherent support, we can successfully manage a quality, developed effect, based intently on, abided and aligned values, focused toward optimistic goals: TQM (Total Quality Management), with room for improvement. I am educated, to a Degree; along with volunteer effort and noted references: positive participation, and trust. From this piercing paradigm, I ve endured and conformed visual impairments (strabismus); additionally, my right ear is deaf (SSD); and I ve encumbered the rapture of society s melancholy society s chronic affliction, latched to one s Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS)! It s been a concurrent disability: crude misinterpretations have run astray founding equilibrium in an unbalanced act. I have a recovering, termed memory; I forget things: misplaced! Gratefully, I walk about often; I appreciate the hike, and trekking-trails; social distress, degree s any TBI. Under interrogation, I m spelled overwhelmed. I suffer an intermittent, unpronounced insomnia. Intense, is suffering a distressed back, as part of a result! With this in occurrence, and others needed, I ve been under a medical process since catastrophic impact. Through living the life of a traumatic brain injured person, along with developed skills, patience, and adapting talents, my cultured project is to help boost, inspire, and motivate other traumatic brain injured individuals. Hopefully, I can connect with a rehabilitative TBI program, to establish, or utilize healthy activities whether with accounted desk duties, or being on the track, to Gung-Ho an activity type respecting traumatic brain injured people: my niche. My constant, revised confidence is thrilled to be alive to serve with TBI! Each TBI incident encompasses an entire yet distinctive world within it s-self. The TBI community is a living culture, relying on the respectful support of the broad and social, comprehensive system. My passion is to uplift TBI survivors minded toward their focused goal; tracking with successive spirit; determined to enhance followthrough: Worth-while effort. Roland s Mission statement II I m educated, and experienced in leadership skills; these efforts have empowered me to effectively improve, organizing my responsibilities; and to positively maintain tracking my accounted therapy with TBI motivation. I ve realized that a positive attitude executes optimistic thought. With my traumatic brain injury experience, I ve recognized that truth is pronounced in character, far beyond reputation. For reputation is what one thinks, or access who you are, while character is how you are respecting others with yourself. Collectively, we TBI people will leave a legacy to exemplify progression from a bitter tragedy to a prudent success: from a garbled state to an unprecedented significance. These extensive, valued experiences have proven and provided me first with, intuition itself, and next, the inspired inclination derived from self-investment Freedom is for those who are set free. Leonardo da Vinci Do you have a personal story about TBI that you want to share? If so, please Jerry Wright at jerry.wright@hhs.sccgov.org We would love to feature your story. Talking Heads Newsletter 2

13 Caregiver Stories: Fate and Faith, Rosalie Bachelier-Ramirez When I believe about fate and faith, I cannot help thinking that faith, which I ve always had, is always in everything that I set out to do with life. I ve also experienced fateful periods in my youth, becoming an orphan, from the death of my maternal Grandmother, and Mother. But time has helped me heal. In 954 I got married to my husband Rudy, together we raised three daughters, nine years later our prayers were answered with the arrival of our son in April 7, 968. We named him Roland Gavin, and was welcomed by his sisters Rene, Romaine and Roxane; my husband was overjoyed with his little boy. Faith is always in everything that I set out to do with life. It was joyful raising the kids, but nothing prepared us for Oct. 6, 988, when fate marked our lives forever. Our son was struck by the San Jose light rail, and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury accident. Roland was taken to the Trauma Unit at San Jose Hospital, where our family was informed to wait in the Blue Room, which was the place where families and doctors gather to discuss and inform the seriousness of the patient s condition or expectations. I clearly remember Dr. Emeka Nchekwube, neurosurgeon, telling us our son was in very bad shape and was going in to clean him up, and would do his very best to save his life from this traumatic state. After Roland came out of Surgery, Dr. Nchekwube told us within the Blue Room, that he d done his very best. Yet Roland s critical condition still remained. Therefore, with the Doctors expression, he pointed toward the heavens, saying that the rest was up to God! Roland s prognosis, at that moment according to Dr. Ngekube, was 24 hours to survive this crisis unless a miracle happened. We felt at that moment, he was preparing us for what perhaps might come. I saw Roland prior to his surgery being wheeled down the hall passing me by towards the operating room, but I was not allowed to get near him to kiss and bless him; due to the magnitude of this emergency and there was no time to lose. Therefore I blew him a kiss and blessed him from afar; as I leaned against the wall watching him disappear behind through the doors of the operating room. I then spoke to God within my solitude and humility with all the faith that empowered my heart and soul; I asked him to hear my plea, the pact that I would make and carry out, by granting my wish and prayer. My pact with God was that I d loved Roland before he was born, loved him now, and always will regardless of how he d give him back to me. I promise I would give up everything I was doing as pursuing a good future for us all in our family. But if Roland was going to suffer a lot from this trauma, than please take him back with you. I thank The Higher Power, I then felt peace overcome within me, I felt stronger spiritually and emotionally. Roland survived and was called The Miracle Boy all around the hospital. I also kept the end of my bargain as promised, by giving up everything construction business women owned, and other promising important projects. Therefore a new life began since the accident 22 years ago. I became Roland s care giver aside from being a mom, we re great friends, we ve laughed, cried together, support each other, achieved goals, prayed, and above all we love and believe in each other. Our family has been through a lot of hardships in this endeavor but also supportive, along with Roland s therapy, education etc. Roland has strived to do better and achieved every goal he has out to do, with faith and determination regardless of his disabilities, and has earned a college degree, plus many Certificates in many subjects. Therefore I admire my son for he s done and achieved quite a bit through the bumpy road of life, together we work as a team and reap the rewards as a family. Roland and Rosalie Bachelier-Ramirez Do you have a personal story about TBI that you want to share? If so, please Jerry Wright at jerry.wright@hhs.sccgov.org We would love to feature your story. 3 Talking Heads Newsletter

14 San Jose Rocks the Walk! This year s Walk for Thought in San Jose brought together providers and caretakers in the brain injury community as well as brain injury survivors and families. Designed to raise awareness and funds to support brain injury prevention, education, referrals, resources and advocacy, the 20 Walk for Thought was sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of California (BIACAL), with the Rehabilitation Research Center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, the San Jose-based Services for Brain Injury and the City of San Jose Office of Therapeutic Services serving as local hosts. The annual BIACAL Walk for Thought is a state-wide series of fund raising events that took place in nine California cities earlier this year. The San Jose walk was the only one in the state that met and surpassed its donor goals and the Walk Team organized within the Rehab Research Center finished at over 425% of its pre-event commitment. This year, the local host agencies, along with the Valley Medical Center Foundation, received a portion of the money raised during and after the walk. As a result, the Walk for Thought is enhancing local efforts to maintain vital services for brain injury survivors within the community while also supporting the state-wide mission of BIACAL. And if you weren t walking or donating this year, take steps to be there next year. The 202 Walk for Thought will be held at the same location, Almaden Lake Park, on Saturday, March 3, 202. Top and below: A little wet weather can t dampen the spirits of these dedicated walkers! For more information on Walk for Thought and the work it helps support locally, state-wide and nationally, visit < Talking Heads Needs You! Talking Heads welcomes your contributions. Be it a personal story, a resource we should know about, comments, criticisms, or just good jokes. Hey! We re not kidding! Send any or all ideas to: jerry.wright@hhs.sccgov.org Put criticisms on the back of a $20 bill and mail to: Jerry Wright Editor/Talking Heads Rehabilitation Research Center Santa Clara Valley Medical Center 75 South Bascom Ave. San Jose, CA 9528 Talking Heads Issue 39 In a Flash Your SSDI and SSI Benefits 2 BABIT 2 Richard Patterson 3 Support Group Information 6 Calendars 9 Event Minder 0 Personal Story: Roland Gavin Ramirez 3 Caregiver Story: Rosalie Bachelier- Ramirez 2 20 Walk for Thought Recap Available online at: Talking Heads Newsletter 4