to Work It was all I wanted. pg12

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1 MARCH 2012 Volume 19 Issue 1 SURVIVOR STORIES: An Alternative Residential Option pg7 Returning to Work It was all I wanted. pg12 Dianne Radunsky A Job Well Done pg 26

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3 MARCH 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Donna Thomson Vice-President Barbara Claiman Vice-President Tom Dow Treasurer Taryn Abate Corporate Secretary Nancy Baron-Blake Directors Dr. Sheila Bennett Brian Bird Gayle Dawson Jamie Fairles Melanie Gardin Maria Hundeck Loreigh Mitges Nancy Nicholson Greg Noack Norm Sinclair Lucie Sirois Debby Vigoda OBIA STAFF Executive Director Ruth Wilcock...#238 Associate Director Tammy Dumas...#240 Support Services Specialists Carla Thoms...#227 Admin. Services Coordinator Terry Wilcox...#234 Training & Admin. Assistant Diane Dakiv...#231 Training & Resource Navigator Debbie Spaulding...#224 Financial Controller Gail Coupland...#230 OBIA Review Editor Jennifer Norquay 7 Inside this issue: 26 Also Inside: Survivor Stories: An Alternative Residential Option Dianne Radunsky A Job Well Done 12 Returning to Work: One of the main hopes and expectations people have when leaving the hospital is that they will return to the work or study they were involved in prior to the injury. Ruth s Desk... 4 Volunteer Profile: Peer Mentor Norma Trimble Steve s Story Across the Province In Memory Friends of OBIA Letter from a Review Reader Conference Calendar Community Associations Provincial Associations Brain Basics VISIT [email protected] Copyright 2012, PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Ontario Brain Injury Association, PO Box 2338 St. Catharines, ON L2R 7R9 Ph: or Fax: , [email protected] Registered as a Canadian Charitable Organization Reg. # RR0001 3

4 OBIA REVIEW AWAReness Change can be devastating and challenging, but when the right tools are in place change can be a catalyst for empowerment, enabling one to move forward and reclaim their lives. By Ruth Wilcock, Executive Director, OBIA RUTH S DESK The Devastation, Challenges and Empowerment of Change When a person sustains a brain injury, the changes that this brings to one s life can be extremely devastating. For some, during the first few hours, days and even weeks following the injury they are battling for their very life. When this battle has been won, the long road of recovery and rehabilitation begins. For each survivor the journey is unique and has its own set of challenges. However, in speaking with many different survivors, along with their diversities, a common thread of loss emerges. Often survivors of brain injury lose a large part of what made them who they were, leaving them feeling alone and isolated. For others it is loss of their job, their friends and sometimes even family. The devastation of the injury leaves them struggling to regain who they once were, or grappling with finding out whom they might become. Each day brings with it new and different challenges. As I have listened to survivors share their stories with me I feel great empathy when I hear of their losses, impediments and hardships that they have encountered. However, I also feel a great sense of admiration as I listen to how they have met each and every one of these challenges. I never take for granted the amount of dedication, commitment and fortitude that is needed in order for survivors to meet the challenges that the devastation of the injury has brought about. I continue to be amazed at the amount of resiliency that a person is capable of, and one of the core elements to resiliency is the ability to adapt to change. Whether one is a survivor, family member or professional, each person has parts to them that, at times, can be resistant to change. Change involves exploring and navigating the terrain of the unknown. It takes one out of their comfort zone and exposes vulnerabilities that one may be resistant to confront. However, if one can navigate through the fears and uncertainties of change, this enables one to be empowered. Change can be devastating and challenging, but when the right tools are in place, change can be a catalyst for empowerment enabling one to move forward and reclaim their lives. The power of the resiliency of the human spirit and its ability to adapt to change is often echoed through the many survivor stories that have been published in the OBIA Review. 4

5 I want to give a special thank you to the survivors who are willing to share their very personal journeys with us and for the privilege that we have in celebrating their heartaches but also their many milestones and successes. I also want to mention that change not only happens to individuals but organizations as well. At OBIA, we are in the midst of experiencing a change. After 24 years of dedicated service Dianne Radunsky, who worked in support services, has retired from her position. In many ways Dianne was a pioneer in developing our support services department. Dianne has been able to advocate on the behalf of hundreds of survivors and family members whose lives have been touched by brain injury. Dianne always came from a place of compassion, justice and fierce dedication to getting the best services that were available for the clients she served. MARCH 2012 On behalf of the board of directors, staff and volunteers. I want to give our heartfelt thanks to Dianne for her commitment to OBIA and all that she has accomplished in her role. We wish her all the best in her retirement. Share your story OBIA would like to hear from you! Send your story to: [email protected] 5

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7 MARCH 2012 support SURVIVOR STORIES Family Homes - An Alternative Residential Option By Karen Metcalf, Pathways to Independence Family Homes were developed over 40 years ago as an alternative to traditional group home models and institutional care that typically supported adults with developmental challenges. They were viewed as a positive option to congregate care providing a more intimate and family type environment. Family Homes are based on the Foster Care model of support. Individuals in the community who wish to open their home to someone with special needs apply to the program. A thorough screening and approval process is completed through personal interviews, home study, reference and police checks. Once the home is approved the matching process begins. Factors such as the location of the home, family lifestyle, likes, skills and personality are considered in matching an individual with the right family. When a match is determined a series of pre-placement visits are scheduled to help the family and the individual get to know one another. These visits are reviewed to determine compatibility and ultimately the individual and the family decide if this is a good option for everyone involved. Pathways to Independence has a long and successful history of providing Family Home support to individuals with developmental disabilities. It seemed only natural to consider this as an option for persons with an Acquired Brain Injury. In 2003 Pathways began supporting Richard, a gentleman who had sustained two work related brain injuries. When I first met Richard he was fifty three years old. At the time he was living in a privately owned retirement home that was somewhat isolated and provided limited socialization and activities. Staff had no experience in brain injury support and everyone agreed that this was not a good option for Richard. Often Richard would isolate himself in his room and emotionally disconnect for extended periods of time. He rarely communicated and appeared depressed and withdrawn. Richard was very anxious to leave the retirement home and regain his independence. Little was known about Richard s previous life. He had moved around a great deal, had never married and had lost contact with his family. He was, however, an accomplished outdoorsman, handyman and woodcrafter. He embraced his native culture and loved horses. He was very artistic and was proud to show me a life sized canoe that he had carved himself. He had so many unique interests including photography, canoeing, cycling and collecting clocks. He showed me some of his photography and I was amazed at how he could capture nature in its most natural form. Despite being very withdrawn and described as non-communicative Richard told me that he would like to live on a farm in the country and have his own horse. Unfortunately this was not the option Pathways had available at the time. Richard agreed, however, to move to Belleville, an unknown community to him and reside in one of our ABI supported homes. It quickly became apparent that this 7

8 OBIA REVIEW was not a good match for Richard. He did not like the city and found sharing a home with others in opposition to his quiet and introspective nature. Richard was having a very difficult time adjusting and his mental health began to deteriorate in an alarming manner. Although we had never supported someone with an ABI in a Family Home we had a home that seemed to perfectly match Richard s vision for his ideal living situation. It was a hobby farm, located in Prince Edward County and the providers had horses. Although the providers had no experience in Acquired Brain Injuries they were very excited to meet Richard. The providers Lucille and Sidney (affectionately known as Ziggy) shared a love of country living, horses, motorcycles and a laid back relaxed lifestyle. There was almost an immediate connection at the first meeting. There was a natural affinity in Ziggy s and Richard s personalities. Richard seemed so much at home and I saw an almost Richard seemed so much at home and I saw an almost instantaneous improvement in his disposition and demeanor. He was thrilled with the location, the barn, the dogs and of course the horses. instantaneous improvement in his disposition and demeanor. He was thrilled with the location, the barn, the dogs and of course the horses. Richard moved to his new home in November 2002 and quickly became a beloved member of the family. His life is a testament to the value of Family Home support and the importance of making a good match. He and Ziggy have developed a bond that is beyond description. Since moving Richard has pursued his love of photography and was able to take a photography class. He has a new computer so he can print his pictures and has become quite proficient. He also purchased a mountain bike and enjoys biking to the Sand Dunes, taking pictures along the way. He tells us he is in the best physical shape he has ever been in. In 2011 Richard and his family went to Europe for a holiday. They stayed in Munich and visited the Black Forest, a place that always held a fascination for Richard. He purchased Restore yourself. If you ve been seriously injured, Judith Hull & Associates can help. Our focus is on your needs there s no reason to go through a major trauma alone. Motor Vehicle Collisions Traumatic Brain Injuries Orthopaedic Injuries Spinal Cord Injuries Wrongful Death Claims CPP & Disability Claims Dangerous Premises Historic Sexual Abuse Product Liability Workplace Safety Insurance Benefits We do not represent insurance companies. Service, Integrity, Results. 2nd Floor, 620 Richmond Street London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5J9 When your future is at stake, call us at , or online at judithhull.com Judith Hull & Associates Professional Corporation 8

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10 OBIA REVIEW support lawns on his riding lawn mower. Richard tells me he is his own boss. Richard once told his Family Home worker that before living with Ziggy and Lucille that he was just alive, he had a heart beat but that was about it. Now he says he is actually living a life. He tells us that he values his life and time; he realizes you can choose to make the best of what you have while you can. The man I met nine years ago has little or no resemblance to the Richard I see today. From a life of isolation and exclusion to living with a family who truly cares for him and who has helped him create an enviable life uniquely tailored to his passions and spirit. Richard doesn t need a bucket list - he is already fulfilling his life s goals. A Family Home doesn t work for everyone but when the right match is made wonderful things can happen. Pathways has families who have been in the program for over thirty years. We now support eighty-four individuals in Family Home settings including two others with Acquired Brain Injuries. The dedication, care and support of our providers continues to amaze and humble me. Their stories are as inspirational as Richard s. a coo-coo clock for his collection. He also enjoys being a regular passenger on the back of Ziggy s motorcycle. He has taken sailing lessons and attended a Boundless Adventure Camp with Ziggy where they canoed, rock climbed and enjoyed wilderness hiking. Richard is an avid fisherman and his new home has provided an outlet for his love of the outdoors, nature and wildlife. In addition to the horses he is surrounded by four cats and three dogs. Upon moving in Richard s first order of business was to fix up the barn. He was diligent in making major improvements to the barn and yard area. He began volunteering his time at a local horse farm where he was quickly dubbed the horse whisperer given his ability to calm even the most difficult animals. While there he met Mandy, a thoroughbred quarter horse. With much dedication he began saving his money and with the support of his family purchased her and brought her home to the barn he had refurbished. Since that time he has bought a second horse and is now looking at a third animal, an Egyptian Arabian male. He also tends to his own garden and takes care of the 10

11 MARCH 2012 A single source for your clients home care and rehab needs People with serious injuries often need a variety of health care services attendant care and nursing for their daily needs and physiotherapy and other rehabilitative services to make the best possible recovery. Bayshore Home Health and Bayshore Therapy & Rehab, the newest addition to the trusted Bayshore brand of health care offerings, can provide professional services in both areas. Our caregivers and rehab professionals are supported by internal clinical experts and our National Care Team a convenient central contact point for workers compensation boards, insurers and government care programs, providing standardized reporting and timely service with a personal touch. To learn more, please call or visit Therapy & Rehab Better care for a better life 11

12 OBIA REVIEW AWAReness Returning to Work: One of the main hopes and expectations people have when leaving the hospital is that they will return to the work or study they were involved in prior to the injury. 12 However, it is very common for a person to feel that they are ready to return to their previous position well before everyone else thinks they are. The individual s unrealistic expectations are often due to poor self-awareness or denial. If a neuropsychological assessment took place during rehabilitation, this should provide some indications about the areas of difficulty that will need to be addressed in returning to work. The ability to hold a job is one of the most potent measures of community integration. The single most important factor in predicting return to work is active participation in rehabilitation and in the therapeutic community. The second best predictor is the injured individual s self-awareness. The ability to manage emotions is also a significant factor in employability. POTENTIAL BARRIERS Some of the barriers in returning to work are: An individual s desire to work being greater than their actual readiness Accessing support e.g. being linked with the right employment support agency Cognitive impairment A lack of opportunities for people to demonstrate what they are capable of Poor control over emotions Fatigue and other physical problems e.g. dizziness and headaches Experiencing a loss of self-confidence after unsuccessful attempts Loss of motivation. SUPPORT Employment support agencies and rehabilitation services often provide programs that may focus upon the person returning to their previous position. However, this is usually not possible straight away. The results of different assessments can gather information about the person s strengths and deficits to provide guidelines regarding employment potential. Sometimes a meeting can be organized between the person who was injured, family members, the employer and rehabilitation professionals to discuss a gradual return to work plan. A work trial may be organized to assess how well the person can cope with the demands of different tasks. On-the-job training provides the opportunity for people to relearn previously acquired skills or learn new skills. STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING IMPAIRMENTS Understanding the different forms of recovery and adjustment becomes particularly important when people return to work after their injury. It is often helpful to consider which area of impairment might benefit from which form of recovery and adjustment. Remediation This involves relearning skills with practice until a certain level has been achieved e.g. practicing typing speed.

13 MARCH 2012 MANAGING FATIGUE Fatigue is a very common outcome after a brain injury, and it has a serious impact on someone s ability to resume work, especially in jobs needing intense concentration or fast paced decision making. Often survivors can manage a workload if they can approach one task at a time, work in a quiet environment without distractions, and have a flexible schedule for rest breaks if needed. The problem, of course, is that many work environments won t allow some, or possibly any, of these to happen. LEGAL ISSUES Substitution Substitution requires maximizing previous skills or learning a new skill to overcome a difficulty e.g. using self-instruction to improve concentration skills. Accommodation This is when a person adjusts their goals and expectations to match their level of capability e.g. aiming for a position with less responsibility and a reduced work load. After rehabilitation some people manage to return to their jobs only to be fired shortly after there may be grounds for objecting on the grounds of discrimination. In many provinces there are legal requirements that specify people with a disability have equal opportunity to gain employment and that their disability should only be taken into consideration when it is fair to do so. The legal requirements often state that employers should make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of someone with a disability. This means the employer must examine the physical and organizational barriers which may prevent the employment, limit the performance or curtail the advancement of people with disability. This is one of over 100 fact sheets on brain injury available at reprinted with the permission of BIAQ. Assimilation Assimilation is modifying the environment and expectations of other people e.g. introducing specialized equipment, supportive work environments and educating employers and colleagues about the nature of support required. Some common recommendations for returning to work include having plenty of rest periods, a routine and structure to tasks, flexibility, reduced hours, supervision and support. Some individual characteristics that may influence level of achievement include self-awareness, motivation, determination and adaptability. VOLUNTEER WORK Individuals who are assessed as not being ready for work may wish to pursue volunteer work (e.g. at a charity organization) to improve their skills, awareness of personal capabilities and level of experience. However, employment may not be a realistic option for many people after brain injury. Accepting this situation can be very distressing for people who have often spent most of their lives building a career. It is hoped that people can pursue other avenues for achievement, satisfaction and productive use of their leisure time. June is Brain Injury Awareness Month WHAt is your organization doing to CeleBRAte? Send us your stories and pictures and we will publish them in the June issue of the OBIA REVIEW. 13

14 OBIA REVIEW podemos ayudarle. pwede kaming tumulong. chúng tôi se giúp. ~ As Toronto s largest ethnic personal injury law firm, speaking 24 languages, we are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive the rehabilitation and fair compensation they deserve, in a language they understand. At Carranza, many of us are first or second generation Canadians who are able to provide expert legal representation in multiple languages. Not only can we help overcome the language barrier, but we can also assist with many of the cultural issues that may arise throughout treatment and recovery. No matter how you say it, we can help

15 MARCH 2012 support Volunteer Profile: Peer Mentor, Norma Trimble Norma Trimble started volunteering for the Ontario Brain Injury Association as a Peer Mentor in October The Agency provides such an invaluable service across the province and it s a pleasure to be involved with the program, she said. I have been mentoring people for over 40 years through my work prior to retirement, and I really enjoy helping others. Norma first heard about the program during the course of her employment and had worked with ABI clients in the past. She was a caregiver to relatives and friends alike. The peer mentoring program provides an alternative and much needed form of support during both the early and later phases of adjustment in the community. Survivors, family members and non-paid caregivers are partnered with a fellow survivor, family member or caregiver who is empathetic towards their frustrations because they have experienced similar situations. Mentoring takes place over a series of telephone contacts and/or s between a caring volunteer who has first-hand experience living with a particular issue. The partnership focuses on the discussion and, where possible, resolution of specific problems or issues. Mentors offer a listening ear, share experiences in coping with real issues and situations, and offering resources and strategies. The Peer Support Mentoring is open to teens (16 years or older) and adults who have sustained a brain injury, a family member, friend, or a non-paid caregiver. Norma s listening skills and practical advice make her an ideal Peer Mentor says Laura Kay, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Windsor/Essex. She has mentored several individuals as far away as Sudbury and Kingston. Most mentors manage one case at a time, but not Norma; she is currently helping two people from Northern Ontario. After I retired I had the time to do more volunteer work and decided to become a volunteer mentor for the Agency. It s worked out well, and I am still doing it, she said. I enjoy the close contact with people and I enjoy helping caregivers with the transitions that seem nearly impossible once a loved one has an acquired brain injury. It s not easy for them, says Norma. Norma said being a volunteer enables her to provide some stability in the lives of these people, which is something they are often lacking. My partners in the program look forward to my weekly phone calls as much as I look forward to talking to them. They know they can count on me to be there for them and share a few laughs and some good times along the way, she said. We look forward to our chats; it s really a nice experience to be a part of. We really need more volunteers in the program, she said. And if people are looking for a quality way to spend some time they should definitely consider becoming a volunteer. It has certainly brought me a great deal of joy. Norma said volunteering has given her life greater purpose, especially since retirement. But volunteering can be rewarding at any age. For more information on becoming a Volunteer Peer Mentor, contact Carla Thoms at the OBIA office,

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17 MARCH 2012 support Steve s story at my desk enjoying a coffee each morning by 7 a.m. Coming home, I would arrive by 7 p.m., which made for a long day. The morning of June 6, 2007, I woke up and went through my morning ritual of getting ready. I woke my wife, Susan, for my ride to the bus terminal. I took our family pet, Buddy, a beautiful yellow lab, out for a quick morning walk. Buddy was one of my best friends, when I was home we were inseparable. He could run free in the front yard and I didn t need to worry about him running off. We headed off to the bus terminal making our routine stop at Tim Horton s for a coffee and Buddy s timbit; he had the staff wrapped around his paw! I arrived at the bus terminal, went to board the bus and realized I had forgotten my wallet at home. The bus driver knew me and that I had a monthly pass so let me on the bus anyway. The year 2007 was like a rollercoaster for my family. We celebrated New Years with friends and family in Punta Cana, DR. There was fantastic entertainment, fireworks, and the mood was joyful, happy, and full of celebration. Being with my family and closest friends made this the trip of a lifetime. I knew 2007 was going to be a year I would never forget. The next few months for us passed quickly. My son David was fifteen and was progressing through his first year in high school. He also started his first paying job working at McDonalds. My daughter Patricia was eighteen. She was just wrapping up her last year in high school. She was keeping herself busy with studying and being actively involved with the school rowing team, all the while selecting a university at which to continue her studies. She was still deciding what she wanted to take, but she had it narrowed down to English and Communications. Our home was located in a quiet residential area in West St. Catharines. I worked as the Director of Information and Communication Technologies at Mount Sinai Hospital in downtown Toronto. I had a staff of approximately 75 members. I commuted by bus to Toronto on a daily basis, which had me This day was not unlike any other day at work. I was in meetings from the time I arrived at work until the time I left that day. I walked out the front door with a good friend and colleague, Mike. We had some outstanding business left from those meetings and were chatting about our plans for the next day. We walked up University Avenue and split up at Edward Street where I turned, said see you later, and continued walking down Edward Street. At Chestnut Street a bus made a left hand turn hitting me while I was crossing the street at the crosswalk. The bus continued moving, running over the lower part of my body and didn t stop until a witness caught his attention. When he finally stopped, the driver stepped off the bus, chatted with the witness and according to the police report, looked back at me and said, Oh I better move the bus. His rear tire was parked on top of me. I have no recollection of these events, or those of the next several weeks which I spent drifting in and out of consciousness. Not having a wallet caused a couple of problems for me when I arrived at St. Michaels Hospital. I still had my Mount Sinai name badge on, so they knew my name and looked up Steve Noyes in their computer. They found a Steve Noyes, so they registered me under that name; however, they found the wrong Steve Noyes, I was registered as a sixty-eight year old man; I was only forty three. Not knowing how to reach my next of kin, the hospital called Mount Sinai and reached a close colleague who was able to get the information needed to contact my wife. Back at home, my wife received a call from the Toronto Police advising her that I had received a bump on the head and she should come to the hospital. My son was working and my daughter was still at school so my wife quickly headed off to Toronto to pick me up. When she arrived at the hospital, she was greeted by Officer Orchard who immediately apologized for being so unclear on the phone. He told her he didn t want her to drive while upset, and possibly get into an accident on the way there. The doctors met with my wife to fill her in 17

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19 and told her how serious my injuries were. They told her that they would be surprised if I made it to the weekend. That first evening, my friend Mike, my boss and the President and CEO of Mount Sinai all came to the hospital to see me and support Susan. Once Susan knew the extent of my injuries, she called some close friends who notified our children. It was the end of June before I next remembered anything, I call this my wakeup time. I guess I had been awake before this, but I was not myself. I was doing some really strange things, like calling my mother names and telling her to leave. I am very close with my mother, so this was very out of character for me. The first thing I remember after this wake up is wondering if I had missed my daughter s wedding. One of my most vivid thoughts during the initial few weeks of my injuries was that I had to get better so I would be around to walk my daughter down the aisle. I had not missed her wedding, she wasn t even engaged but I did miss her high school graduation. It was hard for me to learn I had missed such an important event in her life. I spent another few months at St. Michaels recovering and waiting for a bed in rehab. In September, I was transferred to the Chedoke in-patient unit for rehab. The staff were amazing, and never let me make excuses. Instead, I was always doing something to rehabilitate my mind and body. I was at Chedoke for three months before I went home, with the added support of outpatient therapy. When I arrived home that first day, I was greeted at the door by Buddy, who did something he had never done before; he jumped up on me, put his paws on my shoulders and licked me on the face. Almost as if to say, Daddy where have you been, I ve missed you. After a few months at home, my wife, family and friends started to notice behaviour traits that just weren t typical of the old Steve. These included severe depression, excessive spending and mood swings. I was readmitted to inpatient psychiatric care for behavioural and medication assessment. After a few months of evaluation they had a good handle on my medications and sent me back home to the care of my wife and my outpatient team. There was also a new member added to my team, my neuropsychologist, Dr. Sherrie Bieman- Copland, aka Dr. B-C. As I was learning to live and cope with these major life changes, so was my family. My wife was learning to live as care-giver, my daughter had to learn to behave more like a parent than a daughter, always having to correct me or point me in the right direction, and my son was just lost. We knew he was struggling but had no idea how badly. One day my wife and I were at an appointment at McMaster and I received a After a few months at home, my wife, family and friends started to notice behaviour traits that just weren t typical of the old Steve. These included severe depression, excessive spending and mood swings. MARCH 2012 text message from my son that said, I love you. That s all it said. I received no responses to any of my follow up queries. Alarmed, my wife and I headed home to discover that David had been taken to hospital after taking a bottle of my sleeping pills. Fortunately, he had called friends after taking them and I will always be grateful to those friends and paramedics who acted quickly and saved his life. This was the lowest point for me. Until then I was focussed on how brain injury had caused so many changes in my life, but now I was seeing how it had affected everyone around me. The thing about change is that it is up to the person to decide how to respond to it. I was depressed, angry and doing lots of things that I thought would get me back in control of my life, but weren t working. I needed to work with my injury rather than fight against it. Besides the severe head and brain injuries I had sustained, the most compelling long term injury I faced was severe vision loss. About a year after I came home my Buddy died suddenly. I didn t think I d ever get another dog, but Dr. B-C helped me as I applied and received a service dog named Tonka. Tonka is my best friend and gets me safely from point A to point B. With Tonka, my life at home has changed. I ve found independence, I have gained some much needed socialization skills as everyone wants to stop and talk to me and Tonka when we are out. Lots of good things were happening, but I was still bored. My injury hugely affected my initiation, when it was just me and Tonka nothing happened. I shocked Dr. B-C when I was actually asking for rehab support again. It was around this time she helped me bring on a Personal Assistant to work with me. Kimberly is the kick in the butt that I needed. People say old habits are hard to break, not with Kimberly around they are not! Boredom? What boredom! The most important change for me that has allowed me to use and test a great number of my skills which I relied on during my time at Mount Sinai, was and continues to be, my volunteer position at OBIA. I serve as Steve, the computer guy in the office. I am there a few days a week and have recently upgraded all of the computers in the office, 11 to be 19

20 OBIA REVIEW Interested in adversing in the OBIA Review? Ad Space starting from $850 for one full year! Call Terry Wilcox in Admin. Services Coordinator #234 20

21 MARCH 2012 exact, to new technology running the latest Microsoft software. I provide daily maintenance and regular troubleshooting for the staff in the office. I haven t given up on my dream of being able to work again. Getting back to work was all I wanted for the first couple of years after my injury. Imagine, I even tried to flag a cab in my hospital gown to go back to work at Mount Sinai while I was still an inpatient at St. Michael s hospital. I am so thankful for my family for never giving up on me, for my wife who is my best friend and has stood by me even through the most difficult times. I am thankful for my son, who has grown to be an amazing young man and is currently studying to be a Paramedic, so he can pay it forward for the help he received. Finally, I am thankful not only for my daughter s support through these past few years, but I am most thankful that I am here and looking forward to walking her down the aisle at her wedding next summer! My work at OBIA has given me something meaningful to do with my skills and my new found free time, and who knows what might be next for me. It is under the care of my wonderful psychologist Dr. B-C that my life has turned around and is heading towards the old normal. I can never thank her enough for the significant changes she has made in me, and more importantly, in the lives of our entire family, in helping us cope with the results of these injuries. I look forward to meeting with her each week for my attitude adjustment as she calls it. 21

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23 MARCH 2012 awareness Across the Province OBIA Advisory Council (OAC): Our Educational Workshop for the January meeting of the OAC was Grant Writing. Sandra Lambert, the Development Officer for Holland Bloorview Kids Foundation, presented about effective grant writing, touching on all areas necessary for consideration when planning and executing a grant application. Melanie Gardin from BIA Windsor, Cheryl Hassan from Four Counties BIA and Denise McRiner from BIS Toronto participated in the follow up discussion panel. They provided highly relevant information, insight, and resources to the group based on their experiences applying for grants. Many thanks to our guest speaker and to our panel members at the OAC meeting. Community Programs and Events: Once again, we are delighted to be able to showcase many of the Community Association Events Green Shield of Canada provided funds to the Association to support the expanding Helmets on Kids program in Windsor- Essex. With the help of community partners the BIAWE purchased 53 hockey helmets to be used for winter sports in the community. The majority of the helmets were distributed to a local skate lending program. The helmets will be loaned to kids that are borrowing skates at the cities outdoor skate rink in downtown Windsor. The Association has received a lot of support and encouragement to expand the already very successful bicycle helmet program. Special thanks to our local media including CKLW, CBC, Amherstburg Echo, Blackburn Radio and Windsor Star for their great coverage at our media launch. (Photo top right: Kyle Neville, Hunter Gee, Mack Waspe and Rhyen Waspe.) BIA Windsor-Essex The employees of Chapman Gordon Gardin Stewart law firm had a fundraiser in support of brain injury survivors and presented a cheque for $500 to the BIAWE in December. (Photo below.) enthusiastic students. The students were made up of health care professionals, caregivers, and some professionals from a personal injury law firm. BIAWE was able to subsidize the course for 2 caregivers and 2 volunteers to attend. Caregiver Paul Finlay was joined by Survivor Kathy Worotny and Ernie Soulier in the guest panel. (Photo below: Survivor Kathy Worotny and John Kumpf) wonderful programs and events happening around Ontario. Our local Association has been very busy with plans for On January John Kumpf came to Windsor to teach the Brain Basics Course to 28 Our first of many fundraising events this year will be our Annual Taste of the Islands Gala which takes place on March 31 at the Windsor Yacht Club. This year we will be introducing a Run/Walk which is taking place on May 27th and a Golf Tournament that is scheduled for May 28th in Kingsville ON. BIA Peel-Halton The 9 th Annual Golf4Yuri Tournament - will be held on May 5th 2012 at the Caledon Golf and Country Club, with all proceeds directed to BIAPH s respite program. For more information please visit: 23

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25 MARCH 2012 BIAPH s corporate fundraiser: Une Affaire de Chocolat - May 24th, 2012 at Harbour Banquet & Conference Centre located on the shore of Lake Ontario in Bronte Harbour. Please visit biaph.com or call our office at for more information BIA Sault Sainte Marie On Monday, August 15th, David McGuire was welcomed to Sault Ste. Marie by our Mayor Amaroso, the City Council and the local brain injury community with a Proclamation of A Run To Remember Day for the city. A gathering was held at the Civic Centre to honor his efforts. David spoke to the city council about his Run To Remember Event, which has brought focus and resources to the issue of brain injury in Canada. His brain injury took a split second to change his life forever. He was told he may never walk again, so he ran instead - right across Canada - on a 9 month marathon that started March 25, 2011 and ended December 9, 2011 at Mile Zero in Victoria. This amazing person reminded our city that brain injury is the greatest killer under the age of 45, the greatest disabler under the age of 44 and this type of often preventable injury kills more children under the age of 20 than all other causes combined. Brain injury is at epidemic proportions in Canada with 747 people being injured every single day! The Brain Injury Association would also like to take this time to thank Paul Goring (OBIA Volunteer of the Year), who will be retiring on March 31, 2012 after many years of providing services to our local agency for the Twoonie Lunch at the Clubhouse and taking care of our Red Cross Community Garden. We (Kim Anderson, Debbie Scarfone, David McGuire and Melissa Wild) would also like to thank Garneta Brown for dedicating the past two years as Treasurer and welcome Heather Wellings on board as our new Treasurer. Our goal is to implement awareness of brain injury into our community and to connect with those people and families that have been affected. Brain Injury Association Sudbury & District BIASD hosted our Annual Holiday Dinner & Dance on December 9th, Over 125 survivors/family members attended the event. Dinner was served followed by a dance. A professional photographer was also present and took photos of everyone present. It was a great evening for everyone who attended. (Photo below: ABI Survivor - Ken Vandeligt and his mom, Joe-Anne Vandeligt) Jan 1, 2012 BIASD Winter Helmet Campaign has been set into motion. To date, since June 2011, over 1500 $20.00 OFF coupons have been handed out in the community. BIASD will be hosting the Brain Basics Course in Sudbury on March BIA Ottawa Valley In November, 9 members travelled to Niagara Falls by train to attend the Provincial Conference. All in attendance had a great time and enjoyed meeting new friends. Thank you to all the organizers for a job well done. The Step Up Work Centre Members teamed up with the A Channel Ottawa (CTV 2) in their annual food drive. Boxes were set up at the work centre to collect donations and there was also a door to door campaign. More than 61,500 lbs of food and $53,000 was presented to the Local Food Bank. BRAVO to all our members as well as the other participating organizations and individuals in the City of Ottawa. Our Christmas dinner was a huge success thanks to the generosity and help of the Step Up Work Centre Members and their families. The members are always looking at ways to share the knowledge of brain injury with others in the community and as such, decided to have a community pancake breakfast. Their main goal to bring awareness. Guests were very appreciative of the wonderful breakfast prepared by the members. We were pleasantly surprised with the turnout. BRAVO to all the members who worked diligently to make this event a success and all those that came in to do cleanup. We will be hosting two Brain Basics courses in March. The confirmed dates are March 20th, 21th and March 22nd and 23rd. These events will be held in Cornwall and Arnprior. This course is open to families and survivors as well as front line workers. There are a limited number of subsidized places so please call the office at (613) for more information. Headwaters ABI Group The Headwaters ABI Group (HABI) presents its 3rd annual Community ABI Awareness event on June 26th, 2012, from 5-8pm at Monora Park, Orangeville Ontario. Learn about ABI with our special guest speakers this year from members of the Hit CBC radio series: The Five Crazy Guys Bring your family and friends to enjoy the good eats, great beats and lots of kids fun and games. Contact Event Coordinator Norman Phillips for further information via at [email protected]. 25

26 OBIA REVIEW support Dianne Radunsky: A Job Well Done By Jen Norquay, Editor OBIA Review 26 In the beginning, OBIA was a small organization with only a handful of staff members. On July 20, 1988, armed with two file folders and tasked with a mission to create a resource department, Dianne Radunsky s 24 year tenure at OBIA began. Prior to joining the team at OBIA, Dianne was looking for a position that was both challenging and interesting. In developing the resource department at OBIA, and responding to the calls on the helpline, Dianne quickly realized that in addition to the position being both challenging and interesting, it was also extremely rewarding. Helping people navigate their way through a very complex system was one of Dianne s greatest strengths. Her empathy and assessment skills, coupled with her ability to create meaningful relationships with professionals, survivors and family members contributed to her success in her role as an advocate for people living with acquired brain injury. As the goals and focus of the organization expanded, so did Dianne s role in the newly formed Support Services Department, which evolved from the resource department that Dianne had helped to develop. Throughout the years, Dianne continued to flourish in her role, staying abreast of issues affecting persons with acquired brain injury and serving on numerous committees. Additionally, Dianne s work with hospitals regarding the issue of patient discharge and liaising with families has been extremely well-received. When asked, Dianne noted that she cannot think of one situation of one-on-one advocacy that she was involved in where the best interest of the individual wasn t met. Over the years, Dianne developed strong relationships with professionals throughout the province. This is clearly demonstrated in a letter to OBIA from Warner Clarke (former Senior Program Consultant with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care): Dianne Radunsky has been a tireless advocate for many individuals and families, and especially when she has noted something that doesn t pass the Radunsky sniff test. I ve often received a telephone call that often starts with Hello, it s Dianne Radunsky. Do you have time to talk? At the end of a conversation with Dianne, I am usually reformatted from a perspective of budgets and time lines, to a Dianneview of the world, which is populated by people and possibilities. I thank Dianne for making my job more difficult in the short term, but more rewarding in the long term. When asked what she will miss most about her job, she talked about the compassionate staff and people involved with OBIA and the great working environment. She noted that she has been fortunate to work for an organization that was empathetic to family stress, something that she was no stranger to. Over the years that Dianne worked for OBIA, she was also the primary caregiver for her husband who lives with a chronic debilitating illness. In many ways this Opening Doors For Children and Adults with Physical Disabilities Home & Vehicle Modification Program Call HVMP (4867)

27 MARCH 2012 contributed to her knowledge and understanding of the stresses that many of the families go through following ABI. Dianne was also especially thankful for her work with the OBIA Advisory Council (OAC) and expressed the following at the last OAC meeting: I do want to tell all of you how much I have appreciated being a part of OAC for so many years and appreciate the things that make you so special, not just the sharing of knowledge that we experienced together but also the fun and often laughter that makes this group unique. The teamwork shown by the community associations has demonstrated OAC s passion for helping the people that we provide services to that are affected by a brain injury. I feel that I am leaving OBIA at a good time as they are moving forward to a very positive future. You have taught me so much, so it is I who must thank all of you for having me be a part of OAC. Thank you, thank you! In her closing words of wisdom for her successor, Dianne stressed that this person do whatever it takes to make sure that all has been done to assist individuals to overcome their barriers and to empower them wherever possible. Her last day at OBIA was February 29, Dianne, you will be greatly missed! Barbara Legate, LL.B. Certified Specialist (Civil Litigation) Proven brain injury experts known for results. Legate & Associates team of lawyers have proven expertise representing victims of brain injury. We are dedicated to achieving results for children, adults and their families. We understand the needs of those suffering everything from mild brain injury and post-concussive syndrome to severe brain trauma. At Legate, our single-minded focus is achieving fair and full compensation for our clients. Ten years ago, Legate & Associates started the Helmets on Kids Campaign in London: we believe in preventing brain injury and protecting children. Legate & Associates is known for results. With over 30 years of experience, Ms. Legate is recognized by Lexpert as Southwestern Ontario s most recommended personal injury lawyer and as Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation in London/Windsor by Best Lawyers in Canada. She and her team have a proven track record you can count on. We offer free consultations [email protected] 150 Dufferin Avenue, London, ON tt 27

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30 OBIA REVIEW HILL Program Home for Independent Living and Learning We strive to promote optimal functional independence in children and adults with an acquired brain injury through a continuum of active therapeutic intervention, quality service and ongoing support. Our rehabilitative services include: Comprehensive Functional Assessments Residential, Semi-Independent, and Outreach Services Occupational Therapy Skilled Lifeskills Coaches Additional Professional Servies via contract. Consulting Psychologist: Dr. Ken Dunn, Ph.D., C. Psych. Please contact us at Tel: or Fax: Anna Green at [email protected] or Jim Kennedy at [email protected] Rehabilitation for Children and Adults with Neurologic Impairment Assessment and Treatment Residential and Supported Living o o o Etobicoke Hamilton Mississauga Community Rehabilitation Information: [email protected] Outcome Oriented, Cost Effective and Innovative 30

31 MARCH 2012 support List of In Memory Donors OBIA received recent donations in memory of the following people. Our heartfelt condolences to their family and friends: Donations were received In Memory of John Wier from Lynda Mackenzie Our condolences to the Wier Family Donations were received In Memory of Edward Evans from Marlene Evans Our condolences to the Evans Family Donations were received In Memory of Al Beeching from Educational Resource Facilitators of Peel Jennifer Miller Michael Collier Our condolences to the Beeching Family Donations were received In Memory of Dana King from Steen Berthelgen Terry & Debbie Seller Cindy Innes Ruth Bauer Darlene Gross Our condolences to the King Family Donations were received In Memory of Helen Vittie from Carla Thoms Our condolences to the Vittie Family If you would like to make a donation in memory of your loved one, please call Terry Wilcox: or

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33 MARCH 2012 support Recognizing the Friends of OBIA The Ontario Auto Recyclers Association Donates $25,000 to OBIA On January 17, 2012, Mr. Wally Dingman, President of the Ontario Auto Recyclers Association (OARA) presented a cheque to OBIA for $25,000. At the presentation, Mr. Dingman (pictured in the centre) expressed his appreciation of the work that OBIA does for people living with a brain injury as well as his belief that OBIA is both an important and an extremely relevant organization for OARA to support. The OARA is very active in the community and this gift raises the total donations made by OARA to over $1.3 million to healthcare and environmental organizations in Ontario. According to their website: the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association has been the voice of the auto recycling industry in Ontario since Since its inception, OARA has been a working partner with their members to improve the practices within the industry and to collectively promote the benefits of responsible auto recycling with the general public, provincial and local governments and key stakeholders. The Honourable Jim Bradley, Minister of the Environment attended the cheque presentation (pictured on the left). During Minister Bradley s visit, he met with the staff at OBIA and commended them on the work that OBIA does for persons with brain injury. Minister Bradley noted that in a matter of seconds, your life can be changed forever. He also pointed out that with safer vehicles and safer driving habits, along with mandatory use of helmets, it was his hope that the incidence of brain injury would be much less prevalent than it was in the past. Ruth Wilcock, Executive Director of OBIA, noted the two organizations are ultimately linked as a significant number of brain injuries are sustained in vehicle collisions and many of those damaged vehicles are ultimiately recycled. OBIA provides support to the people involved in motor vehicle collisions and the OARA is responsible for recycling and/or repairing the vehicles. This substantial donation to OBIA is OARA s way of giving back to the community and to those injured in vehicle collisions. Mr. Bradley also addressed the importance of auto recycling and the resulting positive benefits to the environment. Ms. Wilcock said that the funds donated by OARA will be used to further enhance OBIA s programs for persons living with the effects of acquired brain injury. Ms. Wilcock, on behalf of OBIA, the staff and Board of Directors, thanked Mr. Dingman and the Ontario Auto Recycler s Association for their gracious donation. Our thanks go to the following people and businesses that made contributions, either financial or in-kind, to OBIA s initiatives for the three-month period ending December 31, David Evans, Mount Sinai Hospital Steve Noyes Deborah Scarfone, ACCLAIM - Ability Management Inc. Bernie Gluckstein, Gluckstein & Associates LLP Stephen Gregory, Alternative Hydro Solutions Margaret Carew Borys Holowacz Dale Dick Gillian Hammonds Patricia Forrest Fran Van Oss, Rehab First Inc. Lee Tasker, Lee Tasker Counselling Inc. Christine Kalkanis, Post Traumatic Rehabilitation Services Marjorie Devine Mark Mantell Community Solutions Ltd. J. Scott King Beverley Mantell Claire Smith Linda Langston, Ontario Trial Lawyers Association Christine MacPherson, Christine M. MacPherson & Association Jeffrey Baum, Adapt-able Design Group Beverley Hurlbut Magnes Group Diana Kudela, Rehab First Inc. 33

34 OBIA REVIEW When you need help to be who you are after an acquired brain injury, reach out to us. Share your journey with other adults living with an acquired brain injury in a supported home, or be supported in your own home. Fully participate in your community and live your life based on your choices and goals. Accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), Pathways to Independence specializes in providing residential services and programs to adults with acquired brain injuries in South Eastern Ontario. Tailored to accommodate individual needs, we provide a continuum of care in partnership with community based professionals and specialists. Our services include: 24 hour Supported Homes Supported Independent Living ABI Day Programs Employment Supports Imagine the joy of just being who you are again. You look forward to the new week and seeing your new friends S.L. Supported Client at Pathways to Independence We believe that the ABI program is his life now and for that we are grateful beyond measure. Family members of a supported client at Pathways to Independence. Pathways is the place to be to help us to be independent with our lives. But most of all, Pathways is a place to be with all the help to get us back living the life we want to live. B.D. Supported Client at Pathways to Independence When you need support to be who you are, contact us at: 289 Pinnacle St., Belleville, ON K8N 3B3 T F Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON K2A 3V6 T Support Services for Brain Injury Helping individuals living with the effects of brain injury achieve a better quality of life Head Office 312 Rubidge Street Peterborough, Ontario K9J 3P4 Phone: Fax: Toronto Office 1543 Bayview Avenue, Suite 522 Toronto, Ontario M4G 3B5 Toll Free: OUR SERVICES Rehabilitation Assistants Community Support Staff School Support Staff Recreational Programming Vocational Planning, Programming and Coaching 34

35 MARCH 2012 support A Letter from a Review Reader: Hello Jennifer, I would like to introduce myself, my name is Sherri Brown Van Vliet I am one of many siblings of Terrance Terry Brown. I am actually the only sibling of his with the same parents and was the only one that remembers Terry s terrible accident. On behalf of my family and our friends I would like to thank you for publishing Terry s story. It has been a struggle for him all his life. I have watched him cry in anger and frustration as he has had to deal with the effects of a closed brain injury all his adult life. I have watched as people laughed and pointed fingers in total ignorance when we were children as Terry struggled to talk or even walk. Adults as well as children did, and still do not understand his injury, as it is not a visible injury. Yes my brother can, at times, become loud and overbearing trying to get his point across. But that is all he knows, I have noticed in recent years that he has been taking a step back and rethinking situations before really going off the deep end like he used to. I believe working with the OBIA has helped him, I know it has helped him. I know Terry believes in his heart that he is going to change legislation and the way people deal with brain injury, and I truly hope he can make a difference. I love my brother with all my heart. I watched him fight back from his death bed all those years ago. The two of us have always stuck together, through our parent s very bitter divorce to Terry s everyday battles when he calls and I help talk him through whatever is on his mind. We have 8 other siblings that Terry knows he can lean on as well. My children, now 22 and 20 years old have grown up with Uncle Terry; they have always known about his injury and never treated him different from their other Uncles. Because of this, my children are much more aware and accepting of people with any kind of brain injury or disability. Unfortunately my son and his friends have had to deal with another disability first hand this past summer, as one of their friends had a diving accident. The boy broke his neck above the C4 vertebrae and also sustained a brain injury. That was August 11, 2011 and he is still in a coma. We pray for him every day. Thank you for listening to me and especially for listening to my brother, he just wants to be heard. I hope that this issue will be available on the internet so I can copy the link to as many people as possible to get Terry s story out there. Yours truly, Sherri Brown Van Vliet Wainfleet Brain Fast Facts Did You Know? Your brain is about 2% of your total body weight but uses 20% of your body s energy. The left hemisphere of the brain has 186 million more nurons than the right hemisphere. The brain can stay alive for 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen. After that cells begin to die. 35

36 OBIA REVIEW education Conference Calendar March 18, 2012 Toronto Marlies Brain Injury Awareness Day The Toronto Marlies are inviting everyone to join them for The Toronto Marlies Brain Injury Awareness Day on March 18th. This day will feature reduced ticket prices with over 20% of the proceeds going towards setting up outings for affected individuals and families. Location: Ricoh Colliseum, Exhibition Place, Toronto, Ontario Contact: Eric Hansler, Phone: or March 21-25, 2012 Ninth World Congress on Brain Injury Location: Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland Contact: MCC Association Management, 5909 Ashby Manor Place, Alexandria, VA 22310, USA; Phone: , or Fax: or for more information, visit the website: March 26-28, 2012 Baycrest Research Conference 2012: Mild Cognitive Impairment: Finding a path through the maze Location: The Four Seasons Hotel, Toronto Ontario Contact: Paula Ferreira, Phone: ext. 2363, [email protected] or to receive conference updates, sign up at May 10-11, th Annual Conference on Neurobehavioural Rehabilitation in Acquired Brain Injury: ABI Journey: Pediatrics to Seniors Location: Hamilton Convention Centre. Contact: HHSC, Joyce Lambert: (905) ext or [email protected].\ June 25-26, 2012 OBIA Training - Neurobehavioural Disorders: Their Origin, Nature and Rehabilitation (Level 2) Faculty: Dr. Rodger Wood Location: Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario Contact: Either Debbie Spaulding (ext. 224) or Diane Dakiv (ext. 231) at the OBIA office, Phone or by [email protected]. November 2-3, 2012 OBIA Training - Chidlren and Youth with Acquired Brain Injury: Recognizing and Treating Cognitive-Communicative Behaviours that Affect Learning and Community Integration (Level 1) Faculty: Dr. Roberta DiPompei Location: Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway Conference Centre, St. Catharines, Ontario Contact: Either Debbie Spaulding (ext. 224) or Diane Dakiv (ext. 231) at the OBIA office, Phone or by [email protected]. November 8-9, 2012 Toronto ABI Network Presents: Toronto ABI Network Bi-Annual ABI Conference Location: Weston Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario Contact: Patricia Dent, Inciteful Solutions (conference planner), phone: ext. 5277, conference@ abinetwork.ca 36

37 MARCH 2012 Do you have questions about brain injury? To show our commitment to helping you get answers to the questions you have, we are launching a new ABI Q&A feature in each edition of the OBIA Review. We will ask the experts the questions you have! We want to hear from you! [email protected] Disclaimer: Articles may be reproduced from the OBIA Review provided credit is given to the authors wherever possible. Note: the opinions expressed herein are those of the respective authors and advertisers and not necessarily those of the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA). OBIA will not be liable for any damages or losses howsoever sustained, as a result of the reliance on or use by a reader or any other person of the information, opinion, or products expressed, advertised or otherwise contained herein. Where appropriate, professional advice should be sought. Nothing prepares you for a serious accident and having to relearn or find new ways to do the simple things you took for granted. we are here to help For over 20 years, NRS has provided a full range of home, community, workplace and school based therapy to individuals suffering from complex neurological and orthopedic injuries. We have helped thousands of people to successfully rebuild their lives. Our secret? Local teams of compassionate and competent professionals who, inspired by the courage of their clients, believe in a world of possibilities. Before you leave the hospital, contact us at: Phone or [email protected] Building a future for someone with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is as individual as each person who participates in our program. Our process and approach are designed to assist every individual to achieve his or her maximum potential for independence. A wide variety of programs and services help us to do this. Services offered: Case Management Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Social Work Counselling Speech and Language Therapy Dietary Counselling Adaptive Technology Life Skills, Job and Academic Coaching Languages: Services available in multiple languages Funding sources: Auto Insurance WSIB Extended Health Private Area served: Ontario For more information: Dale Brain Injury Services 815 Shelborne Street London, Ontario N5Z 4Z4 Tel: x319 Fax: [email protected] 37

38 OBIA REVIEW Education Community Association List Ontario Brain Injury Association (Mail) PO Box 2338, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7R9 (Courier) 3550 Schmon Parkway, 2nd Floor, Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6 Phone: (905) or Toll-free (800) , Fax: (905) and Web Site: All recent changes to information marked in orange. Chatham BIA of Chatham Kent 9 Maple Leaf Drive Chatham, ON N7M 6H2 Phone: Fax: [email protected] Website: Contact: Lori Gall, Exec. Director Belleville BIA of Quinte District 281 Front Street Belleville, ON K8N 2Z6 Phone: or toll free: Fax: [email protected] Website: Contact: Pam Ferrill Brantford & District Brantford & District BIA 75 Chatham St., Box 488 Brantford, ON N3T 2P2 Phone: Fax: Contact: Vince Boucci Dufferin County Headwaters ABI Group (HABI) Orangeville, ON Phone: Website: Contact: Volunteer Intake Coord. Durham Region BIA of Durham Region King Street West Oshawa, ON L1J 8N5 Phone: or toll free: Fax: [email protected] Website: Contact: Frank Murphy, Exec. Dir. Providing ABI rehabilitation services for more than two decades Our gateway for privately funded clients (typically utilizing insurance or other sources of private funding) Our gateway for clients without private funding (typically working with assistance from the provincial government) Experienced, long-term staff Leading-edge research Effective, clinically proven programs

39 MARCH 2012 Education Fort Erie HIA of Fort Erie and District 649 Niagara Boulevard Fort Erie, ON L2A 3H7 Phone: Fax: Contact: Donna Summerville Grey-Bruce BIA of Grey-Bruce PO Box 481 Owen Sound, ON N4K 5P7 Phone: Website: Hamilton-Wentworth Hamilton BIA PO Box Jackson Station Hamilton, ON L8P 4X3 Phone: Fax: Website: Contact: Adria Repp Kingston and Area BIA of Southeastern Ontario c/o Epilepsy Kingston 100 Stuart St. Kingston, ON K7L 2V6 Website: London and Region BIA of London and Region 560 Wellington St., Lower Level London, ON N6A 3R4 Phone: Fax: Website: Contact: Donna Thomson Niagara Area BIA of Niagara Stokes Community Village 4-36 Page Street St. Catharines, ON L2R 4A7 Phone: or toll free: Fax: Website: Contact: Pat Dracup North Bay Area BIA of North Bay and Area c/o PHARA 280 Oakwood Ave. North Bay, ON P1B 9G2 Phone: Fax: n/a Website: Ottawa Area BIA of Ottawa Valley 211 Bronson Avenue, 3rd Floor Ottawa, ON K1R 6H5 Phone: Fax: Website: Contact: Wendy Charbonneau Peel-Halton BIA of Peel & Halton Leanne Blvd. Mississauga, ON L5K 2K8 Phone: or Fax: Website: Contact: Jorun Rucels 39

40 OBIA REVIEW Education Peterborough Area Four Counties BIA 158 Charlotte St. Peterborough, ON K9J 2T8 Phone: or Fax: Website: Contact: Cheryl Ann Hassan Sarnia-Lambton BIA of Sarnia-Lambton 1705 London Line, Unit 1032 Sarnia, ON N7W 1B2 Phone: Fax: Website: Contact: Ryann Cann Sault Ste. Marie BIA of Sault Ste. Marie & District Old Garden River Rd. Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 5Y7 Phone: Fax: Website: Sudbury and District BIA of Sudbury & District Branch 576A Haig Street Sudbury, ON P3C 5P8 Phone: Fax: Website: Thunder Bay BIA Thunder Bay & Area Memorial Ave. Thunder Bay, ON P7B 4A3 Phone: (807) Website: Click Brain Injury Association of TBAY Timmins Brain and Seizure Association 733 Ross Ave. E. Timmins, ON P4N 8S8 Phone: (705) Fax: (705) Website: Contact: Rhonda Latendresse Toronto (gta) Brain Injury Society of Toronto Box Eglinton Ave. East Toronto, ON M4G 4G1 Phone: Website: Waterloo-Wellington BIA of Waterloo-Wellington 5A-607 King St. West Opportunity Centre Kitchener, ON N2G 1C7 Phone: Fax: Website: Contact: Patti Lehman, Exec. Dir. Windsor-Essex BIA of Windsor and Essex County West Grand Blvd. Windsor, ON N9E 3W7 Phone: Website: Contact: Laura Kay York Region York Region Head Injury Support Group Yonge St., 3rd Floor Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1L2 Office Voic Fax: Website: Contact: Dave Blakemore, President 40

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42 OBIA REVIEW education Provincial Association List British Columbia Brain Injury Association Ste. # Street Maple Ridge, BC, V2X 1X7 Phone: or Toll Free: (outside Greater Vancouver) Fax: Website: Brain Injury Association of Alberta th St Red Deer, AB T4N 1X7 Phone: Toll Free: (in AB or NWT) Fax: Website: Ontario Brain Injury Association PO Box 2338 St. Catharines, ON L2R 7R9 Phone: or Fax: Website: Regroupement des associations de personnes traumatisées cranio-cérébrales du Québec 911, rue Jean-Talon Est bureau 106 Montreal, QC H2R 1V5 Phone: (poste 224) Fax: Website: Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association P.O. Box 3843 Regina, SK S4P 3Y3 Phone: or Toll Free (in Sask) Fax: Website: Manitoba Brain Injury Association Sherbrook St. Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5 Phone: or Toll Free: Fax: Website: Newfoundland and Labrador Brain Injury Association Elizabeth Ave. PO Box 14 St. Johns, NL A1A 1W9 Phone: Fax: Website: Brain Injury Association of New Brunswick Main St. PO Box 6315 Sackville, NB E4L 1G6 Phone: Fax: n/a Website: Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia Civic: 13th Floor, Victoria Bldg. VG Site, QEII Health Sciences Centre Halifax, NS B3H 2Y9 Mailing: PO Box 8804 Halifax, NS B3K 5M4 Phone: Fax: Website: www3.ns.sympatico.ca/bians1 Brain Injury Association of PEI 32 Birchwood St., PO Box 1532 Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N3 Phone: Website: Brain Injury Association of Canada/Association Canadienne des lésés Cérébraux 44 Laurier Ave. West, Ste. 200 Ottawa, ON K1R 7X6 Phone: Toll Free Line: Fax: Website:

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44 OBIA REVIEW education Brain Basics The Brain Basics Training Program is designed to provide frontline Health Care Workers, Caregivers and others with a readily understandable introduction to the world of Brain Injury. If Acquired Brain Injury was a simple injury, it might be possible to present a list of do s and don ts that would suffice. Since Acquired Brain Injury is anything but a simple injury, in order to understand the importance of the strategies that might work with someone with an ABI, one must first understand the nature and complexity of Acquired Brain Injury; and to understand the nature and complexity of Acquired Brain Injury one must first have some understanding of the structure and function of the brain. So that is where we start. The goals of the Brain Basics Course are to help participants to: Understand the structure and function of the brain. Appreciate the consequences of an Acquired Brain Injury. Acquire practical strategies to work effectively with people living with the effects of Acquired Brain Injury. Understand the roles of the various people who form the team responsible for the recovery and well-being of the person with the Acquired Brain Injury. To-date, more than 2500 people have taken the program. Those who successfully complete the examination are awarded a certificate from OBIA. The course modules include: Module 1 - Parts and Functions of the Brain Module 2 - ABI Types and Causes Module 3 - ABI General Strategies Module 4 - ABI Consequences and Strategies: Physical Module 5 - ABI Consequences and Strategies: Cognitive Module 6 - ABI Consequences and Strategies: Behavioural Module 7 - Support Roles: Team and Family Upcoming Brain Basics course locations: Cornwall, ON - March 20-21, 2012 Arnprior, ON - March 22-23, 2012 Sudbury, ON - March 26-27, 2012 Charlottetown, PEI - April 17-18, 2012 Toronto, ON - May 17-18, 2012 These two-day courses will be held in various locations across Canada. When details for each location are finalized, you can click the links on our webpage to download the registration form for each course. Please direct all inquiries to: Diane Dakiv, Training & Administrative Assistant Ph: (905) ext. 231 or [email protected] For details and registration information on these and other upcoming training programs please check our website

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46 OBIA REVIEW Advertiser Index ABI Community Services - 41 Bartimaeus Rehabilitation Services - 16 Bayshore Home Health - 11 Bergeron Clifford LLP - 43 Brain Power - 10 Brainworks Rehabilitation - 29 Carranza Barristers & Solicitors - 14 Champaigne Klassen - 29 Community Solutions - 46 Continuum (Community Rehab) - 5 Credit Valley Neuropsychology Group - 21 Dale Brain Injury Services - 37 Family Oriented Rehab Services - 43 Gluckstein & Associates LLP - 47 Henderson Structured Settlements - 24 Hill Program - 30 Himelfarb Proszanski LLP - 45 Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc Judith Hull & Associates - 8 Kumchy, Dr. Gayle - 27 Lawlor Therapy Support Services Inc Legate & Associates - 27 Lerners LLP - 18 McKellar Structured Settlements - 2 McLeish Orlando - 9 Mindworks - 34 NHI Health Care - 20 NRIO - 30 NeuroRehab Services - 37 Oately, Vigmond LLP - back cover Ontario March of Dimes - 26 Pace Law Firm - 22 Pathways to Independence - 34 Rapid City Transportation - 35 Rehab First - 32 ResCare Premier - 41 Shekter, Dychtenberg - 16 Singer, Kwinter - 28 The Journey (Stephen Gregory) - 46 Step Up! Brain Injury Services - 38 Tierney, Stauffer LLP - 30 Thomson Rogers Lawyers - 6 Interested in Advertising in the OBIA Review? Contact: Terry Wilcox x234 46

47 MARCH 2012 rebuild lives highest level of support For those facing brain injury, the life-long challenges and barriers associated with serious personal injury can make day to day existence an overwhelming s t r u g g l e. We help rebuild lives... with dignity, respect and trusted expertise. Guiding our clients and their loved ones safely, with the best of care, along life s new journey. Advocacy that makes a difference GLUCKSTEIN & ASSOCIATESLLP l PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS l l B AY S T R E E T, S U I T E 3 0 1, T O R O N T O, O N TA R I O M 5 G 2 C 2 l l T O L L - F R E E l 47

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