2010 Annual Conference - Thursday Schedule

Presentations and Downloads

Thursday Conference Schedule

8 - 9 a.m. - Registration and Exhibits Open

Exhibits are open daily 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

9 - 10:30 a.m. - Keynote Address

What Women Want

Elisabeth Sherwin is the first-day keynote speaker for the 25th Annual Conference for Professionals in Brain Injury: Celebrating the Journey. Dr. Sherwin’s presentation will describe some of the major differences between how men and women with TBI are treated. Sherwin states, "Inherent in the concept of respect is the notion that all – men and women – are equally valued. This value should translate into equal treatment, but for a long time this has not been the case for women who are living with TBI." The purpose of this lecture is to clarify the implications of this unequal treatment and highlight areas where this can be inexpensively corrected.

10:30 - 11 a.m. - Break and Exhibits Open

11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Breakout Sessions I

1. And What Women Need
   Elisabeth Sherwin, Ph.D.
   This session will further elaborate on the challenges facing women with TBI and will outline preliminary efforts to address these challenges. The goal of this session is to share with, and elicit information from, the audience, to identify further areas for progress, and discover grassroots efforts already in place.
   
   
2. An Intensive Camp Experience for Rehabilitation of Chronic Brain Injury
   Allison Isenberg, SLP; Alisa Kocian, OT/L; Carla Lynn, COTA/L; Peggy Perry, SLP – Courage Center
   This session covers a six-day camp experience which was designed to address deficits in awareness and compensation in brain injury survivors. The curriculum was designed by a multidisciplinary team including speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and a psychologist. The focus of the camp was the creation of opportunities for campers to learn and practice skills within a functional context. Consistent expectations for performance were set at the beginning of the week. Camper performance was monitored, and feedback about the performance was provided. Positive outcomes, especially in the improved agreement between campers and caregivers about abilities or skills, were noted.
   
   
3. 4th and Long: Sports Concussions
   Ron Sasso, MS, NCC, LPC, Community Transitions
   This session covers sports concussions, the tendency to ignore their symptoms and consequences and the standard attitude of “toughing it out” by returning to the field or court too soon after experiencing a concussion. The session will also cover new research which shows that return to play can be dangerous and have significant long term effects.
   
   
4. Returning to College after Traumatic Brain Injury: Beyond Standard Accommodations
   Mary Kennedy, Ph.D., University of Minnesota; Miriam Krause, MA, University of Minnesota
   Many individuals go to college after having a brain injury. This session will focus on answering: What unique challenges do students face? What services do students receive? How should educational success be measured? Can cognitive rehabilitation best practices translate to educational instruction? Recent research findings, clinical experience, practical recommendations, and resources will be shared with participants.
   
   
5. Celebrating My Own Journey
   Russ Philstrom, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center/Philstrom Enterprises
   As an individual with a wide degree of success in overcoming the challenges after a traumatic brain injury, Philstrom will share the lessons he has experienced. Education, work, volunteering, and public speaking as a self advocate are some of the steps that he has been able to take in his journey.
   
   
6. A Mind-Body Approach for Brain Injury
   Amy Samson-Burke, PT, Mind Body Solutions
   Drawing upon experience as both a physical therapist and yoga teacher, Amy introduces participants to the concept of a mind-body approach to brain injury. This session will explore practical application of mind-body practice and improvements to quality of life for individuals living with brain injury.
   

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12:15 - 1:15 p.m. - Lunch

 

1:15 - 2:30 p.m. - Breakout Session II

1. 2010 Legislative Session Update
   Jeff Nachbar, Public Policy Director, Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
   This session will provide an update and information on the 2010 legislative session as it pertains to the status of the Association’s advocacy efforts. Key topics will include the current status of health and human service funding in the state budget, including progress on brain injury prevention and special education. Other topics currently under consideration by legislators at the State Capitol will also be highlighted.
   
   
2. Stroke Care Innovations
   Mustapha Ezzeddine, MD, Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota
   Acute stroke care management is changing dramatically and can help reverse the effects of a stroke within hours of onset. This session will explore interventions being used now and what the future holds.
   
   
3. Everything Your Patient Wanted to Know About Sex but You Were Afraid to Talk About It
   Kathryn Kendall, RN, BSN, CRRN, Mayo Clinic
   Recovery of sexuality and a multi-disciplinary approach to assessment and treatment is no less important than any other aspect of TBI rehabilitation and in some ways, is one of the most important areas to address. This session will review the effects of TBI on sexuality and the normal sexual response. Kathryn Kendall will offer suggestions for improving sexual function and satisfaction, safe sex practices, personal rights in sexuality and relationships, and resources. She will also share tips for achieving a comfort level in talking to clients and their significant others about sexuality.
   
   
4. An Overview of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
   Robert Purple, Psychologist, Minneapolis Public Schools
   This session covers Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): an operational framework for achieving improved student academic and behavior outcomes. PBIS is NOT a curriculum, intervention, or practice, but IS a decision making framework that guides selection, and implementation of the best evidence-based practices for improving academic and behavior outcomes for all students.
   
   
5. Journey to Wellness
   Janis Carey Wack, BA, CBIST, REM; Annette Pearson, MA, LADC, Vinland National Center; Jeff Willert, BS, Vinland National Center
   Wellness is an integral part of a holistic plan for optimum return of functioning following brain injury. This session will include solid information with ideas for practical application in any setting and focus on a well balanced lifestyle approach to building optimum capacity for living well with brain injury.
   
   
6. Not Sick Just Tired
   Sue Lepore, OTR, Mayo Clinic
   A common complaint after brain injury is feeling tired much of the time and having low energy levels. This session will briefly describe current medical management that can help differentiate fatigue from other medical conditions. Practical therapeutic approaches and treatment ideas will be outlined.
   

2:30 - 3 p.m. - Break and Exhibits Open

3 - 4:15 p.m. - Breakout Session III

1. Military Culture & Rehabilitation: Patients Serving as Expert Consultants
   Don MacLennan, MA/CCC, VA Medical Center
   Military culture carries with it a specific language, set of values, and customs. As such, principles of cultural diversity and the effects of culture on the rehabilitation process are relevant when treating service members for the effects of traumatic brain injury. Borrowing from the example of Ylvisaker & Feeney, patients in a transitional brain injury program were employed as expert consultants to identify important elements of military culture and how these elements can be incorporated into rehab.
   
   
2. Energy Management and Awareness Training in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury with Post Concussive Syndrome
   Linda Mabbs, MA/CCC-SLP; Helen Mathison, MA/CCC-SLP; Allison Carolan, MA/CCC-SLP; Janet Malotky, MA/CCC-SLP, Hennepin County Medical Center
   This session will discuss the historical perspective and current evidence-based research on Post Concussive Syndrome in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI), the importance of Energy Management and Awareness Training for successful outcomes in MTBI, the benefit of Multi-disciplinary approach in treatment of MTBI with Post Concussive Syndrome and issues with Post Concussive Syndrome in return to work for persons with MTBI.
   
   
3. Assistive Technology for Rehabilitation, Recreation, and Leisure
   Erin Fontaine, Independent Living Specialist, Pam Parson, Assistive Technology Practitioner; Alice Prtine, Independent Living Specialist
   This session will discuss how Assistive Technology (AT) is used for rehabilitation, recreation, and leisure. You will see demonstrations of AT available for persons with TBI and other disabilities. This collaborative project offers trial loan periods of AT throughout Minnesota with funding from a Christopher Reeves Quality of Life Grant.
   
   
4. Improving Cognitive Function with EEG Biofeedback and Audio Visual Entrainment
   Becky Aish, A Chance To Grow
   EEG Biofeedback and Audio Visual Entrainment are effective tools in improving cognitive ability, attention, focus, behavioral concerns, emotional instability and sleep function. This session will describe how schools and clinics are using the alternative health tools to assist individuals with brain injuries, attention deficit disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders and other learning concerns.
   
   
5. What Else Is There For My Patients?
   Lori Leininger, ABE, CBIS, Robbinsdale Area Schools
   What other opportunities are available to your patients? Adult Basic Education could be an option for academic recovery. In the Robbinsdale Area Schools, the Adult Academic Disability Program collaborates with rehabilitation facilities to provide groups for adults who have had a stroke or a brain injury. Could this be an option in your community? In this session, staff and students will share their experiences in the program.
   
   
6. Employment from Three Sides: Person with a TBI, State Recruiter, Rehabilitation Staff
   Evelyn Anderson, Minnesota Department of Health; Steven Kuntz, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development; Leanne Jackson-Butala, Courage Center
   The panel includes a person who returned to work after a TBI, a vocational rehab counselor who helps people prepare for a return to work, and the State of Minnesota recruiter for persons with disabilities.

Presentations and Downloads