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Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is a proud member of Charities Review Council. The Charities Review Council is an independent resource for people who make contributions to support charities.

Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is a proud member of Community Health Charities Minnesota. Community Health Charities Minnesota is an alliance of leading nonprofit health research and service organizations whose mission is to improve lives affected by chronic illness by investing in health research, services and education.

2012 Annual Conference - Presentations and Downloads

Presentations and Downloads
Keynotes • Thursday Schedule • Friday Schedule

Presentation Links

This page contains presentation handouts and/or slide shows that will be presented in each session and have been submitted to the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota by the presenter(s). Each link will open the document in a new window. While a majority of the links are PowerPoints, some may be Word, Acrobat or other file formats. File format and size are posted following the links.

Please note that several PowerPoint presentations may come from more recent versions of Microsoft Office 2007 and above. Users of older versions of Microsoft Office (XP, 2003 and earlier) will need to download the Office Compatibility Pack to be able to view these presentations correctly.

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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

Changing Their Mind: Evoking Motivation for Change in Individuals with Brain Injury
Erwin Concepcion, Ph.D., LP, from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. "Change can be difficult." This is our reminder to the people we serve who are not ready to move in the direction we believe they should be going. Dr. Concepcion's presentation will address the challenges that providers and supporters of individuals with brain injury face in their struggles to elicit motivation for change in others. As past research is uncovered and new research is generated, there is a growing body of knowledge that there are better ways of evoking the change potential in people than the traditional "carrot and stick" reinforcement method which has dominated our thinking for the last 100 years. Many of the newest ideas about the brain, why people change, and the evocation of motivation have implications for individuals with brain injury and the people who support them.

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

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

1. Motivating the People We Support
   Erwin Concepcion, Ph.D., LP, Minnesota Department of Human Services
   This break-out session will be an extension of the key note in which participants will assess their own motivational style and explore strategies to help build motivation for change in others in the context of individual needs and strengths after a brain injury.
   
   
2. Positive Behavioral Strategies and Supports for Individuals with TBI
   Mitzi Curtis, Intermediate School District 287-SEC
   Working effectively with individuals who have TBI and/or neurobiological impairments and associated behavioral needs can be challenging. This presentation will review a number of positive behavioral support practices and tools that can be used by educators, service providers, and parents/caregivers with a focus on the environment, communicative intent, and skill attainment, rather than on the "negative" behavior.
   File: PowerPoint Document - 1.6 Mb
   File: Word Document - 31 k
   File: Word Document - 41 k
   File: Word Document - 28 k
   File: Word Document - 28 k
   File: Word Document - 28 k
   
   
3. Brain Injuries Caused by Stroke
   Felix Chukwudelunzu, MD, FAHA, Mayo Clinic Health Systems
   Loss of motor function or speech is a well known complication of stroke. However, victims of stroke experience a far wider dysfunction due to stroke. This session will cover some of these not-so-obvious complications.
   File: PowerPoint Document - 2 Mb
   
   
4. Challenging Democracy: Addressing Barriers to Voting
   Nancy Flinn, Director Outcomes and Research; Christian Knights, Public Affairs Associate; Carmel Rehnelt, Senior OT; Courage Center
   Using research and analysis from the 2008 general elections, this presentation will examine existing barriers to voting- such as transportation, poll accessibility, election judge training, and voting privacy - for persons with disabilities. The session will also explore the implications of the proposed Minnesota constitutional amendment regarding photo ID.
   
   
5. Criminal Expungement Basics
   Lindsay Davis, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, INC
   Expungements can help people who face housing or employment barriers due to a criminal record. This session will provide an overview about access to criminal records, eligibility to expunge or seal a criminal record from public view, and resources for help with filing an expungement case in court
   
   File: Word Document - 78 k
   
   
6. The Caregiver's Caregiver
   Susan Gonyea, The Caregiver’s Caregiver LLC
   Do your patients' caregivers often feel burnt out, isolated, alone, overworked and under appreciated? As professionals, do we ask how the caregivers are doing and find ways to provide them the support they need? In this session, we will look at 10 proactive steps to helping caregivers get their needs met. Caregivers need support and assistance in managing their families while still finding enjoyment in their own lives. You will walk away with a list of questions to assist in assessing caregivers' needs, plus many creative resources for your caregivers. Success looks different in each situation. This presentation will help you to think out of the box and find practical, low cost resources in your communities.
   
   

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

 

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

1. Landing Face Up
   Judith Driscoll, LMFT
   In 2007, Judith had just changed careers to become a marriage and family therapist when she was thrown from a horse and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Hear her share her journey for personal recovery and learn how she has incorporated her experience into her own practice.
   File: pdf Document - 61.9 Mb
   File: PowerPoint Document - 196.8 Mb
   File: PowerPoint Document - 196.8 Mb
   
   
2. Return to School Following a Mild/Moderate TBI: Specific Strategies for Success
   Kary Lehman Briner, LICSW; Marilyn Haight, OTR/L; Linda Mabbs, MA/CCC-SLP; Hennepin County Medical Center; Deb Williamson, M.Ed, MN Low Incidence Projects; Theresa Pines, RN, LSN, South Washington County Schools
   This session will provide an overview of the continuum of care following a Mild/Moderate TBI which often involves medical, home, and school settings. Many common symptoms, such as headaches, reading problems, difficulty with noise, sustained attention, etc., will be presented. Specific accommodations will be shared that can make this transition more successful.
   
   
3. Integrating Treatment of Emotional Adjustment, Cognition and Behavior
   Thomas F. Bergquist, Ph.D., Program Director, Brain Rehabilitation Clinic, Mayo Clinic
   Undergoing brain rehabilitation is often a powerful reminder of the loss experienced after brain injury. This session will cover how treatment associated with clear improvement in functioning can be accompanied by negative emotions, resistance and poor compliance. It will also cover how treatment should address the interplay between emotional-adjustment and cognitive-behavioral functioning and provide coordinated treatment of both areas for optimal outcome.
   
   
4. Guardians, Wards and Service Providers: A Collaborative Relationship
   Susan McGuigan, Patrick McGuigan
   This presentation will describe the role of a guardian and the unique relationship between guardians and individuals with a brain injury; give practical examples of a trusting guardian/ward relationship from their personal experience; and explain how to create an effective working relationship between guardians, wards, family members, and providers.
   File: PowerPoint Document - 792 k
   
   
5. Primary Care Challenges for the Brain Injury Patient
   Teresa Kiresuk, Nurse Practitioner; Michelle Hunt, Nurse Practitioner; Terrence Dunklee, Physician; Korrine Novak, Nurse Practitioner, Physicians Clinic, Courage Center
   Patients with brain injuries present with unique needs that increase the complexity of their health management. This presentation will discuss the added health care needs that patients with brain injuries require for health maintenance. The discussion will provide an overview of how the Physicians Clinic at Courage Center has incorporated preventive health services and health care home principles to the management of patients with brain injury.
   File: PowerPoint Document - 481 k
   
   
6. An Overview of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program
   Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
   This session will review the services offered by the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, when to refer to VR, and the steps in the counselor/client employment planning process. There will be a discussion of how VR can support a person once they have a job and how community services, Vocational Rehabilitation, VR clients and families can collaborate to ensure employment success.
   
   

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

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

1. "Culture of Risk" — Why Athletes Participate with Injuries
   Paul Bruning, Summit Orthopedics
   Athletes are conditioned from early ages to continue participation following injury. Nixon (1993) described the "culture of risk" associated with sport participation. This presentation will evaluate and explore various reasons athletes feel compelled to participate despite injury, including potential fatal outcomes following brain injury
   File: PowerPoint Document - 358 k
   
   
2. Home-based Behavior Services for Brain Injury and Mental Illness
   Brian P. Sammon. MA, LMFT, LADC, CBIS, Options Family & Behavior Services
   Many times providers struggle with conceptualizing the dual diagnosed client and become stuck with an incomplete treatment plan. This presentation will discuss the use of behavior services in working with clients who have co-occurring brain injury and mental illness.
   
   
3. Understanding the Intersection: Elder Maltreatment and TBI
   Harbir Kaur, Victim Services Coordinator, Tubman Elder Care & Rights Center
   This session will explore the intersection between Elder Abuse and TBI and discuss creative ways to diffuse challenging situations with communication techniques. Focus will be on improving the quality of life and quality of care of Minnesota residents living in nursing homes or in the community and identifing prevention and intervention strategies and resources.
   
   
4. Use of Stem Cells for the Treatment of Stroke
   Andrew Grande, MD, University of Minnesota/UMP Physicians
   This session will cover the different applications of stem cells for the treatment of stroke as well as the rationale for the use of stem cells to treat stroke. It will also cover the challenges researchers face in the use of stem cells, the different clinical trials that are now on going in humans using stem cells for stroke and the future therapeutic directions with stem cells for stroke.
   
   
5. Legislative Session Update
   Jeff Nachbar, Public Policy Director, Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
   This session will provide an update and information on the 2012 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.
   
   
6. Role of the Critical Care Surgeon in Traumatic Brain Injury
   Jon Krook, MD, FACS, Trauma/Critical Care Surgeon, Hennepin Faculty Associates
   This presentation will describe the role of a Critical Care Surgeon in the ICU level care of the patient with a serious traumatic brain injury. The initial work up and stabilization of the patient will be discussed as well as detail of the daily standard care of the patient with a serious traumatic brain injury.
   File: PowerPoint Document - 3.4 Mb
   File: Word Document - 311 kb
   

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Friday 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

The Most Significant Case of My Entire Career
Teven Benvenist, Esq., Davis, Saperstein & Salomon.
This keynote presentation will discuss a catastrophic brain injury case he has shared with hundreds of audiences throughout the country, which has been featured on television and the news media - this case being the most significant case of his entire career. This program will credit, applaud and enhance the very important roles played by the rehabilitation professionals, caregivers, the Brain Injury Association, the individual living with brain injury and their family.

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

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

1. Impact of Medications to Reduce Impairment in Post-Acute and Chronic Stroke
   Karl Sandin, MD, MPH, Physician-in-Chief, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
   Medications such as stimulants, antidepressants (SSRIs) and acetycholinesterase inhibitors may have utility in directly limiting motor or cognitive impairment after stroke or to indirectly improve performance after stroke. What is the impact of these medications on your patients? This session will review medication options to limit disability after stroke, focusing on the intended patient outcomes and anticipated side effects.
   
   
2. Protecting Lawsuit Settlements and Wealth with Special Needs Trusts
   Susan L. Anderson, Attorney-Trusts & Estate Planning; Carol Moss, Attorney, Hellmuth & Johnson
   If you or a loved one has a disability, and is receiving government benefits, they could be disqualified from receiving government benefits when receiving lawsuit settlement funds or inherited wealth. There are ways to protect these funds so that wealth can be used for quality of life expenses not covered by government programs. This presentation will cover the basics of Special Needs Trusts, raising awareness with families regarding the importance of considering this option if they will receive assets from a personal injury or medical malpractice lawsuit. It will also cover the importance of Supplemental Needs Trusts to families of disabled individuals, assisting them to pass wealth to minimize interruption their government benefits.
   File: PowerPoint Document - 2.1 Mb
   
   
3. Stages of Change
   Steve Carlson, Psy.D., Director of Supportive Housing Programs, Spectrum Community Mental Health
   Ever try to change a habit? Start an exercise program or eat more nutritiously? Were you successful? How long did it take? Bottom line, change is difficult for everyone, especially for people living with a brain injury. This workshop will explore the nature, context, and stages of change and cover suggestions for how to work with people who are at various stages of change.
   File: PowerPoint Document - 832 k
   
   
4. Myths, Markers & Mayhem in Minnesota
   Leslie Seymour, MD, MPH; Jon Roesler, MS; Anna Gaichas, MS; Mark Kinde; Ayo Adeniyi, MBBS, MPH; Curtis Fraser, Minnesota Department of Health
   This presentation will unleash the most current data, combined with compelling analyses, suggesting trends and most-at-risk population groups across Minnesota. With the background of income, race/ethnicity, age group, gender and geographic location, we will dispel myths, suggest price locations for TBI outreach and service, and comment on MDH strategies to inform injured persons and families about rehabilitative options.
   
   
5. Minnesota STAR: Tools to Guide You on Your Journey
   Kim Moccia, Assistive Technology Resource Specialist, MN STAR Program, Dept. of Administration, State of Minnesota
   Today's professionals use a variety of tools and strategies to support people of all ages with brain injury. This session will explore a range of 21st century technology used to support and enhance memory, organization, learning and independent living skills; participants will also learn about funding and assistive technology resources.
   File: Word Document - 29 k
   
   
6. Safe Return to Activity (RTA) After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
   David Everson, Physical Therapist, Neurotrauma Lead for Rehab Therapies; Leslie Larson, RN, CNP; Jenna Coleman, RN, CPN; Gillette Childrens Specialty Healthcare
   Safe return to activity is crucial after a patient receives a mild traumatic brain injury. The process of returning to physical activity is a step-wise program to ensure the patient is able to tolerate the new energy demands of the body without producing symptoms. Return of symptoms indicates that the injury is not completely healed. This session will cover which specific criteria should be met before return to physical activity is introduced.
   File: PowerPoint Document - 5.9 Mb
   

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

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

1. Seizure Recognition and Response
   Amanda Van Wyhe, Program Manager Education, Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota
   Knowing how to properly respond to a seizure is critical and could be life saving. The Seizure Recognition & Response Training provides participants the opportunity to understand how to identify seizures, know what to do during a seizure and overcome the myths and misconceptions surrounding seizures and epilepsy.
   
   
2. Treatment of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury using an Interdisciplinary Approach
   Nova McNally, Occupational Therapist; Sara Rockswold, MD; Danielle Potokar, Psychologist; Jim Thomson; Helen Mathison, Speech Therapist; Hennepin County Medical Center
   This panel - consisting of a doctor, psychologist, neuropsychologist, speech pathologist and occupational therapist - will break down what services they provide for post mild TBI and how treatment can help improve functional potential while decreasing symptoms. This panel will also include a case study to illustrate how having this entire team working together makes a significant impact on a persons care.
   File: PowerPoint Document - 411 k
   
   
3. Usta Could: Accepting Life After Brain Injury
   Dana Guethling, M.S., C.R.C.
   Dana incurred a Traumatic Brain Injury in 1987 as the result of an automobile accident. This presentation will share the ways her life has been impacted as a result and how she has responded to those changes. It will identify some of the challenges and limitations that are common to survivors of brain injury as well as the accommodations that she tried and used (not always successfully) to overcome the limitations.
   File: pdf Document - 3.9 Mb
   
   
4. Managing Chronic Pain in Individuals with Brain Injury
   Kenneth R Britton, DO, MMM, Britton Center
   At least 20 percent of the general population will experience chronic non-cancer pain, but the number may be significantly higher in individuals with brain injury. Developing effective strategies to address pain is difficult, especially when complicated by reduced memory, insight, and judgement from a brain injury. This presentation will discuss treatment options for chronic non-cancer pain with specific attention on how to improve safety and compliance with treatment in the setting of brain injury.
   File: PowerPoint Document - 83 k
   
   
5. Using Video-Modeling to Teach Students with Special Needs
   Tami Childs, Psychologist, The Childs Group; Michele Glynn
   This session will describe the process of using video-modeling to teach skills to children with special needs. An emphasis will be on the use of this practice for students with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). While the research is strong for using this practice for related populations (autism spectrum disorder, speech language impairment, etc) the presenter will discuss its relevance for students with TBI. Video modeling is an evidence based practice for educating students with ASD and other disabilities. Research has shown that social skills are significantly improved through individualized video modeling intervention. Initiating video modeling use in the classroom requires skill evaluation, intervention development, and implementation. These steps will be illustrated through examples of individualized interventions. Tips for effective and efficient implementation in the school setting will also be provided.
   File: PDF Document - 511 k
   
   
6. Transitioning Youth: Tips for Successful Employment
   Sean Roy, PACER Center; Abbie Wells Herzog, MS, CRC, Vocational Rehabilitation Services
   Employment is a crucial aspect of transitioning from school to community for youth. This interactive session provides information on the transition process, tips for preparing for employment, and information about opportunities found through the state's Vocational Rehabilitation Services program.
   File: PowerPoint Document - 5.9 Mb
   

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2:30 - 2:45 p.m. - Break and Exhibits Open

2:45 - 4 p.m. - Plenary Session

1. The Birdhouse Project – A Tool of Self Discovery
   Kris Munsch
   The Birdhouse Project is a step-by-step project to help us identify and find our way back to life after loss or crisis. By seeing how these blank pieces represent the pieces of our lives, we can express our weaknesses, strengths and desires as we symbolically rebuild our lives, so we are ready to host new life. This building process encourages us to spend time exploring our emotions and putting each in its proper place. Whether we share our feelings or keep them to ourselves, the important thing is that we are putting the pieces back together in a meaningful, constructive way.

Presentations and Downloads
Keynotes • Thursday Schedule • Friday Schedule