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BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA 10th ANNUAL CONFERENCE

September 25, 26, 27 2013Ambassador Conference Resort in Kingston, Ontario

SPEAKER PROGRAMME

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Wednesday September 25 - am8:30 - 8:45 Welcome

8:45 - 9:45 KEYNOTE Mark Palmer, Santa Barbara, CA- Keynote- Realistic Hope - Aspirations Beyond a Traumatic Brain InjuryAfter a broadside collision with a Detroit city bus, Mark spent over 30 years in denial of his traumatic brain injury, trying to return to his pre-injury state. Finally realizing that living life in that state was not realistic, he was able to set his own course for a successful outcome, no matter the difficulties that were thrust upon him. It is his desire and inspiration to help other TBI survivors and their families with this similar period of denial. It is Mark’s hope to inspire survivors and caregivers to develop more realistic dreams based on acceptance of what is, and the realization that tomorrow can be better.Mark believes that the experts who can help us live a life of growth are those who have already figured it out - survivors of injury who have learned how to lead fulfilling lives. He will speak from his own experience and the experience of hundreds who have shared their advice with him; delivering a thought-provoking and motivating presentation full of encouragement and advice that will help those who are lost to find a path to realistic hope.

9:45 - 10:15 Networking Nutrition Break

10:15 - 11:00 Scientific/Research Ashley Brosda, BEd., Carolyn Biron, BSc. and Martin Mrazik, PhD., Edmonton, AB

Prevention of Prolonged Symptoms Related to Concussion in Sport Using a Community-Based ModelThis presentation is primarily geared toward professionals working in the areas of concussion management, injury prevention, public education, community-based programming, or directly with athletes. The primary objectives of this presentation are: to present the framework of a community based sport concussion public education program and highlight the unique challenges of education of brain injuries for athletes.

10:15 - 11:00 Family/Caregiver/Survivor Jason Harps, Justin McKenna, Richard Theriault. Russell, ON

The audience will hear the experiences of an employer who took a chance on hiring someone who had suffered TBI. The story is very personal and extremely frank as it relies heavily upon the stigma’s a person faces when they have suffered a TBI, but from the stand point of someone who evaluates that person. It will relate the Justin McKenna story and what this job has done for him in his continued rehabilitation. Richard Theriault considered a complete change in his career aspirations to become Justin’s Rehabilitation Aid after working with Justin and Jason and will speak about what this job has done for him in his continued rehabilitation.

10:15 - 11:00Support and Advocacy Julie Hughes, M.Sc., Elizabeth Skirving, MS., MEd., Speech-Language Pathologist, Reg.

CASLPOPenny Welch-West, M.Cl.Sc.(C)- London, ONReturn to School Following Concussion and Mild Brain Injury: a Model for Group InterventionIn this presentation, you will learn about an innovative way services are delivered in response to waitlist pressures coupled with the very specific needs of the return to school student. While media focus has recently been on developing clearer Return to Play criteria, there is a real paucity of guidelines and supports for the Return to Learn participant. This presentation will encourage an understanding of the unique cognitive and communication challenges following concussion and mild brain injury that affect return to school pursuits. The importance of a team approach, increased self-advocacy, use of academic strategies and an understanding of some technology supports in successful return to school efforts will be outlined.

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Wednesday September 25 - am10:15 - 11:00 En françcais Denis Godbout, Ph.D., Jean Gagnon, Ph.D., Professeur, Département de psychologie,

Université de Montréal. Traduction et validation de l’Overt Behaviour Scale (OBS) en français : l’Échelle des comportements observables (ECO) avec la méthode de Jones.La traduction et la validation de l’Overt Behaviour Scale (OBS) sont apparues nécessaires dans le milieu clinique et de recherche francophone car il existe très peu d’outils d’évaluation des troubles du comportement, notamment en français (Godbout et Sabourin, 2003). [D1] L’OBS a été spécifiquement conçue pour évaluer les troubles du comportement des personnes ayant subi une lésion cérébrale (Kelly et al. 2006), possédant des qualités psychométriques reconnues (Tate, 2010). Considérée comme un outil clinique d’avenir, l’OBS est régulièrement utilisée dans les études sur les troubles du comportement (Baguley, Cooper et Felmingham, 2006; Kelly et al. 2007, Kelly et Winkler, 2007, Kelly et al. 2008; Sabaz et al. 2013).

11:00-11:15 Break

11:15 - 12:00Scientific/Research Jan Gelech, Ph.D. Candidate, Saskatoon, SK, Elizabeth Hummel, Executive Director

Saskatchewan Association for Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured, Merrill Hills, SKWe are pleased to discuss the development and implementation of a support and learning program for female brain injury survivors with moderate to severe impairments. We trace the development of the women’s program, describe our implementation experiences, and reflect on program outcomes with the aim of creating a dialogue around female programming needs, existing service strategies, and directions for the future.

11:15 - 12:00Family/Caregiver/Survivor Theresa Murphy, Montreal, QC

Theresa will share her story as the sister of a TBI survivor. Go with her on the journey of uncertainty -the path to change and transformation from being a victim of circumstance to refueling and living your life potential through the brain injury journey. She will help you align wellness goals and your life purpose goals to create more peace in your life.

11:15 - 12:00 Support and Advocacy Hope Therapy in Brain Injury Rehabilitation-Arden McGregor, MA, CPsychAssoc,

CBIST & Barb Hartwick, DipTR, Huntsville, ONWe will review relevant hope therapy literature, outline a model of hope therapy, and provide a rationale for its use in brain injury rehabilitation. Using a variety of methods including video, demonstration, direct instruction and sensory experience, our presentation will showcase many creative and practical hope therapy resources and strategies that participants can immediately incorporate into their day-to-day rehabilitation efforts. Case examples, tracked from assessment to outcome, will be presented to illustrate the use of hope therapy in this population. We will provide handouts and a comprehensive reference list for this evidence-based approach.

11:15 - 12:00 En françcais Hélène Lefebvre, inf. Ph.D.

L’Accompagnement Personnalisé d’Intégration Communautaire (APIC)Cette conférence s’adresse aux chercheurs, aux intervenants et au grand public évoluant dans le domaine du traumatisme crânien. Les participants : • seront sensibilisés aux difficultés que vivent les personnes en post-réadaptation; • connaîtront une nouvelle approche pour soutenir la participation

sociale et la résilience des personnes en post-réadaptation.12:00 - 1:15 Awards Luncheon

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Wednesday September 25 - pm1:15 - 2:15 KEYNOTE Linda Lowery- Oshawa, ON-

No Limits: Rising Above the World of a Catastrophic Brain InjuryOctober 16, 2008. Linda’s son, Garrett, was 22, a student at Trent University, when their world seemed to spin out of control. Diagnosis: Catastrophic Brain Injury. During the 48 days in ICU, and during the months and years of rehab, Linda stayed by her only child’s side, advocating tirelessly, at times challenging the systems that threatened to envelope him and insisting endlessly that she was a vital part of her son’s rehab and recovery. Linda describes the determination and faith it took to not only navigate and survive a new world seemingly defined by surgeons, ICU, insurance, lawyers and rehab but to support and inspire her son and family to challenge the prognosis, visualize a world that could and would be and regain a new “normal” enriched by the journey. Linda’s parallel journey, and challenge, was to move from being the mother of a young adult being launched into the world to being an active, hands-on caregiver of a seriously disabled child and back to being mom to a young man. She had to find the strength to face her fears, to let him go once again and let him embrace a world of “No Limits” where having a brain injury doesn’t define who he is or his world of possibilities.

2:15 - 2:30 Break

2:30 - 3:15 Scientific/Research Mark Bayley, MD, FRCPC; Corinne Kagan, BA hons., BPS Cert., Toronto, ON

Development and Impacts of a Provincial Concussion Strategy OntarioNeurotrauma Foundation is leading a Concussion/mTBI Strategy for Ontario, along with a number of provincial partners and experts. The objective is to improve recognition, diagnosis and management of concussion/mTBI. This presentation will share activities towards improving outcomes for people who have persistent symptoms from concussion/mTBI and improving efficiencies within Ontario based on current research.

2:30 - 3:15 Family/Caregiver/Survivor Mary-Ellen Thompson, Ph.D., Gary Scott & Laura Dann, Belleville, ON

Traditionally, families and survivors of TBI have been told that maximum recovery occurs in the first two years post-injury. Today, there is mounting evidence that survivors continue to show improvements many years post-injury. In this presentation, we will share the timeline of recovery and demonstrate the many significant gains that occur post the two-year “plateau.”

2:30 - 3:15 Support and Advocacy Carole Cressaty M.Sc. (psychologist), Teresa Testa Rn, BScN ( nurse clinician)

Knowledge and information sharing between Rehabilitation and CommunityPersonal self-efficacy(PSE) is defined as a person’s belief in his ability to do what is necessary to attain his goal. A health information group was created to increase TBI clients’ PSE. Nine individuals having completed their rehabilitation and participated in ten weekly 90 minutes sessions. Each session was tailored to the clients’ needs identified by a learning need assessment. In conclusion, knowledge and information sharing through a group format seems to promote PSE even several years post rehabilitation. This presentation will further describe this process.

3:15 - 3:30 Break

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Wednesday September 25 - pm3:30-4:30 Group Sessions- each presentation will be 20 minutes long.

Group 1: Management of Concussion/TBI Sandhya Mylabathula, BSc Honours, MSc Candidate - Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto; and Swapna Mylabathula, BSc Honours, MD Candidate, University of Toronto, Etobicoke, ONOverall, the ultimate goal for this Private Member’s Bill proposal is to improve prevention, awareness, management, and diagnosis for a broad range of target populations, including sport and occupational, as well as adult and pediatric populations, in order to help all Canadians who suffer from concussions, their families, and caregivers. This presentation will also provide an update regarding the progress of the Private Member’s Bill proposal to date.

Emily Nalder, PhD, BOccThy (Hons), Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Rotman Research Institute Baycrest, Toronto, ON, Canada (originally from Brisbane, Australia) Transition from hospital to home – are individual and family experiences similar between Australia and Canada? This presentation describes the experiences of individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) and their family caregivers during the transition phase of leaving hospital and returning to live in the home environment. Despite the importance of the transition phase in preventing the onset of long-term difficulties few studies have investigated the lived experiences of individuals and families which are essential to inform service development. Findings from a research study conducted in Australia will be presented on factors influencing perceived transition success. A question and answer style presentation will be adopted to explore how the experiences of families in the Australian context compare to experiences in Canada.

Halina Haag- MSW, RSW, Doctoral Student, Wilfrid Laurier University, Faculty of Social Work, Kitchener, ONWith the unique insights of the researcher’s firsthand experience with ABI, this qualitative study explored the experience of university students living with mild to moderate Acquired Brain Injury. Students from three participating Ontario universities representing a broad range of demographics participated in individual interviews. This important study explored the experiences of an under-investigated subsection of the ABI population, utilizing mixed methods to gain a richer understanding and address standards of academic rigour. Overall findings are presented along with implications for service delivery and utilization, and recommendations for mABI service providers, survivors and caregivers.

Group 2: Assessment and Treatment Resources for Concussion/TBIJason A. Cromer, Ph.D., New Haven, CT, USACognigram is a reliable, validated system for the assessment of cognitive change over time that can aid medical providers in their management of concussion. This simple computerized battery of tests based on a card game has four sub-tests that assess the cognitive domains of psychomotor function, attention, learning, and working memory. Cognitive testing is recognized as one of the only methods to obtain objective data regarding a patient’s brain health following a concussion. The target audience for this presentation includes primary care physicians, concussion specialists, neuropsychologists, and anyone interested in concussion management, traumatic brain injury, or the assessment of cognition and cognitive change over time.

Vincy Chan, MPH, PhD Candidate, Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Toronto & Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON Functional Independence Measures after Inpatient Rehabilitation among Older Adults with Acquired Brain Injury-The highest rates of acquired brain injury are among older adults. However, there is currently little population based information on their profiles and outcomes from inpatient rehabilitation. This presentation examines the Functional Independence Measures (FIM) scores of older adults in inpatient rehabilitation by type of acquired brain injury and referral destinations. This study was funded by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation.

Justin Chee-PhD student, MSc, HonBSc. , Toronto, ON-Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury on Locomotor Behaviour in Challenging EnvironmentsDual-task paradigms have been used in individuals with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) to reveal their altered locomotor behaviour in response to physically- and attentionally-demanding environments. The overall goal of our current work is to develop new models of assessment that increase the challenge of locomotion, and thus, provide a greater ability to evaluate the trajectory of recovery following a TBI. In this presentation, we will discuss a protocol that was developed to evaluate how cognitive challenge and choice in walking path affect locomotor function. Through administering a cognitive task involving visual scanning and increasing the number of choices in walking trajectory with oncoming obstacles in the path, we hope to provide additional insight into the ability of individuals with TBI to navigate safely in everyday life situations.3:30-4:30 Group Sessions - continued overleaf

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Wednesday September 25 - pm3:30-4:30 continued Group Sessions- each presentation will be 20 minutes long.

Group 3: Physical, Social and Cognitive Rehab

Shannon McGuire, PT, London, ON, Jonathon McIntosh, MPT Candidate, Harriston, ON, Quinn Mercer, MPT Candidate, Saint John’s, NB Mike Seto, MPT Candidate, Ottawa, ONCan a Compression Vest Improve Balance in Subjects With a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)?: A Pilot Study The objective of this presentation is to inform clinicians who work with mTBI patients and the general scientific community, about a potential new treatment option that may be beneficial in recovery, through improved static and dynamic balance. Though results of the study are still pending, this study may potentially lead to the recommendation of compression vest use to address balance deficits in mTBI in the future.

Priscilla Lam Wai Shun, OT, MSc, PhD candidate, School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC What does it take to go rehabilitation after an acute brain injury? Access to rehabilitation services for persons with a brain injury with rehabilitation potential is deemed crucial for recovery. Clinicians working in acute care are required to provide recommendations regarding their client’s rehabilitation potential despite the lack of clinical guidelines. By providing a comparison of different actors’ (clinicians, organisations and patients) perspectives regarding key factors to consider when making decisions regarding the rehabilitation potential of brain injured patients, we will highlight the existing challenges faced by acute care clinicians in the current organizational context.

Diana Frasca, PhD Candidate, Department of Rehabilitation Science at the University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Alexandra Oatley, PhD Candidate, Department of Psychology at York University, Toronto, ONSocializing, Learning and Working after TBI: A review of the science, opportunities for intervention, and the potential of environmental enrichmentTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability not only in children but also in both young and older adults. Advances in physical medicine and rehabilitation can now address many of the physical needs of TBI survivors. Nonetheless, “social brain” networks and those involved in memory, attention, multi-tasking and problem solving are frequently impaired. This presentation will provide a comprehensive review of the relevant scientific evidence and novel findings from Toronto Rehab’s Cognitive Neurorehabilitation Sciences Lab, and elsewhere. The objectives of this presentation are to: 1) examine the evidence on social functioning following TBI; 2) provide a description of the cognitive and academic challenges faced by children and adults with TBI; 3) discuss emerging social and cognitive interventions; and 4) explain the importance of environmental enrichment and its potential impact on recovery and quality of life.

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Wednesday September 25 - pm3:30-4:30 continued Group Sessions- each presentation will be 20 minutes long.

Group 4: TBI and Adolescents

Francis Etmanski, Athlete-advocate, Dip, AS St. Lawrence College, Wellington, ON A former athlete who has battled post-concussion syndrome and is hoping to benefit other athletes alike and contribute to help educate and advocate about the physical, emotional and psychological effects of concussions in sport, specifically within the hockey world through personal experience as a player and academically as a student. Concussions are serious traumatic injuries that can end playing careers and cause permanent brain injury. Hockey players suffer numerous injuries throughout their playing careers, but because concussions are seen as the invisible injury, they continually go unreported, untreated and return to play guidelines are never enforced, leaving the player to suffer. Concussions within athletes alter the way the brain functions and can result in damage or disruption of the brain cell structure and metabolism leaving an athlete to suffer post-concussion effects significantly affecting memory, emotion, cognition, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance, coordination and sleep patterns as well as an altered level of alertness or unconsciousness. Research has concluded that the young brain within amateur hockey players is more vulnerable and susceptible to injury and because of this the emphasis regarding concussions in amateur hockey must be to prevent the long-term deficits of second impact syndrome, post-concussion syndrome and the risk of pre-mature return to play for all athletes before being fully healed.

Gabriella Ilie, PhD (University of Toronto), Injury Prevention Research Office, Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael’s Hospital, Whitby, ON How common and how significant are Traumatic Brain Injuries among adolescents?Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a significant global health concern. However, investigations of TBI among adolescents in large representative samples are lacking. Given that most TBIs among adolescents are preventable; this information becomes critical to the planning and evaluation of injury prevention efforts, particularly since even minor TBI may have important adverse health consequences. In Canada, 50% of all injuries that kill and disable children and adolescents involve TBI, 30% of which occur during sport activities. This presentation will describe the prevalence of self-reported TBI, identify the primary mechanisms of injury, and discuss identified adverse correlates (low grades, use of alcohol and cannabis) in a large representative sample of adolescents, grades 7 through 12, in Ontario, Canada.

Scott Bishop- Masters Student, University of Regina, Abbotsford, BCHeart Rate Variability & Cardiac Regulation: Indexing Recovery Following Concussion in Adolescent Male Athletes- This research project used a cardiac biological marker to assess recovery from sport concussion in adolescent football players (mean age 13 years). The biological marker was Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which is the measurement of time between successive heart beats. This measurement can be transformed into an average beat-to-beat interval, as well as frequency range. The frequency ranges can be divided into ‘low’ and ‘high’ frequencies. Low frequency (LF) activity is linked with the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system and high frequency (HF) activity represents the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. Analysis of HRV frequency has been used to index recovery from brain injuries of varying severity including sports concussion. When gauging recovery from concussion, HRV frequency must be measured in a post-exercise setting. The findings from this project support the use of HRV to index recovery from sport concussion. Concussed participants elicited a significant decrease in post-exercise LF values compared to healthy subjects. The results suggest that HRV may be a practical and inexpensive method to monitor recovery of frontal lobe regulation of autonomic nervous system following concussion.

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Thursday September 26 - am8:30 - 9:30 KEYNOTE Bridgid Ruden, Coralville, IA

Bridget’s presentation as a TBI survivor is profound, miraculous and engaging. Her voice of expression paints the terrain of every emotion that one goes through when life presents a major shift in who you are, what you do, and how you navigate through life…. one breath at a time. Bridgid threads the lively and interaction presentation with truth, tears and laughter…. authenticity. One walks away from her presentation marveling with awe at how strong and amazing she is to have survived such an intense journey of healing. Perhaps we are all touched by an angel when you hear her story.

9:30 - 10:00 Networking Nutrition Break

10:00 - 10:45 Scientific/Research George Kazolis, BSc (Hons) (Research Assistant, University of Toronto), Toronto, ON

Lorne Tepperman, PhD (Co-Investigator, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Preventing TBI in Vulnerable Populations: Family and Peer influencesThis presentation explores the influence of family and peers on TBI suffered due to accidental falls. Data from transcribed interviews suggest that these TBI victims belong to two distinct types: ‘Stumblers’ and ‘Tumblers’. Unlike Stumblers or Tumblers are vulnerable to TBI because of behaviours related to violence experienced earlier in their lives. By identifying and educating these high-risk individuals it may be possible to reduce the prevalence of TBI in the general population.

10:00 - 10:45 Prevention Lucie Pelland- PT, PhD, School of Rehabilitation Therapy,

Queen’s University, Kingston, OntarioThe influence of parents’ values, attitudes, and beliefs on their decisions to return their child to play following a concussion in minor hockey will be discussed. Parents’ decision risk is influenced by attributes of competitiveness, perceived probability of success, and risk propensity. These attitudes and values can be modified by educational programs to encourage parents in making lower risk decisions in minor hockey. Knowledge on concussion is a key predictor of parents’ decision risk.

10:00 - 10:45 Support and Advocacy Judy Gargaro, B.Sc., M.Ed., Toronto, ON, Carolyn Lemsky, PhD., C. Psych., Toronto, ON

The purpose of this presentation is to provide information about an initiative to develop materials that families can use to support them in living with persons with an acquired brain injury (ABI) and mental illness (MI) and/or substance use disorder (SUD). This interactive session is geared to family members and service providers who support families of people with ABI.

10:45-11:00 Break

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Thursday September 26 - am11:00 - 12:00Scientific/Research Tanya Packer, PhD, MSc, BSc(OT), OT Reg (NS) Professor and Director,

School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NSLiving every day with a Neurological Condition: Results of the LINC study (The LINC Study is a national study to learn about people living with a neurological condition and how it impacts their everyday lives.)-The objective of this presentation is to report the results of the LINC study, a nationwide study of adults with neurological conditions and parents of children with neurological conditions. The LINC study included three studies: a survey completed by almost 1000 adults and parents; monthly telephone conversations with 125 of them and face to face interviews with another 21. Almost 120 of the participants were adults/parents of children with brain injury. The goal of the study was to understand the everyday lives of people with neurological conditions who strive to work, go to school, raise families, and participate in the community. We surveyed and spoke to people about the impact of their condition(s) on their and their families’ lives and the strategies, supports and resources they use to self-manage life with a neurological condition and to make everyday life possible and meaningful. This presentation will highlight key results and findings.

11:00 - 12:00Family/Caregiver/Survivor Mark Palmer, Santa Barbara, CA- The Family’s Journey

An unexpected outcome of the Realistic Hope Project was the extension of Realistic Hope’s, “Anatomy of a Brain Injury,” to include the “ 10 Stages,” of a family member’s journey. The 10 stages, a result of collaboration with family members 18+ years post injury. Family members will find that they are not alone, and will leave with a sense of hope, based on the realities of their situation.

11:00 - 12:00Support and Advocacy Brenda Turley- BA (Hons Drama) and BA (Hons Psychology) - Research Coordinator of

the Brain Injury/ Concussion Clinic at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary ABChildren’s participation in brain injury research-Recruitment into clinical trials and research programs is a challenge, particularly among adolescents. The many facets of research targeted to the specific biological and sociocultural needs of children are essential and often lacking. Challenges include the unique ethical considerations (e.g. the use of incentives), societal views of research in children as well the practical issues of “how” to recruit. Indeed, one of the most critical phases involved in carrying out a research project is participant recruitment that can have a major impact on the timely completion of a study and its ultimate success (Taylor, Harden & McFarland, 2000). Special skills and abilities are needed to successfully recruit participants from this developmental age group. A review of the ethical considerations in paediatric brain injury research as well as a literature review of recruitment and retention strategies in paediatric research is summarized.

12:00 - 1:30 Lunch

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Thursday September 26 - pm1:30 - 2:30 KEYNOTE Claire Smith, Ph.D. - Merrickville, ON.

Who Am I Now: Research as a Step in my Healing Process? Claire’s goal for doing both her M.A. and Ph.D. research was to better understand brain injury so that she could integrate her own TBI into her life. It has become part of her story, but is no longer its central and all-consuming element. She learned that, since both psychologically and physically head injury impacts everyone uniquely, how survivors choose to acknowledge such a life-changing event should be respected and honored. Individuals must be given the opportunity to decide how they would like to understand and deal with a TBI, always a momentous, catastrophic, and life-altering event, within the context of their own lives. Claire will explore how researching head injury helped her to come to terms with her own TBI and was an important part of her journey of self-discovery. She will discuss how she has incorporated brain injury into the multifaceted person she believes she will always be becoming.

2:30 - 2:45 Break

2:45 - 3:30Scientific/Research Angela Colantonio, PhD, OT Reg (Ont.), FACRM; CIHR Research Chair in Gender,

Work and Health,, Toronto, ON, Flora Matheson BA (Hons.), MDE, Josian Petgrave BA (Hons.), MD, Maple, ON - Traumatic Brain Injury in a Canadian Prison PopulationInternational studies have indicated that a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common in offender populations. However, there is no published data in Canada on this topic to date and there is an overall scarcity of data on women in correctional facilities. The objective of this presentation is to examine the proportion of men and women who report a history of a TBI in a prison sample in Ontario, Canada, while capturing the corresponding demographic characteristics, early adverse life experiences, criminal history, and history of drug and alcohol use. The presentation will end with a description of a partnership grant with Corrections Canada. Funding was received by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, CIHR and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

2:45 - 3:30Family/Survivor/Caregiver Jean Oostrom – Barrie, ON – Where People with Brain Injuries and the People Who Care

for Them Can Find Answers“Go home and have a normal life is what the physician said when Jean left the hospital after her brain injury in 1997. During 16 years of recovery she wanted someone to explain to everyone else, what was happening in her brain. Jean is the voice for the brain injured person, so that brain injured people and the people who care for them can design a personal recovery path. Jean will be speaking about “The Place Where the Brain Has Had Enough” – “The Brain Injured Rant” - “Magnification” and “Do You Miss the Person You Were Before the Brain Injury”. Jean has graduated (post brain injury) with college diplomas in Human Resources and Web Design and works full time in database management. {Author and Developer of New Brain (www.newbrainliving.com)}.

2:45 - 3:30Support and Advocacy Bonnie Swaine PhD ,Professeure titulaire, École de réadaptation, Faculté de médecine,

Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Yvonne Richard, Montreal, QC What services are needed for mental health issues (anxiety, depression) following brain injury? This presentation is directed to persons with brain injury and their family, clinicians and health services researchers. Ultimately, the presentation hopes to create a dialogue among participants about how best to provide services for mental health issues (anxiety, depression) following brain injury to persons with a brain injury and their families.

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Thursday September 26 - pm3:30 - 3:45 Break

3:45 - 4:30 Scientific/Research Debbie Friedman BSc pht MMgmt, Montreal, QC (presenting author),

Lisa Grilli MSc pht, Helen Kocilowicz BSc N, Isabelle Gagnon PhD pht From prevention to intervention: The Montreal Children’s Hospital Trauma Centre’s approach to concussions in children and teens.The management of children and adolescents who have sustained concussions also known as mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI) poses an interesting challenge for clinicians, parents, coaches, and teachers. The Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) developed the first Pediatric Neurotrauma Program in Quebec in 1989. The MCH Trauma mandate was expanded several times over the years and a comprehensive, proactive, inter-professional approach to the prevention and management of concussions has been developed, implemented and modified in keeping with the most recent evidence and based on clinical expertise. This presentation will introduce this innovative model of concussion prevention and management. Five main components comprise the model: 1) an accessible and user-friendly website where prevention and management information is available; 2) outreach prevention activities with partners in schools, community organizations and sports teams; 3) the Concussion KIT, an educational initiative to increase the awareness of parents, athletes, coaches and sporting associations with respect to preventing, recognizing and managing concussions in sports for coaches and families; 4) a comprehensive Emergency Department management algorithm with appropriate referrals to neurotrauma specialists if necessary; and 5) a concussion/return to sports clinic where pediatric athletes and children who are slow to recover are provided with individualized management.

3:45 - 4:30 Family/Survivor/Caregiver Ben Sloetjes and Anita Sloetjes, Lincoln, ON and Dianne Henderson- R.N., B.A. Psych.,

M.Ed.,Medical-Legal Consultant,Welland. ON Compassion Fatigue: Understanding the Cost of CaringThe cost of caring can have a profound impact on one’s wellbeing. Continuing to give care without sustaining oneself can have a direct impact on the quality of care that one is able to provide. Self-care is now widely acknowledged to generate great rewards – the healthier the caregiver, the better the quality of care. Anyone can face the impact of compassion fatigue or vicarious trauma whether you are a first responder, a witness to a traffic event or someone who is a long term caregiver. As a caregiver to her severely brain injured son for 10 years, Anita has learned that there are some factors that are unique to the brain injury field and the provision of care to a vulnerable adult. With the assistance of Dianne Henderson, Medical Consultant, we will explore the unique notion of compassion fatigue for caregivers as it relates to brain injury and share with you strategies that will sustain self-care and that will assist in providing health compassionate care to those whom we serve. In the face of compassion fatigue following a traumatic event, Benjamin and Anita will share their story of HOPE from tragedy to triumph.

3:45 - 4:30 Support and Advocacy Lyn Williams Keeler, M.A. University of Waterloo (Psychohistory), B.C.E.T.S. Diplomate,

Traumatic Stress, Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress, (American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress),designated Fellow of AAETSSession information on next page.

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Thursday September 26 - pm3:45 - 4:30 Support and Advocacy Lyn Williams Keeler, M.A. University of Waterloo (Psychohistory), B.C.E.T.S. Diplomate,

Traumatic Stress, Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress, (American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress),designated Fellow of AAETSWorking with mTBI and PTSD- For the twenty years in working with populations who have seen war, criminal assault, various forms of child abuse, or have had a leading role in fighting fires, crime or emergency care, the issue of mTBI has only recently become an issue to consider. There appears to be a non-therapeutic alliance between a brain injury and the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It appears that neurologically, they both impact the same areas of the brain. As a clinician, I have had to integrate the possibility of an mTBI in my assessments for traumatic events and their likelihood of causing PTSD, as well as in terms of adjusting treatment expectations for both clinician and client. In my field of psychotraumatology, it has been well-known for decades that the “body keeps the score” and perhaps, this is no more evident than in co-occurring mTBI and PTSD. It is the intention of this workshop to illustrate these clinical concerns with case studies.

4:30 - 5:30 “Ask an Expert” Round Table Discussion: Bonnie Swaine, Montreal, ON, Carolyn Bottari,

Montreal, ON Harry Zarins, Ottawa, ON and Isabelle GagnonRound Table Discussion between researchers, health care professionals, disability advocacy groups, community organizations, individuals with a brain injury and their families. The general goal of the Round Table Discussion will be to initiate a meaningful dialogue between multiple stakeholders concerned with the social participation of individuals with a brain injury.

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Friday September 27 - am9:00-9:45 Scientific/Research Celina Rayonne Charvannes, Whitby, ON- MBA, Director, Research Initiatives,

Neurological Health Charities Canada-Lessons Learned from the National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions: Opportunities for the Brain Injury CommunityThe National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions (the Study) is a four-year Study (2009-2013) that will provide data on the scope, risk, health service utilization and impact of neurological conditions. This presentation will provide an update on some of the key priorities, findings and lessons learned from the Study as it related to the brain injury community.

9:00-9:45 Family/Caregiver/Survivor Andrew Modray, BA, MA, Ottawa, ON- The Unavoidable Lows and Amazing Highs of a

Catastrophically Brain Injured ManPicture a man at 23 years of age in his fourth year of undergraduate studies, planning to go to graduate school, finally dating the girl of his dreams, attending a concert and waking up and seeing snow on the ground and him being strapped to a wheelchair in a building he can only recognize as not his home. This was where Andrew was in November of 1995, not knowing exactly where he was but recognizing the sights and smells of a hospital-like area but eventually thinking that he was on an alien spaceship. This is the beginning of an extraordinary story his recovery, his return to education his progression into adulthood, which eventually lead to a ‘normal’ life.

9:00-9:45 Support and Advocacy Sumeet Shergill, MSc Applied Behavior Analysis, University of Wales, Bangor, BSc

(Hons) Psychology, University of Toronto, Paitra Surerus, B.A. (Hons) York University, M.A., Medaille College, C.C.C., Toronto, ON An Integrative Approach of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Applied Behavioural Analysis as a Treatment Model for Health Professionals working in the field of ABI

9:45 - 10:15 Nutrition and Networking Break

10:15 - 11:15 KEYNOTE Shawn O’Sullivan, George Barrie, Steven Paquet, Scott Granville, Belleville, ON Protect Yourself. Protect Your FutureShawn O’Sullivan is a former Olympic boxer, champion and true Canadian icon. Shawn is the most decorated amateur in Canadian boxing history, capturing two World Amateur Championships, and an Olympic Silver Medal. Shawn was also very well known for his ‘boy next door’ charm and his intelligent, articulate and well thought out quips. Retiring from his sport came with many challenges for Shawn. As an avid sports fan and world-class athlete, Shawn was troubled with the frequency of serious concussions in sports like hockey and football. He was also feeling the effects of the sport he participated in for so many years. After experiencing memory loss, slurring of the speech and other difficulties Shawn sought medical help. He soon found out that serious head injuries never heal, and he wanted to use his notoriety and passion to help young kids and other athletes with staying safe while playing the sports we all love.

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10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Friday September 27 - amThe conference will conclude at the end of lunch at 130. The rest of the Friday morning presentations are still being finalized but you will not want to miss these events.

11:15 - 12:00 Scientific/Research

11:15 - 12:00 Family/Caregiver/Survivor

11:15 - 12:00Support and Advocacy

1200-100 Lunch

This programme is subject to change

Touching

Everyones

Needs

10th Annual BIAC National Conference

Friday September 27 - am