2017

ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE

and PARTICIPATING COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS

PRESENTED BY

November 1 - 3, 2017Sheraton on the Falls HotelNiagara Falls, Ontario

www.ontarioabiconference.ca

Making a Difference

REGISTRATION

▶

An old man walked up a shore littered with thousands of starfish, beached

and dying after a storm. A young man was picking them up and throwing

them back into the ocean.

“Why do you bother?” said the old man.“You’re not saving enough to make a

difference.”

The young man picked up another starfish and threw it back to the water.“It will make a difference to that one,”

he said.

You make a difference every day!

REGISTER ONLINE

www.ontarioabiconference.ca

The Starfish Story

#ABIConference

The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) in collaboration with participating community associations is pleased to present the 2017 Acquired Brain Injury Provincial Conference.

The conference includes 2 days of multi-disciplinary educational sessions as well as distinguished keynote speakers. We anticipate an audience of 600 professionals, including but not limited to, ABI Rehabilitation Professionals, Psychologists, Legal Representatives, Social Workers, Nurses, Personal Support Workers and Advocates. We also offer a stream of workshops specially selected for survivors, their families and caregivers.

A certificate of attendance for CEU credits will be provided in the delegate package. Participants are encouraged to contact their professional/college association for continuing education credits.

Delegates who complete evaluation forms will be eligible for prizes. Draws will take place throughout the conference.

WELCOME

2017 A C Q U I R E D B R A I N I N J U R YPROVINCIAL CONFERENCE

and PARTICIPATING COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS

PRESENTED BY

Making a DifferenceSheraton on the Falls Hotel, Niagara FallsWednesday November 1 to Friday November 3, 2017

ACCOMMODATIONSDelegates are responisble for arranging their own accommodations. A selected number of rooms have been held for conference delegates at the host facility at a special negotiated rate. To receive this exclusive rate you must book prior to September 29, 2017. Please note that the hotel cancellation policy is 72 hours prior to check in.

DIRECTIONS From TorontoTake QEW to NiagaraFrom QEW, take Hwy 420 towards Rainbow Bridge and “The Falls” to Falls Avenue.

From Fort ErieTake QEW to TorontoFrom QEW, take Hwy 420 towards Rainbow Bridge and “The Falls” to Falls Avenue.

From LondonTake 401 EastTake 403 towards HamiltonTake QEW to NiagaraFrom QEW, take Hwy 420 towards Rainbow Bridge and “The Falls” to Falls Avenue.

Sheraton on the Falls(Across from the Rainbow Bridge) 5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 3K7 CanadaFor reservations Call 1.800.519.9911

Quote “Special Convention Rate for Ontario Brain Injury Association”

$119.00 for traditional city view room + taxes$159.00 for fallsview room + taxes

NEW! Reservations can be made directly through the conference website, under the Accommodations tab.

Note:OBIA does not use any booking agencies for room reservations.

Kim Gorgens, Ph.D, ABPPIdentifying and Treating the TBI-related ‘Superfecta’ in Justice SettingsThis keynote address will highlight the process and outcome of a novel state and nationwide collaboration between the Colorado Brain Injury Program, the University of Denver and 14 jails and problem-solving courts. This partnership reflects the translation of research into public good for the benefit of persons with TBI and the people that care for them. This unique approach to traumatic brain injury in jail settings will be discussed. Understanding the relationships between criminality, TBI, mental illness and substance abuse in this highest-risk, most vulnerable population is informing the development of programs that are sensitive to the complexity of these needs.

Keith Yeates, Ph.D, R.Psych, ABPP-CNThe Role of the Family in Recovery from Pediatric TBIParenting behaviours play a critical role in the child’s behavioural development, particularly for children with neurological deficits. This presentation will focus on a study examining the relationship of parental warm responsiveness and negativity to changes in behaviour following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in young children.

Sheila MacDonald, M.Cl.Sc, SLP (C)Managing Subtle but Significant Cognitive and Communication Deficits after ABISubtle cognitive-communication deficits from mild (concussion) or resolving brain injuries can significantly interfere with successful return to work, school and social interactions, yet may not be evident in clinical evaluations or in more structured contexts. This talk will present evidence for subtle cognitive-communication deficits and optimal methods of assessing their impact on daily life functions. Experiences from individuals and their families will be woven throughout the discussion. Evidence for treatment of higher level cognitive-communication deficits will be reviewed.

Wendy Clawsey The Trials & Tribulations of Living with a Brain InjuryActress, model, author and mother Wendy Clawsey had it all; a great life and family accompanied by a happy-go-lucky attitude. This changed instantly while she was skiing and suffered a concussion. Wendy will share her amazing story about her battle of ‘living’ with brain injury and the struggle to recover. She reminds us about the daily struggle a person goes through and the impact conditions like brain injury have on the patient’s family and ability to work.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

CONCURRENT SESSION A[A1] Concussion Biomarker Research StudyKim Gorgens, Ph.D., ABPP will highlight research and outline current progress of a novel inter-disciplinary research protocol at the University of Denver. The study examines ‘lower profile’ high impact sports and tracks Division I NCAA athletes from freshmen/women baseline through 12 months post-concussive injury on multiple dimensions including neurocognitive status, 3-D motion capture balance assessment, vision and circulating phospho-Tau protein levels using exosome purification technology.

[A2] Making a Difference Through Collaboration: Augmenting Social Work Counselling with Nutrition Counselling to Improve and Accelerate Treatment OutcomesAngela Croft, MSW, RSW, Certified Life Coach and Kylie James, B.Sc. (OT), CNP will discuss how the connection between nutrition, mood, cognition, pain and other symptoms is well established in literature but is not commonly known or understood. Collaboration in treating the complex issues related to ABI is crucial and it is increasingly important to include food and nutrition to augment the other treatment modalities. Treatment outcomes will be highlighted, as well as, how the role of Social Work Counselling can support the work of the Nutritionist, which in turn supports the client’s capacity to decrease neuro-bio-psychological distress and increase overall health and wellbeing.

[A3] Bibliotherapy: Healing One Text at a TimeLisa Keenan, Ph.D., Kenneth Sroka, Ph.D. and Shannon King will discuss the outcome of their 5-year study of the effectiveness of therapeutic reading groups for continued recovery of ABI survivors and individuals with chronic pain and disability. This inter-disciplinary presentation will include qualitative data and provide detailed information on the development, mission statement, recruitment, reading selection and documentation for successful implementation in various settings.

[A4] Vision and Acquired Brain Injury: A Rehabilitative ApproachTanya Polonenko, OD, FAAO will highlight key concepts of visual functional skills, visual rehabilitation, procedures of various exercises, how to incorporate vision therapy in a multi-disciplinary setting and current research on vision therapy and success with daily living. This is a practical guide to the visual consequences of brain injury and vision rehabilitation.

[A5] Characterizing the Attentional Challenges Associated with Brain Injury: Differentiating Symptoms Across Various DiagnosesDawn Good, Ph.D., C.Psych. Despite increasing awareness about pediatric brain injury, misdiagnoses of attentional impairments that impede learning and behavioural presentations is a common clinical challenge. Research has examined neuropsychological measures such as executive function, attention and processing speed, to differentiate these challenges, but consideration of reactivity, arousal state and mood have been considered less. Distinct cognitive profiles are being identified for these deficits that will aid in appropriate appreciation, discrimination and, ultimately, better management of these varying difficulties.

[A6] 8:30 on a Wednesday EveningRandy Vincent will share his story of trauma and shock after a crash caused by a woman who made the decision to drink and drive. After months in hospitals and extensive rehab, he returned to his community to pick up the pieces. Through this presentation, Randy will share his secrets of success, his belief in the importance of physical, emotional and spiritual harmony and how to use community resources to promote lifelong rehab. Randy not only survived, he thrived.

CONCURRENT SESSION B[B1] Wrangling the Concussion Beast: Ontario PerspectiveCorinne Kagan, BA, BPS.Cert and Judith Gargaro, BSc. MEd. There is a lack of consistency in concussion care, what care is appropriate and who should be providing it. The newly-released Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation Standards for Post-Concussion Care in Ontario includes 15 standards with supplementary material and tools identifying the pathway of care, who should be delivering the care and the type of care that persons/families living with Persistent Concussion Symptoms (PCS) should receive. The implementation and education of the standards will be discussed, with a focus on the roles of persons living with PCS, family members and private and public care providers.

[B2] A Different Landscape: Navigating Acquired Brain Injury in Northwestern OntarioTracey Onuliak, RPN, Chad Clower, SLP, M.Sc. and Adele Vaillant will highlight the different challenges and experiences of three brain injury survivors and their journeys through the healthcare system in Northwestern Ontario. They will explore themes such as substance use, mental health and personal relationships and will provide information about the challenges of providing continuum of care services for people living with brain injury in Northwestern Ontario.

[B3] A Roadmap of Family Needs After Pediatric ABI: Clinical, Research and Family Perspectives Caron Gan, RN, MScN, RP, RMFT and Lies Ferriman. When a child sustains an acquired brain injury (ABI), families must focus on both present and future needs as ABI has both an immediate and longer-term developmental impact on the child. Through the perspectives of a parent’s lived experience and a clinician/researcher, this presentation will raise awareness of the importance of family needs after pediatric ABI. The development and validation of the Family Needs Questionnaire- Pediatric (FNQ-P) will be described, including the partnership approach that was undertaken with front-line clinicians, family members and international partners. Through administration of the FNQ-P, families may become aware of possible future pathways and detours along their journey.

[B4] Making a Difference to Survivors by Training Everyday People to Understand andSupport Individuals with Executive Dysfunction Following Brain InjuryLeslie Birkett, B.Sc.,OT, OT Reg.(Ont) and Deidre Sperry, M.Sc., S-LP(C). Treatment for executive dysfunction is even less understood than assessment. This leaves survivors in a difficult position, as successful treatment of executive function maximizes the individual’s success with many important tasks and life roles. This presentation will review the ICAN training approach used to incorporate the current knowledge of the complexity of executive functioning into real world living. Participants will gain an understanding of the advantages of sharing methods of effectively supporting those with executive dysfunction with everyday people.

[B5] Diagnosis and Management of Tinnitus, Dizziness, Vertigo and other Otic Symptoms of TBIBrenda Berge, Au.D., F-ADA. There are intimate neuroanatomical connections between the ears, eyes, jaw and the neck. Damage in these regions often result in radiating symptoms that are perceived by the patient as coming from the ears. This presentation will discuss the importance of the overlapping nature between audiology with dentistry, optometry, neurophysiology and psychology scope of practice when acting as a Collaborative Care Team.

[B6] A Message With a DifferenceSharon Campbell Rayment. Sharon sustained her ABI in 2008 due to a horseback riding accident. She will share her story of how the very thing that caused her injury has transformed her feelings of frustration, depression and anger to those of confidence, happiness and peace. She will combine the wisdom and experience with the horses with many interactive and fun modalities that she has researched and experienced for improving the effects of ABI.

CONCURRENT SESSION C[C1] Social Competence After Pediatric TBIKeith Yeates, Ph.D., R.Psych., ABPP-CN will review current models of social competence and their applicability to pediatric TBI, and summarize current research regarding the social outcomes of TBI. Social development has critical implications for children’s functioning at home, in school, and in the community. Children with traumatic brain injury are at risk for poor social outcomes. In recent years, research has increased our understanding of the nature, basis, and consequences of the social problems associated with pediatric TBI. The session also will describe the implications of the existing knowledge base for clinical practice in terms of both assessment and intervention.

[C2] Yoga Therapy: A Holistic and Complementary Treatment for Individuals with an Acquired Brain InjuryKristina Borho, MSc. OT, OT Reg.(Ont) will briefly review theory that guides a Yoga Therapist to select specific tools such as posture, conscious breathing, meditation, sound, intention setting and visualization to address unique symptoms of the individual. Case studies of individuals with ABI will be presented outlining the tools that were selected, how they were used and the observed and reported effect on the client. The presentation will begin and end with the participants being guided through a brief demonstration.

[C3] Are You Ready for 2020?Charles Gluckstein LLP will discuss the emerging technology in driverless vehicles that will revolutionize accessibility for accident victims. Further, the topic will explore the impact on the legal, insurance and medical industry. Other innovations that are emerging will also be discussed, as well as the impact on tort law and accident benefits law in general.

[C4] Applying the Science of Happiness to Life After Brain InjuryAmanda Muise, BT, Roby Miller,B.A., B.S.T., Daniel O’Driscoll and Carolyn Lemsky, Ph.D.,C.Psych ABPP-Cn will review, using an experiential approach, some of the central findings in the field of positive psychology and how they have been integrated into cognitive behavioural approaches to psychotherapy. While the focus will be on introducing positive psychology through brief interactive exercises, preliminary findings of outcomes will be reviewed.

[C5] Disorganized, Disadvantaged, Disconnected: Brain Injury and Social Assistance in Ontario, a Cross Community CollaborationJeff Chartier, Teryl Hoefel and Shelly Tsui will discuss the Transitional Support Initiative, a project that targets those with Cognitive Impairments living on Ontario Works income support. The project focusses on barriers navigating the medical and income support system and how these barriers leave people disconnected from formal support and often in situations of extreme poverty. Case examples will be used to identify the struggles of the people involved and the impact this service has had.

[C6] Looking Back - Moving Forward: Navigating the Brain Injury World with Hope and HealingLinda Lowery and Garrett Bell, mother and son, caregiver and survivor, share their journey of hope and healing. Garrett shares his physical, emotional and social challenges moving through the world of catastrophic brain injury. Linda and Garrett will share their video “Surfing on Concrete” of Garrett’s rehab one year after his injury.

Full Concurrent Abstracts available at ontarioabiconference.ca

CONCURRENT SESSION D[D1] Adopting Clinical Practice Guidelines in Community Settings: The Real DealJudith Gargaro, B.Sc,MEd, Deborah Tang, B.Sc, Ph.D., C. Psych and Corinne Kagan, BA, BPS. Cert. Efforts are ongoing to integrate a new Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the rehabilitation of adults with moderate to severe TBI into everyday practice, including acute, inpatient, outpatient and community-based rehabilitation settings. The Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation has been working with centres in setting implementation priorities and establishing individual and cross-site execution strategies and projects. During this presentation, they will discuss the process for identifying priorities and the challenges and successes of implementing these guidelines using real world experience from Peel Halton Dufferin Acquired Brain Injury Services (PHD ABIS), a community-based service provider. Useful strategies and tools to support sustainable change within rehabilitation practice will be discussed.

[D2] Winds of Change: The Ontario Concussion Care Strategy (OCCS)Cindy Hunt, Dr.PH, MPH, RN. The OCCS seeks to further understand how to integrate patients/families into all aspects of research in the field of brain injuries, particularly concussion. She will inform participants about the OCCS: What is the OCCS? Who is involved? What is the vision? What has been achieved? How have patients/families been involved? What are the future plans? Secondly, she will invite participants to share thoughts and ideas to engage patients/families in the OCCS.

[D3] Making Music: Developing a Performance Group Within the TBI CommunityJennifer Sharp, SSW and Dan Washburn, Singer/Songwriter will present on the development of a unique program where participants from the Brain Injury Association of Quinte District perform in a band. They will review the benefits individuals have gained as well as strategies used. During the presentation they will share video clips of some of the groups performances.

[D4] Bringing Occupational Therapy to Ukraine: Soldiers Returning From the Warfront with TBI and PTSDNatalie Zaraska, OT describes the steps being taken to introduce a new rehabilitation profession into the Ukrainian health care and educational system. A review of current issues including TBI and PTSD with the soldiers returning from the front. The potential role of rehabilitation professions working with soldiers will be discussed and the need for the international community to assist in this process. The need for further collaboration from North American partners to provide support in the establishment of an effective, outcome based rehabilitation system will be reviewed.

[D5] Broadening the Lens: Integrating a Trauma Informed Perspective within Neuro-RehabilitationTracy Martin, MSW, RSW and Veronica Takes, OT. Over the past several decades, the field of trauma therapy has enhanced our understanding of the human experience. Recognizing the impact of trauma is essential to meaningful service delivery and is of particular importance when working with people with ABI. This presentation will share leading edge research findings in the field of trauma, offer an expanded understanding of trauma and incorporation of the trauma informed perspective in rehabilitation.

[D6] A Client’s Perspective on How To Be an Effective ClinicianStephanie Vivier will present a collection of interviews with survivors: including all levels of severity, gender, socioeconomic status and culture. Using real stories from their experience, a partnership will be created to bridge the gap between practice and perception. Prior to injury, her 12-year career as a radio, television host and journalist has ingrained in her that stories move people, not statistics. Using the stories of survivors, Stephanie provides a client’s perspective on how to be a more effective clinician.

The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) respects your privacy. We protect your personal information and adhere to all legislative requirements with respect to privacy. We do not rent, sell or trade our mailing lists. Collecting your personal information ensures that we may fulfill your request. From time to time, we may also keep you informed and up-to-date on programs or activities by OBIA.

Refund of registration fees will be made, less a $50.00 administration fee, with written notice postmarked by Friday October 20, 2017. No refunds will be issued after this date although delegate substitution is acceptable.

Cheques returned due to insufficient funds, will be subject to a $25.00 administration fee. Late registrations will not be guaranteed delegate kits or meals. No registrations will be accepted on the day of the conference.

Visit our website at www.ontarioabiconference.ca to view our complete privacy statement online.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 20176:00pm - 9:00pm Registration 7:00pm - 9:00pm Welcoming Reception - Hosted by McLeish Orlando and Oatley, Vigmond LLP

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 20176:30am - 7:30am Yoga by the Falls Hosted by PIA Law7:00am - 8:15am Registration and Continental Breakfast - Hosted by Lerners LLP8:30am - 9:00am Welcome and Introductions9:00am - 10:15am Keynote Presentation: Dr. Kim Gorgens Co-hosted by Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers and Henderson Structured Settlements LP10:15am - 10:45am Refreshment Break - Hosted by Daniel & Partners LLP Exhibits and Networking10:45am - 11:45am Concurrent Session A11:45am - 1:00pm Lunch, Draws and Exhibits Hosted by Neinstein 1:00pm - 2:15pm Keynote Presentation: Dr. Keith Yeates Co-hosted by Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers and Henderson Structured Settlements LP2:30pm - 3:30pm Concurrent Session B3:30pm - 4:00pm Refreshment Break - Hosted by Daniel & Partners LLP Exhibits and Networking4:00pm - 5:00pm Concurrent Session C5:00pm - 6:00pm Cocktail Reception - Hosted by McLeish Orlando and Oatley, Vigmond LLP6:00pm - 7:30pm Conference Dinner and Draws - Co-hosted by Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers and Henderson Structured Settlements LP

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 20177:00am - 8:00am Buffet Breakfast - Hosted by Pace Law Firm Exhibits and Networking8:00am - 8:15am Greetings and Introductions8:15am - 9:30am Keynote Presentation: Sheila MacDonald Co-hosted by Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers and Henderson Structured Settlements LP9:40am - 10:40am Concurrent Session D10:40am - 11:10am Refreshment Break - Hosted by Daniel & Partners LLP Exhibits and Networking11:15am - 12:30pm Keynote Presentation: Wendy Clawsey Co-hosted by Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers and Henderson Structured Settlements LP12:30pm - 1:30pm Lunch, Closing Remarks, Sponsor and Exhibit Draws Hosted by Wright Rehab

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

CORPORATE SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

Access Personal Support Ltd.Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Network Inc.ADL-Accessible Daily LivingAnagram Premier/ResCare PremierBartimaeus Rehabilitation Services Inc.Bayshore HealthCare Beverlee C. Melamed & Associates Inc.Brain Injury Community Re-Entry Inc.CaseMark Financial Inc.Closing the Gap HealthcareDMA RehabilityDriveLab Inc.Essentially You Inc.FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services Inc.Galit Liffshiz & AssociatesGenesis Community Rehabilitation Inc.Health Bound Health NetworkHimelfarb Proszanski LLPHowie Sacks & Henry LLP

Koru Nutrition Inc.McKellar Structured Settlements Inc.MindworksMRI Marketing & Business Development Inc.Neurocore Physiotherapy & PIlates Centre Inc.Rehab First Inc.Rehab ResultsRehabilitation Management Inc.Rita Lenhardt & AssociatesRoss & McBride LLPRoss Rehabilitation & Vocational ServicesSkeduleXSpencer Experts Inc.Synoptic Medical Assessments IncThe Morris Law GroupThe Social Work Consulting GroupVPI Inc.Will Davidson LLP

Adapt-Able Design GroupAGTA Home Health Care & NursingCARF CanadaConnecting BridgesElements Support ServicesCamp DawnHome Instead Senior CareLawlor Therapy Support Services Inc.MavencareOSLAPRO Accessibility

Qualicare Family HomecareSaint Elizabeth Drive Assessment & TrainingSmitiuch Injury LawSolus Support ServicesSource Rehabilitation Services Inc.Speech Therapy Centres of CanadaStepUp! ABI RecoveryTRAC Group Inc.Vita Brain + BodyVocational Alternatives Inc.

PLATINUM CO-SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSOR

Survivor and Family Members Subsidized Delegate Registration Sponsor

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Ontario Brain Injury Association

For more informationCall: 1.855.642.8877Visit: www.obia.ca www.ontarioabiconference.caemail: conference@obia.on.ca

Write:PO Box 2338St. Catharines, ONL2R 7R9