BRITISH COLUMBIAS VOICE FOR THE BRAIN INJURY COMMUNITY

Spring 2013

RECENTLY REWARDED FOR HIS COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO SERVE Story Page 8

Paul Hardy

BCBIA & PCBIC

JOIN AS ONE ORGANIZATION
Story Page 5

 Brain Injury Paraplegia

Quadriplegia Spinal Cord Injury

Reduced legal fees on brain injury, paraplegia and quadriplegia cases

WE HANDLE ALL OF THE EXPENSES

FREE Consultation. If no recovery, no legal frees or expenses. Helping brain injury victims and their families for over 40 years.

ICBC claims only

"The efforts of your highly competent legal team resulted in my seriously injured brain damaged son being looked after and nancially secured for the rest of his life. We are most grateful. I particularly appreciate Mr. Simpson coming to Korea to help set up the care for my son"
- J. HWA

BERNIE SIMPSON, C.M.

Member Order of Canada Recipient of the Queens Jubilee Medal Eloisa De Lorenzo Awarded in Washington, D.C. on behalf of Brain Injury Survivors

E. ANTHONY THOMAS
Extensive experience in motor vehicle cases for 20 years

LOW LEGAL FEES

Surrey/Delta Ofce
7253 120th Street, Delta, BC

With over 40 years experience handling exclusively motor vehicle injury claims

Vancouver Ofce
808 Nelson Street, Suite 1512, Vancouver, BC

Ph: 604-591-8885
(24 hrs Emergency Service)

Ph: 604-689-8888

TOLL FREE: Throughout BC 1-800-668-3788

www.simpsonthomas.com

Message from the Editor

Janelle Breese Biagioni

Greetings!
Spring is in the air at least in Victoria! We have blossoms and buds bursting everywhere. I am not sure why, but this time of year, more than the other seasons, bodes of hope. Its an exhilarating feeling and beckons windows to be opened, lawn mower blades to be sharpened and barbecues to be cleaned. Be safe and have fun! In this issue, we have some delightful stories. Paul Hardy was featured in the Summer 2005 issue of Headline. He has done some wonderful things in his life since that time and is now being rewarded for his efforts as a volunteer with the Military Family Resource Centre in Esquimalt, BC. They have honoured him with the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award. Be sure to check out the write up and photo in this issue. An important event to remind our readers of is the BC Provincial Election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2013. We each hold the civic responsibility to get out and vote so start doing your footwork now to get to know your local candidates. Interview them and take the opportunity to present them with information on the brain injury community. If you are not registered to vote, you may do so online by following this link: https://eregister.electionsbc.gov.bc.ca/ovr/welcome.aspx In closing, I wish you all a happy and refreshing spring. Take the time to live, love, laugh, and to make memories! Cheers, Janelle Breese Biagioni

The rules of Sudoku are simple. Place a digit from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Sudoku
1 8 4 3

7 2 4 6 9 3 4 7 5 3 2 1

5 6 7 9 7 4 9 1
Community Integration Driver Rehabilitation Functional Capacity Evaluation OTs, PTs, SLPs, RAs Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Van. Island, Sea-to-Sky

4 7 2 8 5

community therapists
Building skills. Empowering people.

4 7

9 1 8 3 7
Solution on page 21

201 3997 Henning Drive, Burnaby, BC V5C 6N5 www.communitytherapists.com

604-681-9293, Ext 153

headline 3
Community Therapist Headline ad C.indd 1 13-03-08 9:06 AM

headline
is published quarterly by Mike Rossiter 5851 Kittiwake Drive Richmond, BC V7E 3P1 Email: mikerossitergraphics@gmail.com for ad space call 604-817-3779 Editor Janelle Breese Biagioni 2031 Gourman Pl Victoria, BC V9B 6A9 Email: headlinenews@shaw.ca HEADLINE welcomes letters and relevant articles for publication, and reserves the right to edit any accepted submissions for clarity and length. A signature, address, and telephone number are required. Please contact Janelle Breese Biagioni for copy deadlines. Mike Rossiter and HEADLINE editors take no responsibility for, nor do they necessarily agree with, the opinions contained in articles, letters or advertising. Contact Janelle Breese Biagioni at 250-592-4460 for information.

Government Resources
Regional Health Authoritys ABI Coordinators: Fraser Health - Aquired Brain injury Program-604-520-4175 Interior Health Authority-250-870-4664, Contact Name: Deborah Preston Acquired Brain Injury Program, Northern Health Call 250-565-7393 Vancouver Coastal Health Authority-604-714-4159 Vancouver Island Health Authority- 250- 370-8699, Contact Name: Judith Armstrong Enquiry BC-to locate Provincial Government Departments Lower Mainland 604-660-2421 Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-7867 Victoria 250-387-6121 Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology: Open Learning Information: In and Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-1633 Student Loan Information: Lower Mainland 604-660-2610 Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-561-1818- select 1 then 5 Public Guardian & Trustee of British Columbia: 700-808 West Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6B 3L3 Victims Info Line: 1-800-563-0808 Adult and Youth Addiction Services: Lower Mainland 604-660-9382 Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-1441

Community Resources
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities Advocacy Access Program for assistance with provincial and federal disability benefits Lower Mainland 604-872-1278 Outside Lower Mainland 1-888-663-1278 Bus Pass for Persons with Disabilities and Seniors Lower Mainland 604-682-0391 Outside Lower Mainland 1-888-661-1566 Tim Readman, Executive Director Stroke Recovery Association of BC Phone: 604-688-3603 Toll Free: 1-888-313-3377 www.strokerecoverybc.ca Cerebral Palsy Association of BC Lower Mainland Voice and TTY 604-515-9455 Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-0004

40981507

CHANGE OF ADDRESS?
We would like to keep our mailing list up-to-date! If you have moved or would like to be on the mailing list, please contact Mary Lou at: 604-274-5478 or email her at: mlr@telus.net

Community Brain Injury Program for Children & Youth in BC Toll Free 1-877-451-5511 http://www.centreforability.bc.ca/?page=14 Epilepsy BC Lower Mainland 604-875 6704 Outside Lower Mainland 1-866-374-5377 Victoria 250-475-6677 Information Services Vancouver 604-875-6381

(Please put HEADLINE in subject line of email)

headline 4

s e c r u o s e R
Headline is a proud supporter of Learn Connect Find
It is with great excitement and enthusiasm we announce the joining of two incredible organizations. The BC Brain Injury Association (BCBIA) and the Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference Society (PCBICS) are joining together to become one group with a focused and clear purpose to support our provinces brain injury community. The union of these two organizations was announced in November 2012 at the BCBIAs Gala in Vancouver. The timeline for the merger will take 3-6 months to get the business end of things complete and form a new organization with one board of directors. We have engaged The Governance Group, led by Vince Battistelli to help facilitate the merger and also to lead the new board through a strategic planning process and active board governance development. The strategic planning and governance development process will take us into the spring of 2014. As a first step in the process, both boards gathered and had a facilitated conversation where both groups shared common visions and reasons for the two organizations coming together. There is considerable enthusiasm for merging the two groups and although the priorities for the newly forming organization are still to be uncovered there is one priority that everyone is very committed to and will be of utmost importance as we move forward; www.brainstreams.ca is that priority. At this same meeting we formed a Merger Transition Group consisting of three members of each of the two board of directors. This group will work closely with The Governance Group team to complete the merger and liaise with their respective board members until the new organization is formed and confirmation of the board members is complete. For more info and periodic updates on the process please visit, www.brainstreams.ca.

BCBIA & PCBIC Join As One Organization!

BC Brain Injury Association www. bcbraininjuryassociation.com Campbell River Head Injury Support Society www.crhead.ca Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association www.fvbia.org Brain Trust Canada www.braintrustcanada.com www.protectyourhead.com Nanaimo Brain Injury Society www.nbis.ca. Powell River Brain Injury Society www.braininjurysociety.ca Prince George Brain Injured Group Society www.pgbig.ca Brain Injury Resources www.braininjuryresources.org Ontario Brain Injury Association www.obia.on.ca Brain Injury Association USA www.biausa.org South Okanagan Similkameen BI Society www.sosbis.com Victoria Brain Injury Society www.vbis.ca The Perspective Network www.tbi.org The TBI Chat Room www.tbichat.org G.F. Strong Rehab www.gfstrong.com BC Eplilepsy Society www.bcepilepsy.com Headway Centre Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society www.howesound.net Northern Brain Injury Association www.nbia.ca www.thinkfirst.ca www.brainstreams.ca

headline 5

BC Housing Grants for Home Adaptations Available

If you are a low income senior or a person with a disability and in need of home adaptations, you may be eligible to receive up to $20,000 by way of a tax-free grant from BC Housing, which is forgivable if the recipient remains in the home for up to three years, or the landlord commits to not raising the tenants rent for up to five years. The particulars provided in BC Housings brochure are as follows: What is Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI)? The HAFI program provides financial assistance to help low-income seniors and people with disabilities in British Columbia continue to live in the comfort of their home. As your physical needs change, so too does the need to modify your home environment. Adapting a home improves accessibility. It also promotes safe and independent living. Even small home adaptations can make a big difference in the lives of people who wish to remain in their homes longer. If you or a member of your family is having difficulty performing day-to-day activities independently and safely the HAFI program may be able to help. The HAFI program is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. Who is eligible? As a low-income senior or person with a disability, living in your own home or in market rental accommodation, you may be eligible for assistance if you meet the following requirements: You are a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and reside in British Columbia. You or any member of your household have a permanent disability or loss of ability that causes difficulty with daily living activities. Your total household income and assets are below the limits established.
Cheshire Homes Society of British Columbia

BC Housing can tell you the income and house value limits for your area when you apply. For a detailed list of eligibility requirements to see if you qualify for assistance, visit the BC Housing website www.bchousing.org/HAFI. If you are an eligible tenant living in market rental accommodation, your landlord will need to apply on your behalf. What types of adaptations can be done? When you fill out the application form, you can identify the home adaptations you feel will help meet your needs. Adaptations should be items that are directly related to your disability or diminished abilities. This includes items such as: handrails in hallway or stairways ramps for ease of access, easy to reach work and storage areas in the kitchen lever handles on doors walk-in showers with grab bars, or bathtub grab bars and seats. All adaptations should be permanent and fixed to the home. Exceptions can be made for equipment designed to improve access to existing parts of the home, such as bath lifts. Supportive care, portable aids such as walkers, and household appliances, are not eligible. Emergency repairs to roofs and furnaces or maintenance work are not eligible. What financial assistance is available? If you are a senior or have a disability that makes everyday home activities a challenge, then you may be eligible for assistance. Financial assistance up to $20,000 per home is available. The exact amount is based on the cost of materials and labour necessary

Acceptance, Empowerment, Independence, Opportunity

Providing Transitional, Slower Stream and Apartment Based Rehabilitation Programs for Acquired Brain Injury since 1984.
Cheshire Homes Society of BC, Head Office #202 625 5th Avenue New Westminster, BC, V3M 1X4 Phone: (604) 540-0686 www.cheshirehomes.ca

R a i n coa st
Community Rehabilitation

Services where you live, work and play

2392 Kingsway Vancouver, BC V5R 5G9 info@raincoastrehab.ca tel: 604.444.3770 fax: 604.444.3729 toll free: 1.800.535.9988 www.raincoastrehab.ca

a member of the Leonard Cheshire Disability Global Alliance

headline 6

for the required adaptations. The assistance is in the form of a grant or forgivable loan. How do I apply? To receive financial assistance, you must qualify for the HAFI program and your application must be approved. There are three ways to obtain a copy of the eligibility requirements and application guide, along with the HAFI application form: 1. Download the documents from www.bchousing.org/HAFI 2. Call BC Housing at 604-646-7055 to have documents mailed to you, or 3. In person at any BC Housing Office.
For more information, contact: HAFI BC Housing Homeowner Protection Branch 650 4789 Kingsway Burnaby, BC V5H 0A3 Phone: 604-646-7055 Fax: 604-646-7054 Toll-free: 1-800-407-7757 (ext. 7055) Email: hafi@bchousing.org www.bchousing.org/HAFI http://www.bchousing.org/Options/Home_Renovations

The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) has updated the following Help Sheets to incorporate the changes made by the Ministry of Social Development in October 2012:

BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) Help Sheet Update

# 2. The Persons with Disabilities Benefit Application # 3. Checklist for the Persons with Disabilities Benefit # 7. Health Supplements for People with Disabilities # 8. Trusts for People Receiving the Persons with Disabilities Benefit # 12. Income Assistance Application Process for People with Disabilities # 14. Registered Disability Savings Plan and the Disability Tax Credit All of BCCPDs Help Sheets are accessible from our website at: http://tiny.cc/c93aqw. If you would like hard copies of the updated Help Sheets, we would be happy to mail them to you free of charge. Please contact Val at 604-875-0188, 1-800-663-1278 or at feedback@bccpd.bc.ca to place your order. Unfortunately, we dont have sufficient resources in our current budget to update the Punjabi and Chinese versions. Theres a full list of the 2012 changes available on our blog at http://tiny.cc/9ipaqw which we hope you will find useful until we have the Help Sheets translated.

30 years of experience helping brain injured victims and their families. Murphy Battista LLP T: 604.683.9621 Toll-free 1.888.683.9621 Fax 604.683.5084 E: murphy@murphybattista.com 2020 - 650 West Georgia Street Box 11547, Vancouver Centre Vancouver, BC V6B 4N7 www.murphybattista.com

Skunkworks Creative Group Inc. | Murphy Battista Logo Refresh | FINAL (Rawlinson Bold) | March 19, 2012

Joe Murphy, Q.C. Derek Mah Irina Kordic Tina Petrick

Joe Battista, Q.C. Steve Gibson Kevin Gourlay Leyna Roenspies

J. Scott Stanley Brian Brooke Angela Price-Stephens Alex Sayn-Wittgenstein

headline 7

Paul Hardy Receives Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal

Paul Hardy was first featured in the Summer 2005 issue of Headline. In our first story, Paul demonstrated a strong spirit and determination to regain his life. In the past eight years, he has done just that and was recently rewarded for his commitment and dedication to serve. Here is a brief overview of Pauls story for those who are unfamiliar with him. Paul sustained a severe brain injury due to a hit and run accident in 2002. Over the next three years, Paul went from a being in a coma for nineteen days, to not being able to walk or talk, to behaving so erratically that staff restrained him in bed so he couldnt escape from the hospital, to moving from VGH to the Gorge Road Hospital, to private home care, to living on his own in an apartment. Paul is walking, talking, volunteering in the community, and working on nurturing his relationships with family and friends. He enjoys hiking, computer games, fishing, and has a passion for wolves. None of these milestones came easy it took baby steps, millions of them. As part of Pauls recovery and in reconnecting him to his community, he began volunteering for the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC). He is now entering his eighth year as a volunteer. Paul has been eager to learn new jobs and to take on whatever responsibility the MFRC would give him. His duties have included: Thrift Store customer service, administrative support, and toy washing and event volunteer. When the opportunity arose for the MFRC to nominate a volunteer for the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, there was no question as to which person deserved to be recognized. The commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth IIs accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The prestigious medal is a unique way for Canadians to honour Her Majesty and acknowledge her sixty years of service to our country. The medal was also designed to honour 60,000 Canadians for their significant contribution and achievements. On December 10, 2012, Commander Tim Allan presented a deserving, albeit surprised, Paul Hardy with the prestigious award. Paul loves his work with MFRC. In fact, he proudly states, I am going to stay working here until I am 65. I will. From all accounts it seems that the MFRC is happy to have him for however long he wants to be there. In the nomination form it was stated, Pauls willingness to go above and beyond is shown by his recent graduation from food safe in order to better serve the community at the many events he supports. He is a dedicated volunteer who shows up early and never misses a day at work. Paul remains a wonderful addition to the MFRC.

Commander Tim Allan presenting the medal to Paul on Dec. 10, 2012. Credit: MFRC

Rich Dwyer (Operations Manager), Paul Hardy, Gaynor Jackson (Executive Director), Sara Lawton (Volunteer Coordinator). Cover photo credit: Shirley Johnson

headline 8

Brain injury is devastating. Lives are turned upside down. We offer not just a house, but homes for people at all levels of abilities, a foundation to build relationships and be connected to the community. Our transitional and residential rehab programs are developed and guided by rehab professionals, designed for each individuals unique needs and implemented on a daily basis. CONNECTs mission is simple...to make lives better. In Langley call In Lake Country call Janette Jackman Christy McKeating 604-534-0705 250-469-9358 janettej@connectcommunities.ca christym@connectcommunities.ca Please visit our website at www.connectcommunities.ca headline 9

Dr. Oz encourages healthy eating and a balanced lifestyle. The following recipe and more are available on his website at www.doctoroz.com.

Did you know that 6 out of 10 provinces have bike helmet laws? British Columbia applicable to all cyclists A lberta applicable to cyclists under the age of 18 Ontario applicable to cyclists under the age of 18 ova Scotia applicable to all cyclists N N ew Brunswick applicable to all cyclists rince Edward Island applicable to all cyclists P Cycling is a fun and healthy activity; however, each year approximately 7,500 Canadians are seriously injured. Many bike crashes and injuries occur during the late afternoon rush hour; 1 out of 3 deaths occur at night or where there is artificial lighting in use. Source: http://bikesafety.caa.ca Its important to wear a bike helmet, to know the proper hand signals to use, and to know the rules of road when cycling. Helmets reduce the risk of death or sustaining a brain injury. Proper Hand Signals to communicate your intention to others:

Bike Safety Smarts

Dr. Ozs Berry Strong Spinach Smoothie

Dr. Oz supports the daily recommendation of 3-5 daily servings of vegetables. This easy to make smoothie from Dr. Oz will help you to get a jumpstart on your daily vegetable. You cant taste the spinach! Ingredients 1 cup frozen spinach 1 1/2 cup frozen blueberries 1/2 cup frozen raspberries 1 cup orange juice Directions Combine all ingredients in a blender with ice and blend until smooth.

David Marr Q.C.

Tara Decker

Kevin Cowan

Corey Lencovic

Joseph Zak

We care about your future

A team of experienced professionals sensitive to the needs of both the survivor and the family.

To test your knowledge on bike safety and for other valuable information, visit: http://bikesafety.caa.ca/practice-test/index.php.

We travel to you
Suite 600-175 Second Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 5W1

health
Suite 400 - 601 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2 toll free 1.800.590.SALT t. 604.871.4306
Group Homes Support Home Sharing Rehabilitation

T: 250.372.1221 TF: 1.800.558.1933

www.hmzlaw.com
headline 10

E: hmz@hmzlaw.com

www.saltgrasshealth.com

Stringing a New Life

~Wendy Thompson In June 2009 I was working in an established, albeit stressful, career. The relationship I was in didnt seem to be going anywhere and instinctively I knew that I was ready and wanting a change. Thats the year I suffered a brain stem hemorrhage, which brought substantial changes to my life without any choice or negotiation. Life took a sharp turn. Many people left my life. Mostly because of a lack of understanding; they couldnt relate to the new Wendy. It was difficult for me to understand why they couldnt cope. After all, I had no choice but to adapt to the new Wendy. Leaving wasnt an option for me. There were surmounting pressures at work when I returned. I was under a lot of stress and had little, if any, answers as to why life was so challenging. There was little support from friends and I had no idea where to turn. Although I knew that I needed to get help and that I had to adapt to the new me, I was scared, depressed and feeling lost. The doctors believed that I would make a full recovery; however, I was one of the people who fell through the cracks. I lost my job and I struggled daily with fatigue, severe headaches and a significantly disturbed sleep pattern. It took nearly 18 months for me to receive rehabilitation. Once the rehab started, I knew the first step was to embrace the change and start a new life. In order for me to start a new life I had to make some conscious decisions. The first was to be kind to myself and learn to be positive again. I needed to feed my passion. I needed to open my heart and reconnect with my sisters whom I had not seen for nine years. I also needed to decide what I could do with my time given that I was not able to return to work. I began to have a reoccurring thought I could make jewellery. I had dabbled in making jewellery years ago, so I wasnt completely unfamiliar with it. I spoke with my support workers and made arrangements to take a course with my worker attending. At first it was a challenge to string the beads and stones to make something that I liked; however, I kept a positive attitude. I told myself over and over, Yes, I can. It did not take long before I was turning out beautiful necklaces, earrings and anklets made from semi-precious stones and Murano glass. My life today is all about balance. I still struggle with headaches and sleepless nights and I have had to accept that my career ended. Nonetheless, this transition in life has brought me to a new understanding. I am not materialistic at all anymore. I feel as though I tend to go with the flow much easier now. I have learned to not be so hard on myself and to take each day as it comes. I feel more relaxed and seem to have let go of the worry. I have reconnected with my sisters and discovered a talent that I did not know I had. Moreover, my life is rich with wisdom and insight and I feel blessed to know the new me. Wendys Creations can be found at www.creationsbyraven.weebly.com

headline 11

Recommended Resource: http://braininjuryselfrehabilitation.com/

Edie Flickinger, a Registered Nurse, has dedicated over 20 years to self-rehabilitation and recovery following an assault on October 30, 1991. She is committed to reaching out to others and supporting them in their journey of self-rehabilitation. In doing so, she has created a website rich with resources and informative articles. Below is her blog posting which offers practical strategies and idea for organizing closets and drawers. Be sure to check out the website for more information! Simple tips how to organize bedroom closets and drawers after traumatic brain injury Arrange according to color, style, or seasonal. You may also consider putting certain outfits together. If you choose to put outfits together and more than one item is hanging on a clothes hanger Just remember that! You may find this great way to organize when one remembers! Otherwise, you may think you are missing items. This might be the hardest way to organize, but I also see where placing outfits together would help to eliminate choices in a quick moment or packing for holidays or vacations.

Keeping organized is essential to good mental and physical health. Organization conserves energy and limits environmental stimuli. Arrange your closet in ways that are easiest for you to find things. What works for one person may not work for another. You may think one way will work, but find another is better. Try out your options and organize your life from the most basic chores of daily living. Organization Good mental & physical health Conserves energy Limits environmental stimuli

Clothes (Photo credit: codey)

Youre in Good Hands.

Our goal is to assist our clients by obtaining funding for all of their immediate needs in order to maximize their potential for recovery, while we proceed toward obtaining settlement or judgment that allows a sustainable and encouraging new future.

COLOR ARRANGEMENTS-Place all your blue shirts together, all your white shirts together, all your black shirts together, red shirts together, etc. Hence, if you are looking for a specific color you can easily find it.

Ways to Arrange Your Drawers and Closets Color Arrangement Style Arrangement Seasonal Arrangement Outfit Arrangement

STYLE ARRANGEMENTS-When you have several shirts in the same style and want to arrange them according to style this could easily work. Place all your sleeveless shirts of one style together, all your polo shirts together, all your sports-bra tops together, all your dress shirts together, all your shirts with collars together, etc. SEASONAL ARRANGEMENTS - Keep all your sweatshirts, heavy sweaters, turtleneck shirts, long-sleeve shirts together. Keep all your sleeveless shirts, lightweight sweaters, shorts, capris, pants, together. Keep all your items that could be all-seasonal together.

250.360.2500
Personal Injury & Insurance Law www.hom-law.com
#1-505 Fisgard Street Victoria, BC V8W 1R3
For more information, contact: Barri Marlatt or Lorenzo Oss-Cech

OUTFIT ARRANGEMENTS-Items that all go together as a group that are similar. Shirts, sweaters, jackets, capris, shorts, pants that you can alternate according to the event or weather.

headline 12

JOB #H103-9643 CLIENT: HUTCHISON, OSS-CECH, MARLATT INSERTION DATE : SpRINg 2009 pUBLICATION: HEADLINE MAg

This is a personal preference whether you arrange your closet according to colors, styles or seasons. The way you set this up will depend on how you functioned prior to your current health condition and what is working best now. You might have to try one organizational means than another before you find what works best for you.

Extending the budget Resale stores Clearance racks

Understanding resale stores is a little different and can be difficult following a brain injury. This may be challenging in nature, but something essential to clothing your family when funds are limited. You may also want to check out clearance racks in department stores. Clearance items frequently have additional discounts, and sometimes prices can be as low as second-hand items. Either way you shop, you can extend your financial budget.

The best way to extend your budget might be to recycle clothing and housewares within your circle of family and friends. What is old to them will be new to you! Enjoy whatever way you change outfits or housewares its just all stuff in the end!

Photo credit: Wikipedia Storage Attic Under bed in storage containers Between mattresses

If you store items in another location keep a reminder note nearby so you wont forget. Place the note on a hanger in the closet or in your dresser. If you are short on space you may need to store items in an attic or between mattresses. Storing things between mattresses helps with storage. This only works if you are putting things away for a while. You do not want to do this if it is something you will wear frequently. Divide drawers Underwear section Sock section Pajamas Jeans Shorts

Take a Break
S R G P R G S N K Z G T G E E H E E A L P N A Y N Y F N N R O E I Z R A E I I T L Z I R U W N Z I I R N F N O E H K T O E O N H B L L T W N S F L B L R G F C P O I E I N U M A K O S N R T G O R T U N H R W S C T I E O G S O S R J G R A S S R K S C A L U H R E D N U H T I I H S L E V A R T F X S V E D H T P O U T D O O R S K N A S U U O T E N N I S X H I B S L U F H N E D R A G S H I B T L L A B T E K S A B D C N C E R A I N B O W A J E U J G F R

Divide your drawers equally so you can have an underwear section, a sock section, pajamas, jeans, shorts, etc. Donate any excess clothing or clothing that you have outgrown or just dont wear. They accumulate and clutter your environment. There are many families in need of clothing. 1. Donate excess stuff 2. Recycle stuff among friends and family 3. Excess stuff clutters environment

Find the following hidden words:

BASKETBALL BREAK COLOUR DIRT EASTER FERTILIZER FLOWERS FRESH GARDEN GOLFING GRASS HIKING HOOP HOPSCOTCH HULA OUTDOORS PLANTING RAIN RAINBOW RUNNING SAFETY SHOWERS SKIING SPRING SUNSHINE TENNIS THUNDER TRAVEL WALKING

If you are short on funds and would like a change in types of clothing many second-hand stores sell items low in cost. Some give discounts after donating, such as 20% off or buy 1 get 1 free. Locate second-hand stores, or resale stores in your area. Many also have certain tag colors for discount, or certain days that prices slashed under $1.00. Get to know these stores and how their sales work.

headline 13

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: Worth Talking About

~Larissa Szlavik If the term Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (or CTE) does not bear any meaning, it will, and it ought to. CTE is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that over time results in devastating dementia similar to Alzheimers, however, it is completely preventable. Other symptoms include memory loss, impaired judgment and impulse control, aggression, and depression. Although we know very little about CTE and 90% of documented cases are among former pro-athletes; it draws attention to how the human brain, despite being adaptable, can sustain permanent damage from even the most subtle head traumas. The tricky part is that symptoms of CTE can take several years to emerge and the disease can only be definitively diagnosed after death. For this reason, the Centre for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathies (CSTE) at Boston Universitys School of Medicine aims to better characterize this illusive illness This past May the untimely suicide of NFL player Junior Seau (43) sparked great discussion on CTE. This is reminiscent of the string of suicides in 2011 among NHL enforcers Derek Boogaard (28), Rick Rypien (27) and Wade Belak (35). Stark examples, such as these, are catalysts for change. Both the NFL and NHL have responded with more stringent rules surrounding concussion. Greater awareness has enabled more former pro-athletes experiencing brain dysfunction to come forward with their stories. Currently the NFL faces thousands of lawsuits for allegedly withholding information on this very topic. There is a push for greater awareness, surrounding the traumatic effects of concussion. Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries that disrupt the chemical balance surrounding cells in the affected area of brain. The leading theory for CTE is that disruption of this chemical balance can somehow lead to the abnormal modification of a protein named Tau (this also happens to be the protein affected in Alzheimers disease). In a healthy brain, Tau stabilizes the internal structure of the neuron, which also plays a role in neural communication (the basis of brain function). Abnormal Tau destabilizes the neural scaffold, preventing proper functioning and leading to cell death. This protein will accumulate within neurons over time, hence the progressive nature of the disease. The unique set of symptoms experienced by an individual depends on the brain regions where the protein is deposited.

Trouble expressing yourself?

We can help!
After brain injury, trouble with speaking, listening, reading, writing or with social communication is common. We are here to help. Assessment and treatment of speech, language and swallowing disorders in eight languages, for children and adults Sessions at home, at school or at your worksite in locations throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley or at our offices Family education and caregiver training Expert witness assessments and reports Communication devices and alternative communication methods

*
Image from (Baugh et al. 2012); The brain on the left is healthy, and the brain on the right shows deposits of abnormal Tau protein (stained in dark brown). The asterisk highlights how greatly abnormal Tau has accumulated in the amygdala (the brain structure involved in fear and aggression) of this particular individual.

Columbia Speech & Language Services Inc.

Improving Communication Throughout Your Life. T: 604.875.9100 E: info@columbiaspeech.com columbiaspeech.com

headline 14

The fact that repeated impacts to the head can cause a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease begs more questions. For example, are there populations outside of pro-athletes that are affected? The CSTE at BU has studied the brains of military vets who were determined to have CTE, as well as an individual who displayed repetitive head-banging behaviour. Once a consensus for early diagnosis is attained, then the ability to recognize the impact of CTE in communities will become more clear. Then we can take this awareness to school fields, on the slopes, our bikes, perhaps even reframing the way we think about slips and bumps on the head. As long as the conversation continues, the more collectively we can learn to better care for our brains. References
Baugh, CM., Stamm, JM., Riley, DO., Gavett, BE.., Shenton, ME., Lin, A., Nowinski, CJ., Cantu, RC, McKee, AC, and Stern RA. 2012. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy: neurodegeneration following repetitive concussive and subconcussive brain trauma. Brain Imaging & Behav. DOI 10.1007/ s11682-012-9164-5. Gavett, BE., Cantu, RC., Shenton, M., Lin, AP., Nowinski, CJ., McKee, AC., and Stern, RA. 2011. Clinical appraisal of chronic traumatic encephalopathy: current perspectives and future directions. Curr Opinions in Neurol. 24: 525-531. McKee, AC., Stein, TD., Nowinski, CJ., Stern, RA., Daneshvar, DH., Alvarez, VE., Lee, H., Hall, G., Wojtowicz, SM., Baugh, CM., Riley, DO., Kubilus, CA., Cormier, KA., Jacobs, MA., Martin, BR., Abraham, CR., Ikezu, T., Reichard, RR., Wolozin, BL., Budson, AE., Goldstein, LE., Kowall, NW., and Cantu, RC. 2012. The spectrum of disease in chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Brain. DOI: 10.1093/brain/ aws307. Larissa Szlavik studied neuroscience at the University of Victoria. She can be contacted at larissa.szlavik@gmail.com Editors Note: For more information on CTE visit, www.brainstreams.ca; the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy www.bu.edu/cste/about/what-is-cte/ and http://www.sportsmd.com/Articles/id/44.aspx. In September 2012, the NFL announced its donation of $30 million to the Foundation for National Institutes of Health for research on brain injuries. To read the announcement, visit: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000058447/article/nfldonates-30-million-to-national-institutes-of-health.

PAINE EDMONDS L.L.P. PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS

Steve Heringa

Brad Garside

LET OUR EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU

I.C.B.C. CLAIMS BRAIN INJURY SPINAL INJURY DISABILITY INSURANCE

Free Initial Consultation, Home and Hospital Visits No fees until you collect
Call us now

Headline is also available in PDF format. If you would like a copy sent to your email address contact Mary Lou by email at: mlr@telus.net Please add Headline to the subject line

Email: law@paine-edmonds.com www.PElawyers.com

or toll free 1.800.669.8599

604.683.1211

headline 15

Thoughts In The Moment

Bill Cawker will give you his perspective of lifes everyday events and how he feels it is shaping our society. For this piece, Bill has actually written it while sitting in the environment he is describing here. Enjoy his experience as he writes in real time.

The animals are scattering around in a shopping for a sale frenzy causing my mental facilities to go into overdrive. My taste buds, auditory system, visual senses, tactile senses and olfactory glands are taking in lots of information. Even with the busyness I still sense a feeling of inner peace amongst these busy bees. The exterior light entering the food court through a large bay window adds a touch of brightness to a somewhat dreary day. The scent of fresh meals permeates the air. Shoppers quietly enjoying their lunch take whats left of their leisure time to converse with others. However, many of the fatigued and not so talkative Bargain Hunters take this opportunity to remain silent, refuel and recharge their batteries for the afternoon rush hour of deals.

Jan. 30, 12:10pm-Food Court Mayfair Mall, Victoria, BC:

Flashing neon signs and constant movement belonging to people of all demographics fills my field of vision. People of different races, religions, abilities, ages and economic standing are all scrambling around to fulfill their own needs. This mass of individuals makes up one whole group. They are todays version of the Community Kitchen. All of my senses are busy at work. I am presently enjoying a mountainous muffin filled with fresh flakes of cranberries, which are melting in my mouth. The Bay Centre, where I am presently writing this column, is a hustle and bustle during todays lunch hour. It is as busy as a beehive giving away free honey to hungry bees. headline 16

The crowd is increasing as the lunch hour proceeds. All of my senses are still alert and in overdrive. They need to be because (Be sure to read Bills column in the next edition of Headline to get the surprising conclusion to Thoughts in The Moment)

Fr raser Va alley Brain In njury As ssociatio on

Invites you to celebrate the fifth annual a Path hway to Hop pe Gala

As Time T Go oes By
Saturda ay, March thirtieth two tho ousand and d thirteen
Rece eption at six oclock o Dinn ner at seven oclock o

N Northview Golf and Country C Cl lub

6857-168th 6 Str reet Surre ey, British Co olumbia
Master of o Ceremonies: Ryan Walter President Abbotsford A Hea at Hockey Team m Guest Speaker: Jess sica Brandt

Fea aturing
Ed Lewis Dr. E

The Jazz J Doctor

For 14 ye ears, Ed Lew wis was T The Jazz Do octor for CBC C olin Saskatchew wan Radio o on the Afte ernoon Edit tion with Co k or Grewar. Ev very Thursd day, people d driving hom me from work preparing dinner foun nd themselv ves laughing g, listening and ned learning ab bout both Ja azz and them mselves. He e will be join ned by wife, Sharalee Re egehr Lewi is, a nation nally renown ney nd vocalist to take th he audience on a journ painter an through th he history of f jazz.

Tickets $100.00 pe er plate Proceeds to t benefit FV VBIA services Contac ct FVBIA at 60 04.557.1913 or info o@fvbia.org fo or tickets

t raum at i c brai n and spi nal cord i n j ury

Regaining Your Quality Of Life is our goal. We work together with your rehabilitation team to ensure that you receive the best possible rehabilitation while at the same time securing full, lifetime compensation for you and your family. Our experienced team offers specialized expertise with a human touch. Give us a call and then decide.

Free initial consultation Serving clients worldwide

Suite 1450 1188 W Georgia Street

Flexible appointment times &

locations convenient for you

who have been injured in BC

Handle all legal expenses

Tel: 604.687.8874 Fax: 604.687.8134 Toll Free: 877.687.8844

Vancouver BC V6E 4A2

em ai l : ddoi g@ davi ddoi g. c om

specialized

expertise with a human touch

headline 17

Reflections
You cant stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you; you have to go to them sometimes.
~ Winnie the Pooh (Piglet, Poohs Little Instruction Book.) By Janelle Breese Biagioni

Its a funny thing about life we cant sit on the sidelines waiting for things to come to us. We often have to take the bull by the horns and go after it ourselves. Sometimes we do not know exactly where to go, or who to seek out, but I assure you that the most important thing is for you to take action!

Countless individuals have great ideas and wonderful dreams that they would like to manifest. Yet, nothing happens. The doors they need for success dont open. The right people dont magically appear. And, five years down the road, its still just an idea or a dream. Why? Because they didnt take action. They waited and waited and waited for the perfect scenario to come to them.

Taking action does not mean making a move when the textbook situation or the picture-perfect person is in your life. Action is moving one foot in front of the other and doing something with the constant belief that no matter what door opens, and/or subsequently closes, that you will eventually get to where you need to be.

Know what it is that you want to achieve and make a plan and then work the plan. The caveat is that you dont mess with the hows. For example, if I want to start a new career as a floral designer than I need to set my intention clearly. I intend to work as a floral designer for such and such company (or in my own business) by (insert date). If I sit back and do nothing but wait for the days on the calendar to pass and the company of my choice to approach me, nothing is going to happen. Nothing. However, if I develop a plan and break it down into detailed steps and start working through those steps, I will eventually end up where I want to be. Here is what my plan might look like: 1. Take a floral design course 2. Gain experience and create a portfolio by volunteering to design floral arrangements for an organization or making bouquets that I can take pictures of and then give away.

ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY (ABI)?

...a longer assessment allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the multiple symptoms associated with Acquired Brain Injury.... The 3-DAY ABI WORK CAPACITY ASSESSMENT WILL GATHER OBJECTIVE INFORMATION REGARDING:
Physical ability to perform work tasks Cognitive skills to complete work demands Behavioural skills to participate in work relationships Call us for more information
OT CONSULTING/TREATMENT SERVICES LTD. 210 - 3438 Lougheed Highway, Vancouver, BC V5M 2A4 T: 604.215.3660 F: 604.215.3669 E: consult@otconsulting.bc.ca www.otconsulting.ca

. . . with an ABI, a One-Day Functional Capacity Evaluation is not enough to determine ability to return to work . . . INTRODUCING THE 3-DAY ABI WORK CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

3. Begin networking with numerous flower shops including the one I want to work for. (I may get offered a job with another shop before my choice shop offers me one, but that may be part of the divine plan, so I have to assess it when it happens. 4. Develop a functional resume outlining my volunteer and paid positions doing floral arrangements.

5. Frequent the shop I want to work in, even if I take another job, to build a relationship with the owner/manager and to get the scoop on a position coming open.

As you can see my list is a little flexible and allows for many things to happen along the way, but its all about me taking action. Each and every day. Just keep moving forward one day at a time. Make a plan and work your plan eventually, you will get to where you want to be because you will make it happen. Believe in yourself.

headline 18

ONF Funds Guidelines for Management of Concussion/mTBI Symptoms in Children and Youth
January 2013 The Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF) is pleased to announce funding for the development of Pediatric Guidelines for Concussion/ Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Persistent Symptoms. Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury has been receiving warranted attention over the past 2 years, after years of the impact of concussion being minimized. It is now clear that there is nothing mild about concussion/MTBI, and children are not immune to the potential for longer term consequences and persistent symptoms. Management to date has focused primarily on return to play, but insufficient attention has been paid to the comprehensive management of concussion/MTBI from a medical, psychological, cognitive and social perspective. ONF is the sponsor of the Guidelines for MTBI and Persistent Symptom for adults, to assist health practitioners who manage patients over the age of 18. These guidelines have become internationally known. Research on pediatrics has always lagged behind that of adults in the area of brain injury, and now is the time to gather that evidence and develop a similar type of guideline to that for adults. The Pediatric Guidelines will be led by Dr. Roger Zemek, Emergency Physician at the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario, along with Carol DeMatteo, McMaster University and CanChild Centre for Disability Research; Bev Solomon, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab, Michelle Keightley, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab and University of Toronto, and Martin Osmond, Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa will comprise the core team. The core team has engaged over 30 experts to form a Consensus Panel, representing expertise across the full spectrum of pediatric health disciplines with expertise in mild traumatic brain injury, the Chair of the 2012 Zurich Concussion in Sport Conference, community and school-based experts and organizational stakeholders. The team will create guidelines for pediatric concussion across the spectrum of care; diagnosis, early management, persistent symptom management, returning to learn and play recommendations, and prevention of further injury will be addressed. The project will begin in February 2013 and will be completed by the end of March 2014. The Practice Guidelines Evaluation and Adaptation Cycle will be used as the model for developing the guidelines. A comprehensive literature search will focus on identifying effective interventions in pediatric MTBI, existing MTBI guidelines, and other guidelines relevant to symptoms common to pediatric mTBI (e.g. headache, dizziness, etc.) with the aim of reviewing their applicability in the pediatric MTBI setting. Existing guidelines will be evaluated using the AGREE II tool to assess the quality of the information. Collaboration with the adult guideline team will identify articles that addressed the pediatric population in their project. Information from the recently completed Review of Risk Factors and Prognosis following MTBI will be used as well. A consensus process with the larger groups of Expert Consensus Conference will produce recommendations using ADAPTE, a systematic approach for the adaptation of guidelines, used with great success for the adult guideline development. Finally, the draft guidelines will be circulated amongst external reviewers who were not involved in the development process. The Pediatric Guidelines for Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Persistent Symptoms will facilitate bridging the research-to-practice gap and raise the overall standard of care for children with concussion. These guidelines will assist clinicians to properly diagnose concussion, optimize treatment and provide families with realistic and appropriate anticipatory guidance with the aim of avoiding a potentially more serious second concussion and reducing the frequency and severity of persistent symptoms. ONF and the Concussion/MTBI Strategy will collaborate with the project team to facilitate the KT process and implementation to ensure the broadest sharing of information and uptake. Please see the following link for more information: http://www.concussionsontario.org/onf-funds-pediatric-guidelines/. Headline is also available in PDF format. If you would like a copy sent to your email address contact Mary Lou by email at: mlr@telus.net Please add Headline to the subject line

headline 19

Recipe for Success East Kootenay Brain Injury Association

~ Kerstin Renner Wednesday of the month, the When it comes to finding the group decides on a menu. The newest group program at the week after, one or more of the East Kootenay Brain Injury survivors join Thom at the groAssociation (EKBIA), you can cery store to get needed suplet your senses guide you. plies before joining the others to First, you will hear laughter and cook. shouted questions and instructions: Do we have oil? - I I think the benefits are social need two and a half cups of time and just building some sliced zucchini. Then your nose teamwork and taking some food will pick up the first smells of onhome, Thom says of the ions browning and vegetables Photo: Once a month, the cooking group cooking program and adds,and, cooking. Finally, you will see participants get together to chop and slice, hopefully they learn some skills laugh and eat. Photo: Kerstin Renner where the magic happens. along the way. The group uses the kitchen at Connect Church in Cranbrook. I knew Admittedly, this is not the professional kitchen of they had lots of space and two stoves, so we can popular cooking shows, with chefs running back and keep going, Thom says. Connect donates the use of forth, dressed in white coats, holding large knives. the space, giving a great example for community partBut once a month, a group of brain injury survivors nerships. and outreach worker, Thom McCaughey, get together in Cranbrook in the kitchen of a local church to chop I like coming here, its something to do, says Bev, and slice, laugh and eat. one of the regular participants. I used to be famous for being a good cook, she adds. Now she has lost The EKBIA cooking program started about half a year interest. And my cats dont like veggies, Bev jokes. ago with the help of a grant from the Cranbrook and Fellow cook Eleanor has a similar story. I used to District Community Foundation. On a regular basis, be a gourmet cook, but since my brain injury, its all the class has about six participants. Every second gone, she explains. The two women enjoy the time spent together in the kitchen and often go for coffee Personal Injury ICBC and visit afterward.

Medical Negligence

Free initial consultation Percentage fees available

Focused on your needs

Bill Morley
604 631 3127
Free home and hospital visits
bmorley@fasken.com

John also enjoys the group and the camaraderie of being with other brain injury survivors. He is also looking to learn a few things about cooking along the way. Im a bachelor and almost 48 years old and I dont have that many cooking skills, he says. Unlike his two brothers, who are great cooks, John states he never had a chance to learn his way around the kitchen. This time on the menu: Reggae Gumbo and Veggie Soup. So far, the group has always been able to agree on the meal plan and discover some healthy options. Even after their shared meal, there is always enough food for participants to take home to eat or freeze. The grant will keep the program running for a year, but EKBIA would like to see it continue beyond that and if funding allows, even expand it to the community of Golden. For more information, Kerstin may be reached at Kerstin@drrenner.de

Vancouver Calgary Toronto Montreal Quebec New York London Johannesburg

Tenacity Persistence Determination

headline 20

Heads Up

WHATS HAPPENING AROUND THE PROVINCE

NORTH OKANAGAN-SHUSWAP BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY (NOSBIS) Please take note: Our email addresses have changed to: robyn. nosbis@shaw.ca andnosbis@shaw.ca. Please make the necessary changes in your address books. Contact us for information on programs and services. MAPLE RIDGE BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP The support group welcomes Nora Chambers as the new facilitator. You may contact Nora at 604-462-9392 or by email at norachambers@shaw.ca. New mailing address: P.O. Box 21114, Maple Ridge Square RPO, Maple Ridge BC V2X 1P7. Many thanks to former facilitator Ian Moore, for his contribution over the years. POWELL RIVER BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY (PRBIS) PRBIS www.braininjurysociety.ca provides support and services for persons with acquired brain injury, spouses, family members and caregivers included. For more information, call 604-485-6065 or toll free 1-866-499-6065. SOUTH OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY (SOSBIS) SOSBIS provides the following services: Case Management, Psychosocial Recreation, Peer Support Cognitive Enhancement, Family Support, Stroke Recovery Support, Education, Personal Support, Womens Support and Prevention and Education. For more information, visit www.sosbis.com TRI-CITIES BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP As months have gone by, Tri-Cities Brain Injury Support Group continues to have its meetings every 1st Thursday of each month from 2 - 4 pm. At our meetings, friends get together and discuss interesting topics and do fun activities. We meet at the Coquitlam Public Library - Poirier Branch on 575 Poirier Street. For more information, please contact Sandi Caverly at 604916-5027 or stcaverly@shaw.ca or Martin Granger at martin_ granger2007@hotmail.com. New members are welcome! VICTORIA BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY (VBIS) VBIS offers individual and group programs to survivors and their support system. Programs offered include: Peer Support, ABI 101, Coping Skills, Personal Enhancement, Creative Arts, a Family Support Group and Education & Awareness seminars to community groups. For more information call 250-598-9339 or visit www.vbis.ca.

BRAINTRUST CANADA BrainTrust Canada will host the 2013 Okanagan Conference on Brain Injury, June 13 -14th at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus. For more information on the conference and programs offered by BrainTrust Canada, please call (250) 762-3233 or visit www.braintrustcanada.com. BULKLEY VALLEY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION (BVBIA) BVBIA offers case management services, and assistance with accessing rehabilitation programs, one-on-one emotional support, family support, and social and recreational activities. For more information, call 250-877-7723. CAMPBELL RIVER HEAD INJURY SUPPORT SOCIETY (CRHISS) CRHISS provides education, advocacy, support, and fellowship. For more information, call 250-287-4323. *Note: CHRISS has a new fax number 250-914-1120. COMOX VALLEY HEAD INJURY SOCIETY (CVHIS) CVHIS welcomes Cathy Stotts as the new Executive Director. CVHIS hosts a weekly drop in luncheon for a nominal cost to survivors and their families. For more information, call 250-3349225 or visit, www.cvheadinjury.com . FRASER VALLEY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION (FVBIA) FVBIA is hosting its Fifth Annual Pathway to Hope Gala on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Northview Golf and Country Club. For more information call 604-557-1913 or (toll free) 1-866-5571913 or email info@fvbia.org. HOWE SOUND REHABILTATION SERVICES SOCIETY Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society is hosting the Sea to Sky Aphasia Camp from September 14 16, 2013. To receive more information on updates regarding details about the camp call 604-936-9944 or email info@howsound.net KAMLOOPS BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION (KBIA) KBIA offers many services and programs, including case coordination and life skills support. For more information, call at 250-372-1799. NANAIMO BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY (NBIS) NBIS offers rehabilitation and case management services, disability benefits assistance, and workshops focusing on issues ranging from trauma recovery to life skills strategies and anger management. For more information, call 250-753-5600 or visit their website at www.nbis.ca.

7 1 5 3 2 4 6 8 9 2 3 9 1 8 6 4 7 5 6 8 4 7 5 9 3 2 1 5 4 6 2 7 8 1 9 3 1 9 7 4 6 3 8 5 2 3 2 8 5 9 1 7 6 4 4 7 2 6 1 5 9 3 8 8 5 3 9 4 7 2 1 6 9 6 1 8 3 2 5 4 7

Sudoku Solution Page 3

headline 21

A Couples Hobby Leads to Creating Brain Injury Memory Aids

For twenty-eight years, Brian Romeril worked as an electrical wholesaler. His job took him and his Canadian wife to live in the United Kingdom and Florida before settling in St. Marys, Ontario, in 2000. Nine years later Brian lost his job due to an economic downturn and what the company described as a restructuring. Brian and Karen shared a unique hobby of painting murals and faux finishes such as marbling for theatres and restaurants. They continued to do this after Brian became unemployed. About twelve months later, they were approached by a long-term care facility to provide artwork to disguise their dementia unit. The most effective method was to transform the doors into pieces of furniture wall units and built-in cabinets. Known as an Exit Diversion to dissuade exit seeking, which not only enhanced security, it also lessened anxiety and provided a more homey feeling to what was often an institutional looking metal door. In the summer of 2011, Brian and Karen started the Memory M-AID line with help and advice from Gail Elliot, Gerontologist and a few friends at the Alzheimer Society of Hamilton/Halton - all of whom who had seen their Exit Diversion Art Work. Memory M-AID is a series of reusable peel-and-stick Wayfinding aids created for those with memory loss due to a brain injury, stroke, dementia or any other cause. The colour and contrast of the images are exaggerated to compensate for poor vision and depth perception which is often a factor. Glass doors do not offer the same clarity of contents. The Romerils have received positive feedback that suggests the designs are attractive enough to be used in other situations (such as shared accommodation - church kitchens, vacation homes etc.) and this was of course, intended! Memory M-AID uses a patented, high quality, polyester coated fabric that can be re-positioned many times over without leaving any sticky residue so that it may be used long or short term. This is helpful if a person is initially oppositional about having images on the cupboards; they can simply be removed and implemented at a different time. As well, if the persons memory recovers and they no longer require the aid it is easily discarded. The Alzheimer Society of Hamilton/ Halton is currently studying the effectiveness of Memory M-AID with a number of volunteer families - results are expected in April. A smaller, previous study produced some very positive results! In the meantime, Brian and Karen are preparing to expand their products and are very interested in receiving ideas from the brain injury community on what types of aids would be beneficial. To learn more about Memory M-AID and/or to offer feedback and suggestions to Brian and Karen, please visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MemoryMAID/ or website at http://bkrcarteffects.com/items. You may also contact them by telephone 1-519-284-3149 or by email at info@ bkrcarteffects.com.

headline 22

BC BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATIONS &

*This list updated Spring Issue, 2013
Abbotsford Acquired Brain Injury Society of the Yukon Alberni Valley Head Injury Society/Port Alberni Barriere/Merritt British Columbia Brain Injury Association Brain Trust Canada Brain Trust Canada - Vernon Contact Bulkley Valley Brain Injury Association Burnaby Chinese Brain Injury Support Group Campbell River Head Injury Support Society Caribou Brain Injury Society Chilliwack Comox Valley Head Injury Society East Kootenay Brain Injury Association Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association Golden East Kootenay Brain Injury Association Kamloops Brain Injury Association KBIA - Barriere/Merrit Contact Langley/Aldergrove Brain Injury Support Group Maple Ridge Support Group Mission Nanaimo Brain Injury Society New Westminster Headway B.R.A.I.N. (Brain Resource, Advocacy & Information Network) North Okanagan Shuswap Brain Injury Society (Salmon Arm/Shuswap) Northern Brain Injury Association Powell River Brain Injury Society Prince George Brain Injured Group Society Sechelt/Sunshine Coast Brain Injury Support Group Semiahmoo House Society Acquired Brain Injury Services South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society Terrace Brain Injury Support Group TriCities Support Group Vancouver Headway Vancouver Survivors Support Group Victoria Brain Injury Society West Coast Support Network West Kootenay Brain Injury Association

Support Groups
604-557-1913 867-668-5283 250-724-6772 250-372-1799 604-465-1783 250-762-3233 250-307-6064 250-877-7723 604-877-8606 250-287-4323 250-392-7772 604-557-1913 250-334-9225 250-417-6220 604-557-1913 250-344-5674 250-372-1799 604-557-1913 604-462-9392 604-557-1913 250-753-5600 604.520.0130 604-540-9234 250-833-1140 1-866-979-4673 1-866-499-6065 250-564-2447 604-592-1006 250-490-0613 1-866-979-4673 604-916-5027 604.732.4446 604-873-2385 250-598-9339 250-726-7459 250-304-1259 TF 1-866-564-2447 Local 230 TF 1-866-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913

Carol Paetkau Anne-Marie Yahn Linda Kenny Terry-Lynne Stone Deborah St. Jean Laurie Denton Marcie McLeod Michaela Slipp Angela Kan Shelley Howard Stacy Turcotte FVBIA Cathy Stotts Karen Stermer Carol Paetkau Debbie Gudjonson Terry-Lynn Stone FVBIA Nora Chambers FVBIA Mark Busby Gabrielle Pape Tina Suter Robyn Coatta Carmen Jose Deborah Dee Alison Hagreen Office Dave Head NBIA Sandy Caverly Leah Pentilla Lillian Wong Helen Lang Wanda McAvoy Kelly Johnson

Terry-Lynn Stone 250-372-1799

Susan Goddard 604-885-8524

*Please email name and phone number changes to headlinenews@shaw.ca to ensure this list is kept as up-to-date as possible.

headline 23

PM40981507 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO 5851 Kittiwake Drive Richmond, BC V7E 3P1

Home.
An experienced brain injury lawyer can make it happen.
Winning complex brain injury cases for more than 30 years, Webster & Associates is a leader in the field of traumatic brain injury law. We help our clients and their families reach their personal and financial goals.

BRAININJURYLAW. CA
Call us. We can help.
Webster & Associates
Vancouver/Richmond: 604 713 8030 Victoria: 250 589 8030 Toll Free: 1 877 873 0699 email: webster@braininjurylaw.ca