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MY LIFE NOW
Jamie Chubaty’s
Story Page 10
Seasons Greetings!
In the next few months, given Premier Gordon This issue also brings information about the
Campbell’s resignation, British Columbians will be continued good work of the Maple Ridge Brain
hearing a great deal about politics. Regardless of Injury Support Group and the Victoria Brain Injury
one’s choice of political party, or what any of our Society.
personal opinions about Mr. Campbell are, every
Finally, we are weeks away from the holidays. This
one of us has this responsibility… we need to keep
time of year can be extremely stressful financially,
spreading the word about the good work that is
emotionally, and physically. It is my hope that you
being done in the brain injury community and show
find ways to reduce stress and be conscious of
politicians how investing into services, supports and
pacing yourself, be aware of your expectations, and
resources for brain injury survivors is an excellent
incorporate some fun into your life every day.
return on tax payer dollars. Every association and
support group in this province knows someone From our house to yours… we wish you a safe and
who has exceeded medical expectations and is an joyous holiday season!
inspiration in their community… call them up and
ask for a story that you can share with your local
MLA and start writing letters. We can continue to
make a difference in those living with the outcome
of a brain injury; however, it does require they have
access to programs and services and that requires
Sudoku
The rules of Sudoku are simple. Place a digit
money. Do your part to keep the decision-makers from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so every row, every
informed of what’s needed. column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
In this issue, Headline features an informative article
on the use of iPhones as a way to enhance day-to- 9 1 8 4 3
day functioning for survivors. Written from the team
at Ergo Rehabilitation Inc., readers will learn about
8 4
the various applications to assist in scheduling, 7 4 5 3 9 2 6
budgeting, grocery shopping and even navigating
your way around town. The iPhone is not just a 1 8 5 9 3
phone; it is a very exciting tool for anyone to have.
5 8 9 1 3 6 2
Headline is also available 9 2 4 7 8
in PDF format.
If you would like a copy sent 4 3 7 8 5 9 1
to your email address 4 8
contact Mary Lou by email at:
mlr@telus.net 9 5 2 1 3
Please add Headline to the subject line Solution on page 19
headline 3
Helene Levasseur Charron
headline Twenty-one years ago, Helene Levasseur Charron
had an incredible career as a Trade and Consumer
is published quarterly by Show Manager. She specialized in sales and mar-
Mike Rossiter keting, and enjoyed planning events in places such
5851 Kittiwake Drive
Richmond, BC V7E 3P1
as the Vancouver Trade and Convention Center and
BC Place Stadium.
• On August 20, 1989, while taking some time to
Editor relax and enjoy a day of golfing, Helene’s life took
Janelle Breese Biagioni a bizarre twist. The golf cart she was riding broke
2031 Gourman Pl down. It rolled backwards and sent her careening
Victoria, BC V9B 6A9 off the side of a mountain. She spent three weeks in
Email: headlinenews@shaw.ca a coma following the crash
• Helene’s first language is French. When she came
out of the coma, she no longer spoke her native
HEADLINE welcomes letters and relevant
language. In fact, when her mother visited her in the
articles for publication, and reserves the right to
edit any accepted submissions for clarity and length. A hospital and spoke to her in French, Helene asked
signature, address, and telephone number are required. that she please speak in English. Helene reports
Please contact Janelle Breese Biagioni that her English was not very good; nonetheless,
for copy deadlines. she no longer could speak or understand French.
Helene remained in the hospital for three months
•
and remembers how scattered her thoughts were
Mike Rossiter and HEADLINE editors take no and how unpredictable her emotions were. “I would
responsibility for, nor do they necessarily agree just start laughing and then crying… one to the
with, the opinions contained in articles, letters other.”
or advertising.
Contact Janelle Breese Biagioni Helene also lost her senses of taste and smell.
at 250-592-4460 for information. “They are still gone,” she states. “I was extremely
fatigued and I lost my ability to focus and concen-
trate. My balance, vision and hearing were also
temporarily impaired and I lost my common sense.”
In essence, Helene had lost any filters that would
help her determine what was or was not appropri-
ate to share with others. Helene was no longer able
40981507 to play the guitar or even sing the songs that she
had written. “I have since been able to relearn to
play the guitar and I do sing as well; however, I can’t
remember the words to the songs… I can sing the
tune, but I can’t sing the words from memory.”
When reflecting on the early days of her recovery,
Helene shared that she made one of the biggest de-
cisions of her life during that time. She reconnected
with her childhood friend when he came to visit her
four months after the accident. He asked her to
marry him. Her response was simply, “Okee dokee.”
CHANGE OF ADDRESS? They married ten months later. “We just celebrated
We would like to keep our our 20th wedding anniversary,” she happily chimes.
mailing list up-to-date! “It’s simply amazing, but we are still together!”
If you have moved or would like to
Helene is the organizer of Holy Wow Poets and a
be on the mailing list, please
member of the Maple Ridge Brain Injury Group.
contact Mary Lou at: 604-274-1251
To learn more about Holy Wow Poets, visit: www.
or email her at: mlr@telus.net
(Please put HEADLINE in subject line of email) meetup.com/holy-wow-poets/
headline 4
Maple Ridge Brain Injury Support Group
Maple Ridge and neighbouring Pitt Meadows oc- often surprised and relieved to find that others have
cupy the northeast corner of Metro Vancouver. gone through what they are going through, and can
Bordered by rivers and mountains, the area has take hope and inspiration from the example of oth-
been somewhat isolated from the rest of Metro Van- ers.
couver and has retained much of its rural charm.
Our group is grateful to the many people and agen-
Growth has been rapid in recent years, though,
cies who have lent us a hand. To mention a few:
and the two communities together will soon be
the Maple Ridge Family Education & Support Cen-
approaching 100,000 residents. With new bridges
tre has donated our comfortable meeting space,
over the Pitt and Fraser rivers, access to the region
ICBC has provided funding and referrals, and the
has improved. For those relying on transit, howev-
Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association hosted us for
er, it is still a long journey to reach the facilities and
Christmas dinner and has kindly helped out in other
services not available locally.
ways.
The Maple Ridge Brain Injury Support Group has
As the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows region continues
been meeting monthly at various locations in Maple
to grow, we are hopeful more services will be estab-
Ridge for about the past 15 years. It is a self help,
lished locally in support of ABI survivors.
peer support group for adult survivors of acquired
brain injury and their families. The purposes of the If you would like more information about the Maple
group are to provide opportunities for socialisa- Ridge Brain Injury Support Group, please contact:
tion, peer support, education, and referral to other Maple Ridge Brain Injury Support Group
resources. Some members of the group attend reg- PO Box 52507 RPO Coquitlam Centre
Coquitlam, BC V3B 7J4
ularly and meet for activities outside the group, oth-
Tel.: 604 944-9030
ers attend from time to time, and some just come
once or twice to receive information about ABI and
other resources. In addition to monthly meetings,
the group has occasional special events such as
bowling, barbeques, and trips to brain injury confer-
ences. We have been fortunate to have a variety of
You’re in Good Hands.
Our goal is to assist our clients by obtaining
volunteer guest speakers attend the group. These
funding for all of their immediate needs
have included various healthcare and rehabilitation in order to maximize their potential for
practitioners, as well as representatives from local recovery, while we proceed toward
recreational, educational, and religious facilities. obtaining settlement or judgment that
allows a sustainable and encouraging
The greatest resource of the group is, of course, new future.
250.360.2500
Personal Injury & Insurance Law
www.hom-law.com
For more information, contact:
#1-505 Fisgard Street Barri Marlatt or
Victoria, BC V8W 1R3 Lorenzo Oss-Cech
• Community Integration
A licenced group home offering residential services and transitional
rehabilitation for adults recovering from brain injury. • Driver Rehabilitation
• Cognitive FCE
community therapists • OTs, PTs, SLPs, RAs
Building skills. Empowering people. • GVRD, Fraser Valley,
Van. Island, Sea-to-Sky
Phone: 604-325-7911
Fax: 604-325-7191 604-681-9293, Ext 153
email: thornhillhouse@live.ca #207-5740 Cambie St. Vancouver, BC V5Z 3A6
7888 Thornhill Drive, Vancouver, BC V5P 3T5 www.communitytherapists.com
headline 6
When my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer, ironi- Perhaps, I would choose a venture to Woodbine Racetrack
cally he occupied the same room that I was in at Sunny- with a soft vanilla scented mini cigar nudged between my
brook. Referred to as the glass room, specifically used to lips and a hot coffee with two creams nestled between my
insure privacy for patients’, we were both lucky enough to jean covered legs. Oh, I would shout with excitement watch-
eventually leave. I left to continue with my recovery. My ing the majestic thoroughbred racehorses from the track’s
desperately ill grandfather, whom I called Ju-Ju (short third level as they thundered down the stretch.
for Junior) left for Branson hospital to pass away peace- My inner voice would say to me, “You’ve got to concen-
fully and leave discomfort behind. He must have left a little trate so hard on one of these places that you can visualize
magic dust in that glass room for me. almost every important detail to yourself.” Then I would
Downstairs and at the back of Sunnybrook awaited an plead with my injured head to take me there, if only for a
inviting ambulance that would escort my brother and I to short while. When I woke up and if I could remember my
The Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-I would be the only well planned dream, I was able to handle what the reha-
one staying. bilitation institute would demand of me. A full schedule
of physical and cognitive therapy was awaiting me. I am
“The ride was very uneventful and quiet”, my brother ex- sure that the rehabilitation exercises would make my body
plained. “As a matter of fact, you just looked out the back tired and demand more sleep. Another chance to visit a
window. I think you were excited about moving forward.” favorite destination was looked forward to.
After arriving in my room at the rehab centre, I remember To get more journal entries sent to you bi-weekly, free
being very tired and then closing my eyes. I was going via e-newsletter, just send your e-mail address using the
to escape from this place for a while, via the dream. For subscribe link button at: www.tbitalks.com
this to happen, I would decide on one of three places that I
would let my subconscious take me, if it still had the abil- Learn more about Greg, book a presentation, order ‘The
ity to do so. Organ of Intelligence’ in book or audio CD format, or to
ask him a question just visit his website: www.tbitalks.
I would escape to the waterfront in Bronte, Ontario where com
I would enjoy thick hamburgers with ketchup and fried
onions followed by mint chocolate chip ice cream with Editor’s Note:
my new love (not sure who that will be yet). Or perhaps, Headline will publish a series of Greg’s diary entries in the
the zoo in High Park near Toronto’s west end where I loved four issues of 2011. We are confident you will find his writ-
laughing at the knot haired animals is where I would go. ing inspirational and enlightening.
28 years of experience
helping brain injured
victims and their families.
T: 604.683.9621
Toll-free 1.888.683.9621
Joe Murphy, Q.C. Joe Battista, Q.C. J. Scott Stanley Fax 604.683.5084
E: murphy@murphybattista.com
Wes Mussio Steve Gibson Brian Brooke 2020 - 650 West Georgia Street
Derek Mah Kevin Gourlay Angela Price-Stephens Box 11547, Vancouver Centre
Irina Kordic Vancouver, BC V6B 4N7
headline 7
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 individual’s unique needs
and implemented on a daily basis.
CONNECT’s 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 8
THE VICTORIA BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY
HAS NEW DIGS!
D & E 830 Pembroke Street, Victoria, B.C. V8T 1H9
(250) 598-9339
The Victoria Brain Injury Society (VBIS) moved into We invite all former and new members to come and
its new facility on August 3rd, 2010. The society check us out. We are open from Monday to Thurs-
has often dreamt of having a newer, bigger and day from 10:00 until 3:00.
brighter space. A bottle crushing plant was about
Carmen Burnay, Director of Client Services,Victoria
to move next door, which gave us the motivation we
Brain Injury Society.
needed to realize our dream. Bottle crushing plants
and survivors of brain injury, with noise sensitivity,
would not make great neighbours! We were for-
How Do You Rah…Rah…Rah…
tunate, that our hard working board raised special When You Feel
funds enabling us to afford a nicer place. Blah…Blah…Blah?
Our new offices are colourful and bright with a ~Janelle Breese Biagioni
lovely little kitchenette off of our drop in room. Everyone is entitled to have a bad
Having more space, we are able to provide all staff day. However, what happens
members with their own offices and some extra when your job involves motivating
room for additional staff in the future. We also have a client and you could care less if
another group room for small group activities. This you got out of bed that morning?
means we can implement even more of our great Unfortunately, unless your ill, in
ideas for new programs. The programs we now of- which case you shouldn’t go to
fer are: Case Management, Peer Support, ABI 101, work anyway, you simply have to find a way to “park
Coping Skills, Personal Enhancement, Creative Arts, it” at the door. You need to make a major attitude
Recreation, Family Support Services (individual and adjustment before entering the workspace with your
group) at VBIS and at Victoria General Hospital. client. Here are some things you can do that may
Another bonus to our move is that we are in a loca- help you to feel better:
tion that is more accessible for our members. We • Vent with a friend or supporter before going to
are close to downtown, the Crystal Pool Recreation work
Centre, a park and major bus routes. Comments
from our members have been: “Love it – it’s bright • Boost your energy (i.e. a brisk walk, jogging,
yet soothing. I feel safer here. It’s warm and wel- deep breathing, yoga etc.)
coming”. • Journal how you are feeling
Moving can be stressful and change difficult. There If a situation in the workplace is causing you stress
is always loss and sadness when you leave a place or affecting your attitude, then debrief with a supe-
that holds so many memories. We have been rior or seek out a colleague who is willing to let you
cognizant that the difficulty of these emotions can work through your feelings and/or offer you feed-
be even greater for our survivors who have already back to help improve the situation. If the problem
experienced so much change in their lives. But we is outside of work (i.e. relationship issues at home)
also know that change is part of life and “If noth- then consider working with a counselor. Sometimes
ing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies.” (author talking with a professional is all it takes to gain a
unknown) new perspective.
headline 9
My Life Now
Jamie Chubaty
Heel toe, heel toe, heel toe…...These are not the I may have had an eventful youth, but nothing was
words that most people wake to say to themselves more life changing than the day I was in a motor
as they stumble down the hall to the kitchen every cycle accident; March 30, 2007. As a result of the
morning. But they are the words I repeat to myself accident I was unconscious and then induced into
daily while struggling to put one foot in front of the a coma. After waking up from the coma, it wasn’t
other attempting to perform one of the first whole until the end of June when I started to attempt
body coordination movements we develop as a standing and walking a few feet with parallel bars.
child… the walk. Yet I am not a child, I am an adult. It was a magical time for me in the first few days of
That is my life NOW. July of 2007, as I was finally able to walk my goal of
50 meters. I was discharged from Royal Columbian
I am Jamie Chubaty, and I am 46 years old adult.
Hospital on April 26, and admitted to Ridge Mead-
As a child I was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention
ows Hospital for additional convalescent care until
Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder), and continue to
I was finally independent enough to start rehabilita-
live with it today as an adult. In my past I have been
tion and thus transferred to Eagle Ridge Hospital for
dealt with the reality that I am an alcoholic, and
their inpatient Rehabilitation Program. I was finally
drug addict. Since understanding the reality of my
released to go home and start outpatient physio-
addictions, however, I am proud of the hard-earned
therapy, Community Occupational Therapy, and
14 years I have maintained a clean and sober life-
Speech Therapy on September 7, 2007, this was
style. That is my life NOW.
a great day! In overall, due to the multiple injuries
I sustained, I endured several surgeries to aid with
the repair of a fractured pelvis, wrist, sternum, facial
Columbia Speech & bones, tracheotomy, and cranium. As a result of the
Language Services Inc. accident, I have had many injuries, but the worst of
them all was the extensive head injury I acquired.
Providing speech and language services to
children and adults throughout the Lower
I AM a head trauma SURVIVOR, and the conse-
Mainland & Fraser Valley since 1987 quences of the trauma I will have to deal with every
day from now on. That is my life NOW.
1316 - 750 West Broadway Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1J3
After spending over 6 months in the hospital, I still
T: 604.875.9100
continue to work on living with pain, stiffness, and
E: cslsi@telus.net
residual nerve damage. I continue to challenge
Treatment aimed at community reintegration
headline 10
myself with improving the remaining difficulties that community volunteer, and finally I have begun to ac-
I have with word retrieval, attention span, concen- cept myself and the accident and can attend psy-
tration, standing without support, balance, walking, chological therapy too! That is my life Now!
stability, memory, and many other basic physical
In the next few years I hope to be able to walk each
movements. One of the most frustrating aspects
of my 3 dogs, and help with the community brain
is that everything that I try to do takes a significant
injury survivor support group, speak about my
amount of time longer than it used to before the ac-
experiences as a brain trauma survivor in order to
cident. I get confused about why I just simply can’t
help others struggling with motivation. In overall, it
do what I used to do. I am limited. That is my life
is my belief in myself, my personal motivation, and
NOW.
supports from my friends, family and most of all- my
This accident may have dealt me a tough hand wife, Laurie, that together make each day worth liv-
in terms of the physical aspects changed to my ing and working for. The 12 steps of recovery I have
body and the way it moves and functions, but the learned over the past 14 years of sobriety have also
emotional ramifications to acquiring a severe head helped me everyday since my accident to live day
injury is the most difficult part of all. The way my to day being thankful for the blessings provided to
brain thinks, reacts, and computes is different now, me. That is my life NOW.
which is emotionally frustrating. It has been difficult
I would like to specially thank those who have
to express my thoughts, say what I think and want
helped me in my journey to recovery. I would like
to say…but most of all it has been really difficult
to thank all the staff at each hospital and clinic who
understanding I can’t simply do what I think I should
have helped me get to where I am today. I would
be able to do, like I did before the accident. That is
also especially like to thank those who I still work
my life NOW.
with weekly, Sandi Caverly, Nikki (Jensen) Sloboda,
Everyday I wake up, but it is my personal motiva- Dan Carlson, and Keith Saunders, and my inspira-
tion that makes me get up! I have to push myself tion to rehabilitation, Mike Coss. I have been gifted
everyday to continue, and I am so thankful I do, as I in this life, to get the chance to live again, and I will
have seen the difference perseverance makes. I am live thankfully each and every day. That is my life
now able to: attend active rehabilitation in the gym, NOW!
pool, and community; attend occupational therapy,
attend speech therapy, attend the food bank as a
We are all guilty of making assumptions about started with a question, his slurred speech was dif-
people we don’t know, it’s in our nature, a defense ficult to follow, and automatically my mind filled in
mechanism if you will. It’s important to be mindful the blanks ... he was asking for change, I was sure.
of those you ought to be wary of; however, we are Then the words “London Drugs” stood out. His in-
often too quick to judge. Over the years of working tentions were not to swindle me for money; he was
with people with brain injuries I have learned that in need of directions. With an open heart, I stopped,
appearances and demeanor are very deceiving. made eye contact, smiled and told him exactly how
I have known many remarkable people with kind to get there. Thank goodness I caught those words,
souls who are greeted with hesitation and given so- otherwise I would have shaken my head at the man
ciety’s cold shoulder because people assume that while muttering “sorry, no change” and walked on
they are drunks, druggies, or thieves. It’s because by.
their clothes are tattered, their speech slurred, and
It’s an awful feeling being the last one picked on
their movements shaky. It is all too easy to jump
a team, missing out on an invitation or finding you
to conclusions and misinterpret the symptoms of
were the only one who didn’t receive a valentine.
a brain injury, mental illness, or the side effects of
Probably my worst nightmare would be to be
serious pain killers.
completely ignored. Imagine waking up after having
Last week I was walking around Pandora and Cook, a stroke, a different person than you were before.
near the Conservatory, where many of Victoria’s Somehow you don’t have the same sort of authority
homeless crack-heads congregate. Only those un- over your limbs you once did, and you are surprised
familiar with the area don’t expect to be stopped for at the slurred speech that comes out of your now
spare change in this part of town. A man approach- clumsy mouth. What would it feel like if people
ing me had the familiar walk and I was sure he was didn’t take the time to carefully listen to you as you
a brain injury survivor. I even thought to myself how struggle to articulate a simple question, or request?
he was probably a good man with a big heart, and If people were afraid to walk too close because
what a shame that most people would succumb they thought your stagger and the shirt you couldn’t
to their judgments and avoid his gaze. When he button up properly were warning signs? Have you
ever had that dream where you open your mouth to
scream and are let down by the absence of sound?
Some people live this every day.
It’s only natural to make assumptions, and there’s
nothing wrong with treating strangers with caution.
After all, if you don’t look out for yourself, then who
will? But it certainly won’t endanger you to keep an
open heart, and conceal your suspicions with tact.
It was this quote from Abdu’l Baha that lived in my
wallet for several years: “May your heart burn with
Joseph A. Zak Kevin D. Cowan David J. Marr, Q.C.
loving kindness for all who may cross your path”.
Each day I adopt this as a mantra and attempt to at
“We care about your future” least make eye contact and share a smile with every
stranger I pass. Many reject this warm expression
by awkwardly sending their gaze in the opposite
A team of experienced professionals sensitive to direction. Every so often, however, there is some-
the needs of both the survivor and the family. one whose face brightens, and with strong sincerity
says “Thank you for the smile”. These are usu-
ally the most disenfranchised of people; the ones
who rely on soup kitchens for nourishment and the
streets for shelter. These are the people our moth-
ers told us to avoid, who have been hardened by
society’s lack of concern. We all fear being shunned
by our peers, and no wonder solitary confinement
We travel to you
is among the harshest punishments in the west-
Suite 600-175 Second Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 5W1 ern world. While brushing off persistent requests
T: 250.372.1221 TF: 1.800.558.1933 for money easily becomes a nuisance, we mustn’t
E: hmz@hmzlaw.com forget the core of our humanity. Somehow a smile
www.hmzlaw.com becomes more helpful than a handful of change.
headline 12
For The Love Of Mary
headline 14
Government Resources
Resources
I N T E R N E T
Regional Health Authority’s ABI Coordinators:
Fraser Health - Aquired Brain injury Program-604-520-4175
Interior Health Authority-250-870-4664,
Contact Name: Deborah Preston
Northern Health-250-565-2640,
Contact Name: Jana Pirsel
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority-604-714-4159
Headline is a proud supporter of
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 Learn Connect Find
• Victoria 250-387-6121
Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology: Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference
Open Learning Information: www.pcbic.org
• In and Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-1633 BC Brain Injury Association
Student Loan Information: www. bcbraininjuryassociation.com
• Lower Mainland 604-660-2610 Campbell River Head Injury Support Society
• Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-561-1818- select 1 then 5 www.crhead.ca
Public Guardian & Trustee of British Columbia: Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association
• 700-808 West Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6B 3L3 www.fvbia.org
Victim’s Info Line: Central Okanagan Brain Injury Society
• 1-800-563-0808 www.cobis.org
Adult and Youth Addiction Services: www.protectyourhead.com
• Lower Mainland 604-660-9382 Comox Valley Head Injury Society
• Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-1441 www.cvheadinjury.com
Nanaimo Brain Injury Society
www.nbis.ca.
Community Resources Powell River Brain Injury Society
http://braininjurysociety.ca
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities Prince George Brain Injured Group Society
Advocacy Access Program for assistance with provincial www.pgbig.ca
and federal disability benefits Brain Injury Resources
Lower Mainland 604-872-1278
www.braininjuryresources.org
Outside Lower Mainland 1-888-663-1278
Ontario Brain Injury Association
Bus Pass for Persons with Disabilities and Seniors www.obia.on.ca
Lower Mainland 604-682-0391 Brain Injury Association USA
Outside Lower Mainland 1-888-661-1566 www.biausa.org
Tim Readman, Executive Director South Okanagan Similkameen BI Society
Stroke Recovery Association of BC www.sosbis.com
Phone: 604-688-3603 Toll Free: 1-888-313-3377 Victoria Brain Injury Society
www.strokerecoverybc.ca www.vbis.ca
Cerebral Palsy Association of BC The Perspective Network
Lower Mainland Voice and TTY 604-515-9455 www.tbi.org
Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-0004 The TBI Chat Room
Community Brain Injury Program for Children & Youth in BC www.tbichat.org
Toll Free 1-877-451-5511 G.F. Strong Rehab
www.cbip.bc.ca www.gfstrong.com
BC Eplilepsy Society
Epilepsy BC
Lower Mainland 604-875 6704 www.bcepilepsy.com
Outside Lower Mainland 1-866-374-5377 Headway Centre
Victoria 250-475-6677 Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society
www.howesound.net
Information Services Vancouver
Northern Brain Injury Association
604-875-6381
www.nbia.ca
headline 15
Using iPhone Apps to Enhance Your Day to Day Function
By Ergo Rehabilitation Inc.
250-385-5277
Introduction
s Rehabilitation therapists with Ergo Rehabilitation, we work with people who have sustained mild to
A
severe traumatic brain injuries through traumatic events such as motor vehicle accidents. Our goal is to
enhance a person’s overall function. We are excited about the new technology available to assist people to
increase their independence.
he iPod Touch (introduced in September, 2007), the new iPhone (January, 2009), and iPad (April, 2010)
T
have significantly changed our ability to help people to help themselves. Below are some examples of
the applications that we have found to be the most helpful with clients we see. Your therapist or life skills
worker can help you to set up your iPhone.
headline 16
• Bill Tracker – This application will help you man- • Onetrip Shopping List – This app acts as an in-
age all types of bills, such as car payments, terface to the Onetrip.org web site, which contains
through a convenient user interface combined your shopping list. This app is not available from
with an advanced internal database. the Apple store, but it is free.
• Cash Tracker – This is another app that provides • Grocery Gadget – You can enter items you need
for an easy way of tracking your every expense, to purchase in the app or at Grocerygadgets.com.
plus provides tools to analyze your spending. The app learns the order of items at the store
as you shop and puts them in order next time you
DO YOU SOMETIMES LOSE YOUR WAY OR GET shop.
LOST IN WHAT SHOULD BE FAMILIAR AREAS? • Shopper –This app allows you to develop differ-
Navigation / Wayfinding ent lists for different stores, records aisle layouts,
• Getting confused and lost, even in a familiar city, prices, budget tracking and coupon tracking. It
may cause anxiety. These apps make use of GPS can also search through flyers and show you ad-
and will guide you from your current location to vertised specials.
your destination. DO YOU NEED MEMORY TOOLS FOR DAY TO
Name of app: Name of app: DAY INFORMATION?
MapQuest 4 Mobile MotionX GPS Drive Memory Tools
• dontFORGET – This app will help you to remem-
ber birthdays and other special events. It contains
two sections; one for your contacts and one for
custom events that you create.
• My Emergency Info – Key information that you
want to share with emergency technicians, such
as allergies and medical conditions, is kept within
this app.
• Dragon Dictation – This app is an easy-to use
voice recognition tool that allows you to speak
and convert this to text or email messages.
headline 17
• Voice Memos –this enables you to record and numbers that you then try to remember and type
review personal audio messages. You can record to the next screen. Correct answers advance you
grocery or to do lists, meeting notes, short and to the next level.
long messages, and name recordings. • Memory Matches – This is an app where you flip
• Speak It – This text-to-speech app utilizes a voice cards to reveal a matching pair. It can be played
synthesis engine that converts text into spoken as a single player or in multi-player mode.
words. • Anagram Game – This mimics the classic ana-
• Simplenote – You can keep simple lists, notes and gram word game where you try to form as many
ideas with this app that automatically synchro- words as possible from a group of letters.
nizes with your computer. • Brain Trainer by Lumosity – This app includes 7
• Kitchen Timer – An app that is a simple 60 minute brain games designed to enhance your cognitive
kitchen timer which is a perfect tool to use while abilities including memory, processing speed,
cooking. attention, flexibility and problem solving.
• Brain Challenge – This app has 43 games within
WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK ON YOUR it that help in the following areas: memory, math,
ATTENTION, CONCENTRATION AND focus, visual, and logic.
SHORT-TERM MEMORY? • Build Attention – A game where you press the
squares displayed from 1 to 25 and your time is
Cognitive rehabilitation apps recorded, increasing your attention ability.
• Fearless Brain – This app will train your memory • Brain Up! – This app contains five categories of
every day with a fast paced game and allows you games in logic, calculation, memory, judgment,
to track your progress as your skills improve. and music.
• Glossy Touch – This app displays a pattern of
flashing colors, allowing you to repeat the pat- Summary
tern by tapping colored buttons in the same order. Endless applications exist for the iPhone, iPod
• Memory Exercise – This app improves your Touch, and iPad that can assist you in countless
cognitive skills by displaying random single digit ways. The above are only a small sample of what
is available for these devices. Many of the apps are
free, and other are quite reasonably priced.
iPhones, Blackberries, and other smart phones
Personal Injury are increasingly proving themselves to be useful
organizational tools for people with brain injuries.
Linda Glover, Community Coordinator at the Prince
George Brain Injury Group, is currently conduct-
ing surveys with people who find or would find this
modality an effective tool in their daily lives. Once
the survey is completed, she hopes to be able to
present her findings to companies offering these
phones in the hope that people with identified dis-
abilities will be able to receive a reduced rate in
their purchase and/or contract fees if prescribed by
doctors and other health care professionals. If you,
We can help or someone you know, is interested in completing a
survey, please contact Linda directly at:
“If you’ve been seriously
Linda Glover, Community Coordinator,
injured by someone else,
we will achieve a fair
Prince George Brain Injured Group,
resolution to properly 1237 Fourth Avenue,
compensate you.” Prince George, B.C., V2L 3J5,
Phone 1-250-564-2447, fax 1-250-564-6928, or
email at linda.glover@pgbig.ca
Mair Jensen Blair LLP Lawyers
700-275 Lansdowne Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 6H6
Phone: (250) 374-3161 | Toll Free: 1-888-374-3161
V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e a t w w w. m j b l a w. c o m
headline 18
How to Enjoy the Holidays without Spending Money
Celebrate Christmas and Holiday Season With Limited Finances
~Teresa Knudsen
With the economic downturn, many people have Finding Free Gifts for the Holidays
little-to-no money for presents or food. Yet, Christ- It’s a challenge to find items that are free. Yet, it’s
mas honors the poor and humble, and holiday spirit not hopeless. Many second-hand stores have more
is free to enjoy. than they need, and offer channels to request as-
One of the worst times to be poor or low on cash is sistance in filling Christmas stockings or presents
during the time when Christmas holidays are being for under the trees.
celebrated. All the advertisements imply that every- Family and friends often have items they no longer
one has lots of money, many loving family mem- want, but which are too good to throw away, or
bers, and beautifully decorated homes with tons of which someone else might enjoy. Asking can result
presents glistening under the tree. in receiving.
Being low on money or without money can be es-
pecially difficult during this time as people struggle
Listen to Music During the Holiday Season
to find ways to give friends, family, and co-workers There is always a way to find music during the
signs of holiday spirit. Here are ideas about find- holidays. Cities, towns, and market places often
ing ways to make these holidays happy memories, sponsor free caroling. Symphonies or bands might
even without money. offer free performances. Check the music sections
in local papers to find free music.
Honor the Meaning of the Holidays There’s also ways to bring music into a home.
This time of year is special for many people of Just singing holiday songs and Christmas carols
different beliefs. Whether one is celebrating Christ- brings a sense of seasonal spirit to a house. These
mas, Hanukkah, the Solstice, or any of the other songs can be sung over, and the words and music
joyful and somber occasions, it’s important to make become familiar. Even people who say they can’t
time to honor the season. sing can join in with others. What matters is singing
This can be done alone, in quiet time, or with oth- together, and the magic it creates.
ers. The important thing is to connect with the spirit
of the season. This costs no money at all.
Take Walks to Enjoy the Holiday Season
Another free activity is to take walks. Being outside
Keep the Holiday Spirit can give another perspective of the holiday season.
When under pressure from economic woes, it’s Walking in city streets provides a lot of interesting
easy to slip into sarcasm, bitterness, and anger. It sights. Walking in the suburban or country areas
can happen to anyone. Yet, for the season, park the can provide views of trees, lawns, Christmas deco-
negative, and let the positive light the season. Just rations, and animal life. This is a time to also dream.
getting some time away from being negative can If money does come, what will it be used for? To
provide an immense sense of relief. buy a mansion? To take ice skating lessons? To
Keep the Holidays Happy for Children plan a trip, or an education? Let imagination flow.
Or just enjoy the views.
Staying happy is especially true for those with chil-
dren during the holidays. This is their time to make After the walk, it’s fun to write a short journal or
memories of the holiday and Christmas, memories free-write about the walk. Include drawings or cut-
which will stay with them their entire lives. Children out pictures found in old magazines, newspapers,
can be deeply hurt and worried about fights and or holiday greeting cards from previous years. Chat-
money. Therefore, this is a time to protect them ting about the walk, about ideas that came during
from adult concerns, allowing the children to fully the walk, can enrich this holiday time.
enjoy the season.
Children have amazing insights, cute ideas, clever 2 6 9 1 7 8 4 5 3
ways of doing things, and genuine words of wis- 8 5 3 4 2 6 7 1 9
dom. As many celebrate the birth of a child on 7 4 1 5 3 9 8 2 6
headline 19
Connecting and Meeting
with Other People
Another way to enjoy the holidays without money is
to visit with others. Sharing a cup of tea, or of cof-
fee, can give a relaxing feel to the season. Children
can have fun with other children, using their imagi-
nations, and creating their own activities. Society is
always a nice way to spend time, and especially so
during the hard times
Another great way to connect with others during the
holiday involves sharing a meal. Eating alone can
be a treat, but during the holidays, it’s always nice
to share a meal. Maybe it’s a modest breakfast, or
a light lunch, an afternoon snack, or the evening
dinner. Eating with others creates a sense of com-
munity.
Reading to Find Holiday Relaxation
Read alone, or aloud. Find copies of Charles Dick-
ens’ A Christmas Carol, or any holiday story. The
Night Before Christmas is another favorite. Read-
ing is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy time.
Reading to others or to children, or having them
back, can fill hours with fun and interest.
No matter which way one chooses, the holidays
can be joyous and happy without spending a lot of
money. This is a time when the material is impor-
tant, but the idea of the holiday is most important.
Reprinted with permission.
email: ddoig@daviddoig.com
CAMPBELL RIVER HEAD INJURY SUPPORT SOCIETY VICTORIA BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY (VBIS)
(CRHISS) VBIS offers individual and group programs to survivors
CRHISS provides education, advocacy, support, and fel- and their support system. Programs offered include:
lowship. For more information, call 250-287-4323. Peer Support, ABI 101, Coping Skills, Personal Enhance-
ment, Creative Arts, a Family Support Group and Educa-
COMOX VALLEY HEAD INJURY SOCIETY (CVHIS) tion & Awareness seminars to community groups. For
CVHIS hosts a weekly drop in luncheon for a nominal more information call 250-598-9339 or visit www.vbis.ca.
Take a Break
cost to survivors and their families. For more information,
call 250-334-9225 or visit, www.cvheadinjury.com .
What child doesn’t enjoy Dr. Seuss? For that matter, in this world. Moreover, he reminds us not to take
what adult doesn’t enjoy Dr. Seuss? Born, Theodor life too seriously! I know that sounds easy and for
Seuss Geisel, and simply known as “Ted” to his many people the holiday season can be one of
family and friends, Dr. Seuss wrote many books for those times when it is difficult to not be too seri-
adults and children. He was an artist, a poet, and a ous. Some find the festive season disappointing,
gifted storyteller. His whimiscal stories of adventure overwhelming, and fraught with unwanted stress.
and fun have transcended decades and captured For those who have limited financial resources and
the hearts of people around the world. Although no family or friends to share the day with, the festive
highly entertaining, Seuss’ books for children are season is challenging. Then there are those who
quite profound and deliver great messages of en- have ample funds to cope with the commercial de-
couragement and hope. mands and plenty of family and friends to share the
“Christmas Cheer” with… but they too, are miser-
Dr. Seuss’ poems often depict life’s challenges but
able and cranky during the holidays. So what’s the
also remind us how special and unique everyone is
one thing that we can do regardless of our financial
means or social calendar that can help us to be part
of the joy and happiness this holiday season? We
need to simply open our hearts.
We wrote the book on
Functional Capacity Evaluations Don’t be the Grinch who stole Christmas! Don’t
make Christmas about what you have or you don’t
have. Make it about someone else. Make it about
reaching out and giving a “smile” or a “helping
hand” to every person you can. Make it about being
kind to yourself and to others. Make it about taking
time to slow down, reflect, and soak in the beauty
OT CONSULTING/TREATMENT SERVICES LTD. of this world we live in. Make it about connecting
with a senior, a child, a family pet, or those living in
shelters and eating at the local soup kitchen. Make
it about honouring and appreciating those who
‘live in service’ every day. There will be fire fighters,
paramedics, police officers, healthcare profession-
als and military members who will be serving their
community and country instead of spending the
holidays with their family. You do not need to do
anything out of the ordinary to show them appre-
210 – 3438 Lougheed Highway,
Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 2A4
To order your book
“The Functional Capacity Evaluation: ciation for the work they do… more often than not
t: 604.215.3660 f: 604.215.3669
e: consult@otconsulting.bc.ca
A Clinician’s Guide”
visit our website at
simply saying THANK YOU is the greatest gift of all!
www.otconsulting.ca www.otconsulting.ca
headline 22
BC BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATIONS &
*This list updated Winter Issue, 2010.
Abbotsford
Support Groups
Carol Paetkau 604-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913
Acquired Brain Injury Society of the Yukon Anne-Marie Yahn 867-668-5283
Alberni Valley Head Injury Society/Port Alberni Linda Kenny 250-724-6772
Barriere/Merritt Terry-Lynne Stone 250-372-1799
British Columbia Brain Injury Association Jan Siwinski 1-877-858-1788
Bulkley Valley Brain Injury Association Katherine Metz 250-877-7723
Burnaby Chinese Brain Injury Support Group Angela Kan 604-877-8606
Campbell River Head Injury Support Society Shelley Howard 250-287-4323
Caribou Brain Injury Society Shilo Toews 250-392-7772
Central Okanagan Brain Injury Association Laurie Denton 250-762-3233
Chilliwack FVBIA 604-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913
COBIS - Vernon Contact Stacie Gadsby 250-306-2064
Comox Valley Brain Injury Society Dixon Hiscock 250-897-1255
Comox Valley Head Injury Society Jeremy Coombs 250-334-9225
Cowichan Valley Head Injury Support Group Barb Grantham 250-748-9338
East Kootenay Brain Injury Association Dawn Widdifield 250-417-6220
Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association Carol Paetkau 604-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913
Golden Brain Injury Support Group Donna Madden 250-344-5688
Kamloops Brain Injury Association Terry-Lynn Stone 250-372-1799
KBIA - Salmon Arm/Shuswap Contact Teresa Wolfe 250-833-0369
KBIA - Barriere/Merrit Contact Terry-Lynn Stone 250-372-1799
Langley/Aldergrove Brain Injury Support Group FVBIA 604-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913
Maple Ridge Support Group Ian Moore 604-944-9030
Mission FVBIA 604-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913
Nanaimo Brain Injury Society Mark Busby 250-753-5600
New Westminster Headway Gabrielle Pape 604.520.0130
B.R.A.I.N. (Brain Resource, Advocacy & Information Network) Tina Suter 604-540-9234
North Okanagan Shuswap Brain Injury Society (Salmon Arm/Shuswap) Lori Wootten 250-833-1140
Northern Brain Injury Association Carmen Jose 1-866-979-4673
Peace Country Society for Acquired Brain Injury Linda Proctor 250-782-7519
Powell River Deborah Dee 1-866-499-6065
Prince George Brain Injured Group Society Alison Hagreen 250-564-2447 TF 1-866-564-2447
Sechelt/Sunshine Coast Brain Injury Support Group Rita Grenville 604-885-8524
South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society Dave Head 250-490-0613
Terrace Brain Injury Support Group NBIA 1-866-979-4673
TriCities Support Group Sandy Caverly 604-916-5027
Vancouver Headway Leah Pentilla 604.732.4446
Vancouver Survivors Support Group Lillian Wong 604-873-2385
Victoria Brain Injury Society Barbara Erickson 250-598-9339
West Coast Support Network Wanda McAvoy 250-726-7459
West Kootenay Brain Injury Association Kim Johnson 250-304-1259
*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
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