9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Exhibits & Poster Presentations

10:00 am – 11:00 am
Opening Keynote Session
Lee Woodruff - In An Instant
As co-author of In an Instant, the #1 New York Times bestseller, Woodruff recounts her story of a marriage, a family, a crisis and a healing. When her husband, ABC’s co-anchor Bob Woodruff, was hit by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq, Woodruff’s life was changed in an instant. She had to learn to put her grief aside to care for her children, as well as her husband. One of the most popular aspects of her presentation are the insightful and often surprising tips Woodruff has to offer anyone going through a difficult time or the people surrounding them. From what to say and what not to say, to what to do, Woodruff lays it out in an engaging fashion.

11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Session: (1) - Dawn Macomber, Dianne Beres, & Erika Place 
Embracing Diversity Across the Rehabilitation Setting
A rehabilitation setting consists of persons served from a very diverse range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. It is important to create a safe space, which recognizes the value of understanding, and acknowledging the person’s served cultural and ethnic diversity (i.e. language, culture, religious beliefs, family customs, sexual orientation, and education). Inclusion of these specific needs into a person centered treatment plan in conjunction with training for both staff and person’s served will encourage a sensitive and empowering environment for all within the rehabilitation setting.

Session: (2) - Jennifer Howell
Living Beyond the Label: The Power of Finding Your Voice
When people are faced with TBI they often feel powerless, fearful, and unsure of where to turn to get the essential services and supports to live the life they want for themselves or their loved one. This session will answer questions such as what are some ways that people can develop advocacy skills? How can others assist individuals to become their own advocates? What are some ways that people can combine systematic and natural supports so that all options are not funding dependent? We will also share stories of individuals with TBI who with supports are living the life they want to live.

Session: (3) - Madeline DiPasquale, Facilitator Survivors - Dennis Pennington & Dominic Appleton
Real Life Experiences – Finding Your Way Back
Join this panel discussion where two people affected by different brain injuries will share their recovery experiences. Faced with expectations of family and friends, the survivor often has no tools to help recovery and to cope with changed social status. A key element in recovery is guidance. Aspects of the stages of recovery in a successful example are presented to familiarize survivors and caretakers to help minimize mistakes and ensure a balanced recovery. Recovery plans by the nature of a brain injury must be customized. However, there are basic elements of any plan which are discussed. Establishment of a sense of self worth can be used to speed the process of healing. Accessing quality rehabilitation treatment and medical care can be an overwhelming, time consuming task. Learn how to overcome the difficult moments through the wisdom of others who have learned through experience.

Session: (4) -  Josh Mason, Heather Ufberg, & Brenda Eagan Brown
Supporting Families, Schools & Students for School Re-entry
Annually, approximately 4,000 children and adolescents in PA sustain traumatic brain injuries severe enough to require hospitalization. School Re-entry begins during the rehabilitation process. As children return to school, BrainSTEPS, Pennsylvania’s model school re-entry program, administered by BIAPA, is accurately identifying and classifying students with brain injuries so that students receive the correct cognitive supports and compensatory strategies through graduation. Since 2007, BrainSTEPS has been establishing initial and early connections between medical, rehabilitation, families, and schools to prepare for a student’s re-entry back to school.   The vital importance of quality communication among the patient, family, service providers, and school personnel will be examined. Challenges and obstacles in the development of an optimal educational plan will be raised as will the unique and varied needs of students and families who have suffered brain injuries.  This session will focus on the BrainSTEPS Program overview, strategies for facilitating a smooth school re-entry, and program developments over the past year. 

12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Box Lunch Provided
Exhibits Open
Lee Woodruff - book signing

2:00 pm – 3:15 pm    
Session: (5) - Megan Dean, Tessa Golder, & Dave Predko  
Improving Function Through Technology
Participants attending this session will become familiar with new technologies that are presently utilized in inpatient rehabilitation for patients with brain injury. Technologies discussed include the Reo-Go system, Hand Mentor, Interactive Metronome, Auto Ambulatory, Wii Nintendo system, and the Balance Trainer. During the session you will learn how these technologies are used in adjunct traditional treatment methods to enhance their participation and engagement in their recovery. These technologies provide an engaging and motivating experience that strengthens their ability to carryover their functional gains into a community–based setting.

Session: (6) - Ginny Rogers
Office of Long Term Living: Independent Enrollment Supports Broker and Waiver Enrollment Changes
This year a new process will be rolled out for assisting individuals who have sustained brain injury to obtain long term living supports and services. This presentation will describe the implementation of the Independent Enrollment Supports Broker project, and will review how these new services will be used to conduct intake visits to persons with brain injuries applying for a home and community based waiver program, as well as how follow-up will be conducted to assure completion of waiver applications. Community based outreach and training on issues related to persons with brain injuries will also be conducted. This presentation will also review upcoming changes that affect the MA Waiver programs available to people who have sustained brain injury.

Session: (7) - Kirk Hummel
Making The Home Accessible for Persons with Brain Injury, Even in a Challenging Economy
Living safely and actively in one’s own home is priceless. But, renovating homes to be more livable for persons with brain injury can be an investment that feels out of reach for many families. Recently decreased government funding for home modification programs is creating challenges statewide, but affordable options and financial aid exist even in the current economic climate. Learn how to get the most value out of an investment in home modifications through practical, individualized solutions, innovative new products and education on how to navigate the financial aid maze because everyone deserves an accessible home.  

Session: (8) - Barb Dively, Anna Marie Childress,Corinne Gries & Pat Strenk
Building A New Life After Brain Injury: Peer to Peer Training by Survivors & Families for Survivors & Families
Learn how survivors and family members developed and piloted this ABIN-PA program on building a new life after brain injury. Discuss the philosophy behind this program. Review the topics included in the program manual: anatomy, effects from the injury, emotional reactions, rehabilitation, communication strategies, staying calm, getting things done, getting the help you need, brain games, books, and the program guide. Experience the interactive method for delivering this program to groups. Discuss how this manual could be downloaded and used by facilities and support groups. Provide input on our next projects – an anatomy supplement and peer to provider training. 

 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm  
Session: (9) - Charlotte Klucher
Managing Language and Memory: Challenges in the 21st Century and Beyond
Language and memory challenges often accompany brain injuries. While current therapies (e.g., cognitive rehabilitation) have been effective in helping recoup some lost skills, many individuals with brain injury will suffer from life-long disabilities in these areas. External memory aids are not always easy to use and can be embarrassing, particularly to young people. By providing the option for spoken messages, cell phone technologies eliminate problems for individuals with visual impairments, perceptual difficulties, and reduced reading ability. The purpose of this workshop is to familiarize participants with advances in assistive technology which allow those with memory and language impairments to achieve maximum independence.

Session: (10) - Susan Plank
Benefit of Complimentary Therapies for Chronic TBI Symptoms
This presentation is based on researched protocols and personal experience. Following acute care for brain injury an individual, by definition, continues to suffer from a myriad of debilitating symptoms. This presentation will identify some of the physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms frequently experienced by TBI survivors and the complimentary therapies that can improve a survivor’s ability to gain greater control and quality in their life. Symptoms to be discussed include: dizziness, headache, pain, muscle tightness, anxiety, memory loss, balance and cognitive issues.

Session: (11) - Ann Marie McLaughlin
Survivor Panel: Romantic Relationships: Delights & Disappointments
Each year, we have provided a Survivor Panel. This year’s panel will focus on the theme of exploring romantic relationships. Three to four panelists will describe their experiences and offer strategies which have supported their relationships. They will also identify pitfalls in an effort to inform audience members.

Session: (12) - Monica Vaccaro
Support Group Networking
Support Groups can be an amazing way for families to support one another through a life-altering event. Come to learn how different groups are making this happen in creative ways and meet support group members from around the state. This session will provide an opportunity for those in similar roles to share experiences.

Session: (13) - Sally Kneipp
Successful Vocational Outcomes in a Challenging Economy
The current economic climate, with staggering numbers of persons out of work and intense competition for available jobs, places new demands on job coaches as well as job seekers. Job coaches may need to use creative approaches at each step in the job placement process, and learn new ways of assisting individuals to handle unfamiliar on-line applications, group interviews, and frequently fluctuating work schedules, etc. During this presentation, case illustrations will be used to examine the job demands, and the strategies and techniques that led to the successful outcomes. Handouts of the actual written compensatory strategies for cognitive impairments will be distributed to audience participants.

4:45 pm to 5:30 pm - All attendees welcome!
Annual Membership Meeting

 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm - All attendees welcome!
Reception, Awards Ceremony & Silent Auction