www.ontarioabiconference.ca#2019ABIConference

DELEGATE REGISTRATION

The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) in collaboration with participating community associations is pleased to present the 2019 Provincial ABI Conference.

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

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

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

WELCOME

ACCOMMODATIONSDelegates are responsible for arranging their own accommodations. A selected number of rooms have been held for conference delegates at the host facility at a special negotiated rate. To receive this exclusive rate you must book prior to October 5, 2019. Please note that the hotel cancellation policy is 72 hours prior to check in.

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

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

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

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

Quote “Special Convention Rate for Ontario Brain Injury Association”

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

BE AWARE OF FRAUDULENT HOTEL ROOM RESERVATION SERVICESTo ensure that you have not been scammed, ONLY book your room directly with the hotel by calling 1-800-519-9911 and asking for the Special Convention Rate for Ontario Brain Injury Association or using the online link on the conference website.

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

Refund of registration fees will be made, less a $50.00 administration fee, with written notice, postmarked by Friday October 20, 2019. No refunds will be issued after this date although delegate substitution is acceptable.

Cheques returned due to insufficient funds, will be subject to a $50.00 administration fee. Late registrations will not be guaranteed delegate kits or meals. No registrations will be accepted on the day of the conference.

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

REGISTER ONLINE

www.ontarioabiconference.ca

#ABIConference

CONCURRENT SESSION A (Thursday, November 7 at 10:30am) CONCURRENT SESSION B (Thursday, November 7 at 2:15pm)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER (Thursday, November 7 at 9:00am)Dawn Neumann, PhD, FACRMKnow Thy Emotions: A New Treatment Approach for Emotion Regulation after Brain Injury

Problems with emotion dysregulation are quite common after TBI and often difficult to treat. Research suggests poor emotional control after TBI is impacted by reduced awareness for one’s own emotions. Poor emotional insight is a deficit referred to as alexithymia and is characterized by an inability to recognize and describe one’s own emotions. It is highly prevalent after TBI and is frequently associated with general emotion dysregulation, as well as anxiety, depression, and anger. Dr. Neumann’s presentation will discuss the clinical importance of evaluating and targeting alexithymia when addressing emotional problems after TBI. She will describe her alexithymia intervention, which was

the first structured treatment ever designed to address this issue in the brain injury population, and share results from her promising phase I clinical trial. Next steps and clinical applications will be discussed.

Meg SoperBring It On: Strategies for Balance and Resilience

With more than 30 years experience in the health care industry and as a Registered Nurse in the Operating Room, Meg Soper understands how your attitude affects those around you at home and in the workplace environment. She combines her remarkable sense of humour with her unique perspective of life to captivate her audience and provide a presentation filled with inspiration and entertainment. Professional speaker and comedienne, Meg Soper is recognized as one of the premiere motivators in North America. She has shared the stage with such celebrities as Ray Romano and Ellen DeGeneres. Meg is co-author of the book, “From the Stage to the Page – Life Lessons from Four Funny Ladies”. She has appeared on CBC Television Network, Women’s Television Network and Prime TV, as

well as being featured in many radio programs and comedy festivals. Meg has a tremendous ability to connect with her audience and take every event to a higher level.

A1 - Negative Attribution Bias: A New Perspective On Anger and Aggression After Brain Injury and Implications for TreatmentDawn Neumann, PhD, FACRM will discuss how anger and aggression after brain injury is associated with negative inferences or attributions they make about others’ behaviors (intent, hostility and blame). This presentation will also illustrate how negative attributions differ between people with and without brain injury, and elucidate factors that make some people with brain injury more prone to this type of thinking (negative attribution bias). Clinical applications, including screening and treatment approaches will be discussed. Specifically, a novel intervention using Perspective taking methods to teach patients with brain injury a more benign interpretation of others’ behaviors will be described, along with results from the supporting case study.

A2 - Vision Screening From the Front Lines: What Therapists Need to Know to Help Identify Post-Concussion Vision IssuesStephanie Schurr, OTD, OT Reg. (Ont.) and Tanya Polonenko, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, will describe a 30-minute screening battery that was used in a study to differentiate concussion survivors with and without vision concerns. They will describe the most common post-concussion vision disorders and share quick screening tools that can help therapists identify clients in need of further evaluation of visual function than what is involved in their regular eye care. They will also share information about how optometrists and rehabilitation providers can work together to help clients suffering from post-concussion vision disorders to ease their visual symptoms and return to the activities that give their lives meaning.

A3 - Youth and Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury in the Criminal Justice System: Building Bridges and Creating Integrated Approaches to CareCatherine Wiseman-Hakes, PhD, SLP, Amber Kellen, BSW, MPPA and Kelly Potvin, ED Elizabeth Fry Society, aim to bridge gaps in knowledge and service provision for individuals with TBI in the Criminal Justice System (CJS). As many as 88% of incarcerated adults and 16% to 72% of youth have a reported history of TBI. An interactive panel presentation will explore issues regarding cognitive-communication and behavioral self-regulation among individuals with TBI in the CJS and how these contribute to social and health inequities and return to custody. Expert panelists representing the clinical and social research perspective, community services and lived experience will provide an overview of the needs and challenges inherent within this vulnerable population and ongoing research in Ontario. An interactive case presentation will allow audience members an opportunity to consider integrated approaches to service access and care.

A4 - Neurotrauma Care Pathways: A System Approach to Harmonizing Healthcare for People with Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury in Ontario Corinne Kagan, BA, BPS Cert., Laurie Davis and Charissa Levy, MHSc, BSc (OT), OT Reg. will describe the Neurotrauma Care Pathways project. This presentation will outline progress achieved to date and next steps, providing audience an opportunity to provide input. Expected benefits of Neurotrauma Care Pathways are improved health equity; more consistent, evidence-informed practice; improved coordination of health care to support people in the community; improved health outcomes and reduced hospital visits. Stakeholder consultations and survey methods will provide key input regarding needs, pressure points and challenges and stakeholder validation of proposed new pathways.

A5 - Navigating Accessibility through Post-Secondary Education Following ABIKate Dykstra, BA, MEd, OCT and Joanna Hamilton, PhD, C.Psych., presentation will cover the types of documentation required to register as a student with a disability at an Ontario post secondary institution. A review of a typical intake for students with ABI, including possible accommodations available for students will be shared. OSAP funding possibilities for students with disabilities will be outlined. Benefits of Neuropsychological testing will also be discussed, as will the importance of following concussion protocol for students who sustain an injury during studies.

A6 - A Tale of Two Cities - A Collaborative Project For Initiating and Maintaining Economic and Social Supports Following an ABIIsabelle Rivaletto, BA Psychology, Vanessa Slater, Ryan Natale, BA Hons. and Laura Bellon, BA Hons, BEd, will address the realities of those living on a limited income following an ABI and address navigating complex systems for those who have exhausted financial supports. The presentation’s highlighted initiatives will be The Homelessness Prevention Program and the Transitional Support Program in two different communities. Our team will share a unique integrated poverty reduction service model with demonstrated success. We will strive to address system navigation barriers and practical strategies for individualized support, as well as provide tools and tips for navigating public support systems. The ultimate goal of both programs is to create a safety network for those living with ABI, thus reducing costly patterns of incarceration, hospitalization and long term care. This will be an interactive presentation which will include case histories, a panel discussion and a Q & A for participants.

B1 - Examining the Relationship Between Age-at-Injury and Post injury OutcomesDawn Good, PhD, C.Psych., Sean Rob, PhD Candidate, Caitlyn Gallant, PhD Candidate, Ushna Saeed, H.BSc, Rachel Luczon, H.BSc. Research in examining the long-term neurobehavioural effects of mild head injuries (MHI) has increased, yet it remains unclear how earlier-age versus later-age injuries differentially predict post injury outcomes. Research in our lab has examined the effect of age-at-injury and MHI severity on various functional outcomes (e.g., sensation-seeking behaviour, decision making, and depression) of young adults. This session will discuss how age-at-injury accounts for a significant amount of the variance in behavioural outcomes (such as risk taking, erratic lifestyle, sensitivity to reward [but not punishment sensitivity]) and cognitive outcomes (such as planning and initiation).

B2 - Persistent Concussion Services at Holland Bloorview: Building Evidence-based Practice for Youth with ConcussionShannon Scratch, PhD, C.Psych., Peter Rumney, MD, FRCPC, and Andrea Hickling, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.). Further presenters: Alysha Ladha, MD; Sabrina Agnihotri, PhD, MD; Nick Reed, PhD. The Persistent Concussion Clinic at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is the only publicly-funded service of its kind in Ontario. We will outline our service delivery model and unique interdisciplinary approaches for providing care to youth with persisting symptoms post-concussion. We will describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of clients and families accessing the Persistent Concussion Clinic at Holland Bloorview. Particular emphasis will be placed on outlining our novel interdisciplinary team assessment pathway including its conceptual rationale and pathway inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results from a study that explored the experiences and acceptability of this pathway for youth with concussion and their families will also be discussed. In addition, results from a study that included a multidimensional assessment of healthcare costs and utilization data from this clinic will also be presented. Potential healthcare system implications will be discussed.

B3 - “Wait…What? A Positive Workplace Culture – How to Build It Together”Meg Soper’s high energy, comedic, interactive presentation is designed to provide attendees with insights and perspectives on the changing demographics and their impact on the workplace. It is Meg’s belief that our teams can be made stronger because they are diverse. It calls on each of us to understand why we are different, and how this diversity can make us Better Together! Meg has developed this interactive presentation to offer her audience strategies to enhance their communication skills by creating awareness about the different generations in the workforce. Understanding generational differences helps us create an atmosphere where we can communicate more effectively. People are different not necessarily difficult. While we may not be able change a person’s behavior, when we understand the factors driving behaviour it saves us time and lowers our stress level. We can learn to appreciate our differences and recognize the value that each of us brings to the workplace. Participants will leave armed with practical, relevant strategies geared towards creating a more positive and productive workplace environment.

B4 - Plain Talk About the Elephant in the Room: ConcussionClare Brandys, PhD, C.Psych., and Judy Gargaro, BSc Med. An increased awareness of concussion has highlighted that concussions should not be dismissed, but has also served to worry and sometimes confuse people about the dangers that might follow a concussion. Persistent symptoms after concussion can be complex and it is important to access properly trained and experienced providers who can manage the complexity without neglecting relevant symptoms. But who are the healthcare providers you should see for which symptoms? It is critical that healthcare providers communicate and work together as symptoms often span several areas: cognition, physical functioning, and emotional regulation. A coordinated approach, linked to published concussion guidelines, will be highlighted. Tools, resources, key messages, and clinical vignettes will be presented to help patients and professionals navigate recovery from concussion.

B5 - Financial Constraints Can Impact Recovery after a Brain Injury: What Clinicians, Lawyers and Financial Consultants Need to ConsiderStephen Birman, Lawyer, Stephen Pauwels, MBA, Chanth Seyone, MD, FRCPC, Joseph Pileggi, BA, MMKG, and Deena Ginsberg BSW, MSW, RSW. For those living with a brain injury and those in the immediate family unit, the financial challenges in addition to rehabilitation can seem insurmountable. A panel will discuss financial issues, which may cause a myriad of emotional and physical stresses. Bob Nigol will moderate this expert medical and legal panel, each presenting 10 minutes on topics including Government Financial Plans, Private Insurance, Personal Financial Resources, SABS, Bridge Financing, Tort Settlements and Structures, POA’s, Guardianship, Practical Strategies for setting up Budgets, Psychiatric Approach to Family Stress and The Lawyer Dilemma-Show Me the Money.

B6 - Brain Injury Speaks: The Stakeholder Engagement Network of OntarioChad Debison-Larabie, MHSc, BHSc will outline the development and future goals of the Brain Injury Speaks Network. Brain Injury Speaks is an active engagement network whose goal is to respond to issues important to Ontario’s brain injury community. Often, decisions affecting the brain injury community in Ontario are made with little input from persons living with ABI and their family members/caregivers. In recognizing this system gap, the Ontario Brain Injury Association in collaboration with Brain Injury Associations across Ontario, have identified the need for a systematic approach to inform and respond to decisions made by the Government. Development of this network is the first step in an articulated provincial plan to meet the needs of persons living with ABI. More than 350 stakeholders have joined Brain Injury Speaks. The network is expected to have more than 1000 members by 2020.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER (Thursday, November 7 at 1:00pm)

CONFERENCE SCHEDULEWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 20196:00pm - 9:00pm Registration7:00pm - 9:00pm Welcoming Reception - Hosted by McLeish Orlando and Oatley, Vigmond LLPTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 20196:30am - 7:30am Yoga by the Falls - Hosted by PIA Law7:00am - 8:15am Registration and Breakfast - Hosted by Lerners LLP8:30am - 9:00am Welcome and Introductions9:00am - 10:00am Keynote Presentation: Dawn Neumann, PhD, FACRM “Know Thy Emotions: A New Treatment Approach for Emotion Regulation after Brain Injury” - Co-hosted by Gluckstein Lawyers and Henderson Structured Settlements LP10:00am - 10:30am Refreshment Break - Exhibits and Networking - Hosted by Daniel & Partners LLP10:30am - 11:30am Concurrent Session A

A1 - Negative Attribution Bias: A New Perspective On Anger and Aggression after Brain Injury and Implications for Treatment. Dawn Neumann, PhD, FACRM

A2 - Vision Screening From the Front Lines: What Therapists Need to Know to Help Identify Post-Concussion Vision Issues. Stephanie Schurr, OTD, OT Reg. (Ont.) and Tanya Polonenko, OD, FAAO, FCOVD

A3 - Youth and Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury in the Criminal Justice System: Building Bridges and Creating Integrated Approaches to Care. Catherine Wiseman-Hakes, PhD, SLP, Amber Kellen, BSW, MPPA and Kelly Potvin, ED Elizabeth Fry Society

A4 - Neurotrauma Care Pathways: A System Approach to Harmonizing Healthcare for People with Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury in Ontario. Corinne Kagan, BA, BPS Cert., Laurie Davis and Charissa Levy, MHSc, BSc (OT), OT Reg.

A5 - Navigating Accessibility through Post-Secondary Education Following ABI. Kate Dykstra, BA, MEd, OCT and Joanna Hamilton, PhD, C.Psych.

A6 - A Tale of Two Cities: A Collaborative Project For Initiating and Maintaining Economic and Social Supports Following an ABI. Isabelle Rivaletto,BA Psych, Vanessa Slater, Ryan Natale, BA Hons. and Laura Bellon, BA Hons, BEd.

11:30am – 1:00 pm Lunch, Draws and Exhibits - Hosted by Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers1:00pm - 2:00pm Keynote Presentation: Meg Soper “Bring It On… Strategies for Balance and Resilience” - Co-hosted by Gluckstein Lawyers and Henderson Structured Settlements LP2:15pm - 3:15pm Concurrent Session B

B1 - Examining the Relationship Between Age-at-Injury and Post injury Outcomes. Dawn Good, PhD C.Psych., Sean Rob, PhD Candidate, Caitlyn Gallant, PhD Candidate, Ushna Saeed, H.BSc, Rachel Luczon, H.BSc.

B2 - Persistent Concussion Services at Holland Bloorview: Building Evidence-based Practice for Youth with Concussion. Shannon Scratch, PhD, C.Psych., Peter Rumney, MD, FRCPC, and Andrea Hickling, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.). Further presenters: Alysha Ladha, MD; Sabrina Agnihotri, PhD, MD, Nick Reed, PhD.

B3 - “Wait... What? A Positive Workplace Culture – How to Build It Together.” Meg Soper

B4 - Plain Talk About the Elephant in the Room: Concussion. Clare Brandys, PhD, C.Psych. and Judy Gargaro, BSc(Med).

B5 - Recovery After a Brain Injury is Impacted by Financial Constraints: What Clinicians, Lawyers and Financial Consultants Need to Consider. Stephen Birman, Lawyer, Stephen Pauwels, MBA, Chanth Seyone, MD, FRCPC, Joseph Pileggi, BA, MMKG, and Deena Ginsberg BSW, MSW, RSW.

B6 - Brain Injury Speaks: The Stakeholder Engagement Network of Ontario. Chad Debison-Larabie, MHSc, BHSc

3:15pm - 3:45pm Refreshment Break - Exhibits and Networking - Hosted by Daniel & Partners LLP 3:45pm – 4:45pm Concurrent Session C

C1 - New Pathways, Ongoing Challenges and Continued Breakthroughs: Revisiting Principles and Practices Supporting People with Complex Needs to Live Life to the Fullest Post-ABI. Joanna Hamilton, PhD, C.Psych., Stephen Land, Survivor, Chanth Seyone, MD, FRCPC, Barbara Claiman, MA, RRP, CVRP(F), Josh Andreas, Nicole McLeod and Teryl Hoefel.

C2 - One Concussion, Three Perspectives: Pulling It All Together For A Successful Return To Work. Dee Sperry, MSc, S-LP(C) and Leslie Birkett, BSc., OT, OT Reg.(Ont)

C3 - The Challenge of Providing Service to Those with TBI Inside the Walls and Those Guarding the Walls: The Prison Dilemma. Mary-Ellen Thompson, PhD

C4 - Handling Complex Pediatric Brain Injury Cases. Charles Gluckstein, Lawyer

C5 - New Tools and Approaches to Empower People with ABI. Cindy Hunt, RN, Dr.PH, Alicja Michalak, RN, MScN and Carol DiSalle, MScS, Reg. CASLPO S-LP (C)

C6 - Vision and Acquired Brain Injury: A Rehabilitative Approach. Tanya Polonenko, OD, FAAO, FCOVD and Lisa Griffiths, Professional Musician

5:00pm - 6:00pm Cocktail Reception - Hosted by McLeish Orlando and Oatley, Vigmond LLP6:00pm - 7:30pm Conference Dinner and Draws - Co-hosted by Gluckstein Lawyers and Henderson Structured Settlements LPFRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 20197:00am - 8:00am Breakfast - Exhibits and Networking - Hosted by Pace Law 8:00am - 8:15am Greetings and Introductions8:15am - 9:15am Keynote Presentation: Robert van Reekum, MD, FRCPC and Emma van Reekum “Understanding and Coping With the Dual Challenge of TBI and Psychosis” - Co-hosted by Gluckstein Lawyers and Henderson Structured Settlements LP9:30am - 10:30am Concurrent Session D

D1 - Building Pathways to Integrated Care: A Model of Intensive Community Case Management for Clients with Co-occurring ABI, Mental Health, and/or Addictions Issues. Carolyn Lemsky, PhD, C.Psych., and Natalie Reitmeier, SSW.

D2 - Supporting Individuals with Challenging Mood and Behaviours Following an ABI. Hiten Lad, PsyD, C.Psych.

D3 - A Cognitive Assistive Technology to Increase the Safety and Independence of People Living with Severe TBI During Meal Preparation. Sareh Zarshenas, OT PhD Post-Doctoral Fellow University of Montreal, Carolina Bottari, PhD, and Mélanie Couture, PhD.

D4 - A Foot in Two Worlds; Bridging the Gap Between Private and Community Supports. Melissa Vigar, RSW, Teena Curtiss, Lauren Bellon and Tanya Jewell.

D5 - Corrections: The Final Frontier - The Criminal Justice System and the ABI Experience. Abbey Bird and Shawna Eisendrath.

D6 - Using Comics to Rewrite Personal Narratives, Traditional Scripts and Contemporary Misrepresentations of Life with a Brain Injury. Kanika Gupta.

10:30am - 11:00am Refreshment Break- Exhibits and Networking - Hosted by Daniel & Partners LLP 11:00am - 12:00pm Keynote Presentation: Tom Dow “I Survived a Brain Injury: So Now What?” - Co-hosted by Gluckstein Lawyers and Henderson Structured Settlements LP12:00pm - 1:30pm Lunch, Closing Remarks, Sponsor and Exhibit Draws - Hosted by Wright Rehab

CONCURRENT SESSION C (Thursday, November 7 at 3:45pm) CONCURRENT SESSION D (Friday, November 8 at 9:30am)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER (Friday, November 8 at 8:15am)Robert van Reekum MD, FRCPC and Emma van ReekumUnderstanding and Coping With the Dual Challenge of TBI and Psychosis

Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and their caregivers, are often faced with significant loss, stress/distress, functional impairment, challenges for rehabilitation and treatment teams, and costs. Although not adequately studied to date, it is likely that all of these consequences are exacerbated when TBI and psychosis co-occur. This presentation will focus on our current understanding of Psychosis Following Traumatic Brain Injury (PFTBI). We will also provide strategies to help with the dual challenge of TBI and Psychosis, while acknowledging that there remain significant limitations of our knowledge, and significant barriers to care for this population. Much more needs to be done, and so we hope that this talk will stimulate, and help to focus, ongoing efforts to better help the large numbers of persons who are being affected by PFTBI.

Tom DowI Survived a Brain Injury: So Now What?

A ”mild” brain injury can be anything but mild to those facing the ongoing symptoms and loss-of-self associated with it. While often invisible to the rest of the world; cognitive challenges, fatigue, dizziness, changes in personality and an array of other sequelae leave survivors struggling to navigate a new reality even decades after their injury. In this presentation, one survivor will share his unique experience with ABI among the millions of other unique experiences out there. The far-reaching effects of one injury to caregivers, family, friends and even strangers, will also be explored. Through music and visual images, attendees will be brought along on a journey from recovery to discovery and beyond.

C1 - New Pathways, Ongoing Challenges and Continued Breakthroughs: Revisiting Principles and Practices Supporting People with Complex Needs to Live Life to the Fullest Post-ABIJoanna Hamilton, PhD, C.Psych., Stephen Land, Survivor, Chanth Seyone, MD, FRCPC, Barbara Claiman, MA, RRP,CVRP(F), Josh Andreas, Teryl Hoefel and Nicole McLeod will provide a framework for the development of community supports for individuals with highly complex needs and the outcomes of the use of these practices. The presentation includes a case study of one individual (who will be a co-presenter) with a long history of significant behavioral and mental health challenges in addition to brain injury. This framework was initially presented eight years ago with a focus on interventions that were person-directed, collaborative, and pro-active. Interventions were designed to provide multiple and ongoing engagement in meaningful activities, and were developed to pre-empt problems. Essential to this framework is collaboration among all team members and, most importantly, the direct and ongoing involvement of the individual with brain injury in the day-to-day decision-making of life. This presentation will review the outcomes of having used this framework and these practices over the past eight years.

C2 - One Concussion, Three Perspectives: Pulling It All Together For A Successful Return To WorkDee Sperry, MSc, S-LP(C) and Leslie Birkett, BSc, OT, OT Reg.(Ont). While percentages vary, the vast majority of studies indicate that following concussion most people achieve full symptom resolution in three to twelve months. For those individuals who do not achieve early and full symptom resolution, yet decide to attempt to return to their demanding career, often their first response is to try to work harder to make up for the challenges they experience. Ultimately, this approach will fail for it is not until they return to work that their real problems manifest. Subsequently, they turn to rehabilitation professionals for help. This presentation will discuss an interdisciplinary collaboration that includes the perspectives of the Occupational Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist and the person with the lived experience of life with a concussion. By respecting the unique contributions and perspectives of each individual, return to work can be successful.

C3 - The Challenge of Providing Service to those with TBI Inside the Walls and Those Guarding the Walls: The Prison DilemmaMary-Ellen Thompson, PhD will examine the significant challenges rehabilitation professionals face when working with prisoners as well as injured correctional officers. TBI among prisoners often results in cognitive, social, emotional and behavioral problems that make it difficult for prisoners to interact effectively with correctional officers, family members, and their legal team. Lack of effective treatment options within prison increase the probability of noncompliance, aggression, substance abuse, and recidivism. On the other side of the coin, correctional officers have PTSD rates that are between 19 to 40%, which are equivalent or greater than the rates of PTSD within the military population returning from service (Picinu, 2019). These injured correctional officers require rehabilitation, education, and support as they attempt to return to an environment that can often be hostile. Suggestions for successful rehabilitation strategies to use within these populations will be made.

C4 - Handling Complex Pediatric Brain Injury CasesCharles Gluckstein, Lawyer will explore recent issues in complex pediatric brain injury litigation in Ontario. Over one million North American children sustain brain injuries each year. Many of these injuries occur in the context of traumatic events, such as motor vehicle accidents and medical malpractice. This presentation will provide attendees with an overview of issues relating to the standard of care, causation and damages in pediatric brain injury case. It will explore important practical aspects of running this type of litigation, including the need for having rehabilitation support worker care. Finally, this presentation will provide an overview of case law and the trends surrounding pediatric brain injury litigation in Ontario. C5 - New Tools and Approaches to Empower People with ABICindy Hunt, RN, DrPH, Alicja Michalak, RN, MScN and Carol DiSalle, MScS, Reg. CASLPO S-LP (C). One in three people experiencing a concussion will have persistent symptoms and need more care. Research shows that learning self-management can improve patient knowledge, confidence and improve coping ability and health. This session will shed light on the Learning about Managing Persistent Symptoms (LAMPS) App, which provides guidance on managing eating, sleeping, mood and exercise. Using InVision software participants will be able to interact and comment on the content and use of a new App. Also, an update of the findings of the OBIA 2017 survey on guiding brain injury research will be presented. There will be small group discussions related to a new brain injury-specific model for research engagement, based on the 2017 survey findings. The discussion will help inform the Ontario researchers in the CONNECT network.

C6 - Vision and Acquired Brain Injury: A Rehabilitative Approach Tanya Polonenko, OD, FAAO, FCOVD and Lisa Griffiths, Professional Musician will use a combination of information, interactive participation and personal narration to explore key concepts of visual functional and processing skills, neuroplasticity, vision rehabilitation, procedures of various exercises, current research on vision therapy and success with daily living. This lecture will highlight the visual consequences of brain injury, how vision rehabilitation is forging new pathways within the brain and will provide a practical guide to vision rehabilitation from the perspectives of a Neuro-Optometrist and a concussion survivor who is currently undergoing vision therapy. Lisa Griffiths is an executive in the performing arts sector, a classical musician, and a busy mom of another ABI patient.

D1 - Building Pathways to Integrated Care: A Model of Intensive Community Case Management for Clients with Co-occurring ABI, Mental Health, and/or Addictions IssuesCarolyn Lemsky, PhD, C.Psych., and Natalie Reitmeier, SSW. There is a growing awareness that people living with brain injury have an elevated risk of developing substance use disorders and mental health conditions, and that having a substance use disorder or mental health condition at the time of the injury often makes recovery more complicated. Commonly, problems emerge or worsen after acute rehabilitation services have ended. Ongoing substance use disorders, homelessness, involvement with the legal system, and a lack of social supports are common. This presentation will review how CHIRS’ Neuro-behavioural Intervention Team (NBIP) provides integrated care through evidence-based strategies within an integrated model of case management, and capacity building with community providers. Using case examples, we will illustrate the use of two foundational interventions, intensive case management and harm reduction, in the context of an adapted staged concurrent disorders model of care (Skinner, 2005). Attendees will learn how to set goals, engage partners and time interventions based on the clients’ engagement in care. We will also provide an overview of how the NBIP model manages risk through their team approach.

D2 - Supporting Individuals with Challenging Mood and Behaviours Following an ABIHiten Lad, PsyD, C.Psych., will explore some of the complexities and factors to consider when supporting individuals with an ABI who present with emotional and behavioural changes following an injury. The presentation will explore how ABI related emotional and behavioural changes impact an individual and family members; factors impacting emotional and behavioural changes following an ABI; challenges to supporting emotional and behavioural changes; and the different levels at which support needs to be considered. The presentation will further look at providing practical strategies for specific types of emotional and behavioural changes. Strategies will be discussed that are specific for healthcare providers and family members as well as for individuals who have sustained an ABI.

D3 - A Cognitive Assistive Technology to Increase the Safety and Independence of People Living with Severe TBI During Meal PreparationSareh Zarshenas, OT PhD Post-Doctoral Fellow University of Montreal, Carolina Bottari, PhD, and Mélanie Couture, PhD. Our interdisciplinary team, in partnership with several other collaborators in the context of a living lab (DOMUS), recently developed an innovative cognitive assistant for cooking (COOK) to optimize independence and safety for meal preparation for individuals with TBI. One of the main goals of this project is to build on the study at the DOMUS lab in order to identify the perception of clinicians and managers working with individuals having sustained a TBI within the Ontario healthcare system regarding 1) the needs of individuals with TBI for meal preparation within their home environment and 2) essential conditions for the integration of COOK into a clinical context and residential/home settings in Ontario. For this purpose, several individual and focus group interviews were conducted with professionals in different disciplines and managers who work with TBI clients.

D4 - A Foot in Two Worlds; Bridging the Gap Between Private and Community SupportsMelissa Vigar, RSW, Teena Curtis, Lauren Bellon and Tanya Jewell will examine the benefits local brain injury associations can offer, with a focus on how rehabilitation professionals can access these programs. As well, how these services can compliment therapy goals, by setting up a pathway for survivors to access supports in conjunction with, or independent of, a private treatment team. We will cover what the various provincial associations offer, how to frame the need for these supports to lawyers and insurance providers, and how to help with a smooth transition to their groups and services. This presentation will include a talk from a survivor whose private treatment came to an end, and how they benefitted from peer connections in their community.

D5 - Corrections: The Final Frontier - The Criminal Justice System and the ABI ExperienceAbbey Bird and Shawna Eisendrath. Within the Criminal Justice System the priority is on safety and operations. This can make way for inherent barriers for an ABI client and for the clinical team that is trying to support that individual. The objectives of this presentation are five-fold: to educate ABI service providers about the criminal justice experience for an ABI client; to discuss challenges corrections staff face when working with this population; to discuss ways that clinical staff within the institution are trying to educate and eliminate barriers that the ABI clients are facing; to highlight and discuss gaps in services in both the community and the corrections system, and solutions on how to begin to collaborate together and looking towards the future using the lessons of the past.

D6 - Using Comics to Rewrite Personal Narratives, Traditional Scripts and Contemporary Misrepresentations of Life with a Brain InjuryKanika Gupta will present this interactive session filled with artwork and storytelling. Drawing parallels of living with the effects of a brain injury with the classic comic depictions of the superhero can reclaim the experience as one of strength and aspiration. Kanika will share her artistic process of how she brought this superhero to life. Her hope is that these comics help participants imagine what their inner superhero looks like and draw encouragement and strength from these reimagined heroes. She will speak to the importance of survivors, caregivers, clinicians and service providers of reframing narratives in creative and unconventional ways.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER (Friday, November 8 at 11:00am)

• Access Personal Support Ltd.• Acquired Brain Injury Outreach

Network (ABION)• Accessible Daily Living (ADL)/DriveLab

Inc.• Anchor Rehabilitation Support

Services Inc.• Bayshore HealthCare• Bartimaeus Rehabilitation Services Inc.• CaseMark Financial Inc.• Closing the Gap Healthcare• Comfort Keepers• Community Solutions Inc.• Complex Injury Rehab• DMARehability• DTG Supplies• Elements Support Services• Entwistle Power Occupational Therapy• Essentially You Inc.• FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services

Inc.• Galit Liffshiz & Associates• Health Bound Health Network• Himelfarb Proszanski, LLP

• Howie Sacks & Henry, LLP• Innovative Case Management Inc.• Lawlor Therapy Support Services Inc.• Mindworks• MRI Appointments• Rehab First Inc.• Rehab Without Walls NeuroSolutions

(A Division of ResCare Premier Canada)

• Roger R. Foisy Professional Corporation

• Ross & McBride, LLP• Ross Rehabilitation & Vocational

Services• Shekter, Dychtenberg LLP• SkeduleX• Smitiuch Injury Law• Social Work Consulting Group• Solus Support Services• Spencer Experts• Synoptic Medical Assessments Inc.• The Morris Law Group• Vocational Alternatives Inc.

• AGTA Home Health Care• Brain Injury Services of Northern Ontario (BISNO)• CARF Canada• Davis Martindale• Genesis Community Rehabilitation, Inc.• Head Injury Rehabilitation Ontario• Rehabilitation Management Inc. (RMI)• Saint Elizabeth Driver Assessment & Training• Silver Cross Automotive• Social Know How• TheJudge Canada Ltd.• Traverse Independence• Vista Centre Brain Injury Services

PLATINUM CO-SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSOR

Survivor and Family Members Subsidized Delegate Registration Sponsor

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS EXHIBITORS

Name:

Company:

Address:

City: Prov/State: Postal Code/Zip

Phone: Email: Please indicate the following:Yes No □ □ I will be attending the Welcoming Reception on Wednesday evening.□ □ I will be attending the Conference Dinner on Thursday evening.□ □ My attendant will be accompanying me (OBIA will contact you to arrange details).□ □ I consent to have my name included in the Delegate Directory.□ □ I consent to having pictures of me shared on conference Social Media (you will not be tagged).□ □ I have food allergies:

Concurrent Sessions□ I will be attending: (Please mark your fi rst choice with a 1 and the alternate choice with a 2)

Session A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 Session B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 Session C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 Session D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6

Attention Survivors and Family Members

Thanks to the generosity of the Thomson Rogers Diamond Sponsorship a limited number of delegates will be able to receive a subsidized conference rate of $50 per person.

Diamond sponsorship does NOT include accommodations or travel expenses. If you are interested in attending as a sponsored delegate, please check the box below.

□ I am a survivor/family member and would like to be CONSIDERED for theThomson Rogers Diamond Sponsorship

Recipients will be selected by lottery on September 16, 2019 and notifi ed via email after that date.

Registration Options/Fees:Registration will be confi rmed only upon receipt of payment. Registration includes all keynote sessions, selected concurrent sessions, all meals, breaks and receptions where highlighted on schedule, and one delegation kit.

□ Option 1: $395 Early Bird rate by Friday, September 20, 2019□ Option 2: $425 Final Registration rate after Friday, September 20, 2019□ I wish to bring a guest to dinner (Thursday November 7th) for an additional cost of $80□ I wish to register for the Thursday morning Yoga by the Falls hosted by PIA Law, (Please bring your own mat)

Payment Options□ Cheque/Money Order - Please make cheques and money orders payable to: Ontario Brain Injury Association

□ VISA □ Mastercard □ Amex

Credit Card Number: Expiry Date:

Please return your completed form/s with your payment/s to:Ontario Brain Injury Association, PO Box 2338, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7R9, or Fax: 905.641.0323

For more information contact OBIA at 1.855.642.8877 or via email at conference@obia.on.ca

REGISTRATION FORM (or register online at www.ontarioabiconference.ca)

Registrations received as of May 17, 2019

Ontario Brain Injury Association

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

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