Toronto ABI Network Conference 2004:
"Exploring the Spectrum of Brain Injury: Sharing the Tools of the Trade"

November 18 & 19, 2004 / Hilton Toronto, Toronto


Summary of 2004 conference
Presentations
Acknowledgements

Summary:

The conference began with an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Roberta DePompei, who discussed issues around provision of best clinical services for youth who have ABI and their families; and identified the need for collaboration of all team members to leverage services, funding and community participation. Dr. DePompei highlighted that the ABI system does not need to spend more time identifying the issues and needs of children; instead, we need need to demonstrate that the challenges and solutions are known, but require advocacy for long periods of time.

Concurrent sessions were held throughout the day allowing registrants to hear a variety of speakers from across Canada.

Thursday concluded with a remarkable keynote address by Dr. Yehuda Ben-Yishay. Dr. Ben-Yishay's address, "Holistic Neuropsychological Rehabilitation: Update and Issues." In his address, Dr. Ben-Yishay highlighted Kurt Goldstein's key ideas of the three causes of failure to function after brain injury; and illustrated how these notions are incorporated into the Day Treatment Progran at the Rusk Institute.

The second day of the conference was more relaxing as registrants were now familiar with the venue and the flow of the conference. Dr. Jeffrey Kreutzer set a high standard for the second day with his opening address, "A Practice Guode to Strengthening Families After Brain Injury." Dr. Kreutzer reminded the audience that brain injury causes drastic life changes for family members in addition to the injured survivor. He described challenges commonly faced by caring family members and provided a wide variety of practical suggestions and ideas to help family members face these challenges.

Following a second day of concurrent presentations, the conference ended with keynote speaker Mr. Chris DeLuca. Speaking publicly for the first time about the brain injury he sustained in a motocycle collision five years ago and the impact it has had on his life, Mr. DeLuca's story provided a heartfelt and thoughtful close to the conference.

Throughout the conference, there were plenty of opportunities for delegates to meet and chat with colleagues and peers or to involve presenters in informal discussion. Poster presentations were on display throughout the two days and at times, poster displays were attended by authors to provide more detailed explanation about their presentations.

Also on display was a wonderful exhibit of art by survivors of brain injury. Each piece exhibited is a personal and creative expression of the impact the injury has made on the life of the artist. This exhibit was inspiring and moving.

Thank you to the many delegates who provided feedback, either verbally or by completing the evaluation forms. Your feedback is important and is being reviewed as we begin work planning for a successful conference in 2006.

Presentations:

Many of the presentations made and handouts provided at the conference have been provided below.

Please note that the presentations below are not all-inclusive list of those given at the conference, only those for which consent has been provided to share on this site. For a complete list of presentations made, please see the conference program.

Acknowledgements:

Many individuals worked together to coordinate this event. The hard work and committment of the members of the Conference Plannng Committee ensured that this event was a success. We would also like to thank the organizations who permitted their staff to participate on this committee.

Conference Planning Committee: Alison Jardine, Sunnybrook & Women's (chair); Paula Cassin, ABI Possibilities; Lainie Cohen, Family Advoate; Marla Feldman, NRC Felman & Associates; Lynne hartford, The Hospital for Sick Children; PAtricia Howell, Neuro-Rehab Services; Robert Jessop, Toronto ABI Network; Richard Khoo, Toronto Rehab; Gail Kirkwood, Bloorview MacMillan Children's Centre; Anne Landreville, Lakeridge Health; Charissa Levy, Toronto ABI Network; Tracy Martin, Commuity Head Injury Resource Services; Judy Moir, Toronto ABI Network; Elaine Murphy, St. John's Rehab Hospital; Frank Murphy, Head Injury Association of Durham Region. Special thanks to conference coordinator Cora Moncada who pulled all the loose ends together.

Sponsors: The Network would also like to thank the following sponsors whose contributions made this event possible: Aylesworth, Thompson, Phelan & O'Brien; Bartimaeus, Inc.; Bridgepoint Health; Catalyst Rehab Management Inc.; Dale Brain Injury Services; Gluckstein & Associates; Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc.; Lawlor Therapy Support Services; Dianne Taylor & Associates; Fireman Lofranco Personal Injury Lawyers; Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc.; Srebrelow, Lebovitz and Spadafora; Thomson, Rogers Barristers & Solicitors.

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