The 2010 conference is the fifth bi-annual Toronto ABI Network conference and we were delighted to have registrants attending from across Ontario and from several other Canadian provinces. We are very pleased to have two presenters and delegates attend from Stockholm, Sweden. We thank the many delegates who attended, and the generosity of the 42 external organizations who sponsored this event.
 Keynote Presenters
Presentations - Day One
Presentations - Day Two
Poster Displays
Conference Program
Sponsors
Planning Committee
Keynote Presenters
The conference featured four dynamic keynote speakers:
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Dr. Steve Joordens is a professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto at Scarborough. He teaches a 1500 student Introductory Psychology course, and has won a number of awards for his teaching and teaching innovations including a Leadership in Faculty Teaching Award and the 2009 National Technology Innovation Award. In collaboration with his Ph.D. student, Dwayne Pare, he created peer Scholar (www.peerScholar.com) an online application that supports the development of critical thinking and clear communication skills. In addition to his research on teaching and technology, he also conducts research on Human Memory and Consciousness, and has written papers and given talks on the Ethics of Animal Research. When not in the classroom or the lab, you might find him playing with his band Delusions of Grandeur at venues in Toronto.
Dr. Joordens' presentation will describe the distinction between conscious and unconscious cognitive processes, and will highlight data showing that conscious cognitive processes are often more prone to damage from acquired brain injury. A number of neuropsychological cases will be discussed in the context of relevant laboratory research.
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Dr. Thomas Kay is a neuropsychologist in private practice in New York City, who has worked in the field of traumatic brain injury for over 25 years. He has served as Director of Research for the New York University Medical Center's Research and Training Center on Head Injury and Stroke, and as Director of the Outpatient Brain Injury Program at the Kessler Institute in New Jersey. His clinical interests include mild traumatic brain injury, and psychotherapy as a process of self-restoration after brain injury.
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Dr. Robert Karol is President of a group practice, Karol Neuropsychological Services & Consulting, in Minneapolis. He is a Board Certified Rehabilitation Psychologist by the American Board of Professional Psychology and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer by the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists.
His career includes: [1] Co-founder: Brain Injury Association of Minnesota and Past Chairman of the Board; [2] Board of Directors: Accessible Space, Inc.; [3] Advisory Committee: Opportunity Partners' TBI Metro Services; [4] Consultant: Vinland Center; [5] Minnesota Department of Human Services TBI Advisory Committee; [6] Minnesota Department of Corrections TBI Advisory Panel; [6] Supreme Court of Minnesota Board of Law Examiners Special Test Accommodation Panel; [7] Adjunct Professor: Argosy University; [8] Director: 30-bed BI program.
His publications include: [1] the book Neuropsychosocial Intervention: The Practical Treatment of Severe Behavioral Dyscontrol after Acquired Brain Injury; [2] the chapter Principles of Behavioral Analysis and Modification; [3] the book Overcoming Grief and Loss after Brain Injury; [4] the book Therapists' Guide to Overcoming Grief and Loss after Brain Injury.
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Greg Noack is a brain injury survivor of an assault that took place in November, 1996. Greg has been volunteering and working with fellow survivors in some capacity since 6 months after his injury. He currently works at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute in the Neuro program as a rehabilitation therapist. From his experiences, life and work, he has become a successful clinician with fellow survivors. By being from both sides Greg is able to speak on what approaches worked and did not work with him and now he shares these tools with others to be successful. Greg is also an author having written a book on his own rehabilitation from brain injury, “My Invisible Disability”, published in February 2006. In his spare time Greg likes to remain physically active. He enjoys running and has completed 4 marathons. He is also entering his second year on the board of directors at the Brain Injury Society of Toronto (BIST) where he is serves on the membership committee.
Mr. Noack will share with registrants what he has learned from his rehabilitation following head injury, and what learnings he is able to use today as an effective clinician. |
Presentations ~ Day One:
All abstracts for conference presentations are available for download below.
Presentations and handout notes are also available where permissions and availability permit. Some of the presentations are quite large and may take some time to download.
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Monday, November 8, 2010 |
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Room A |
Room B |
Room C |
Room D |
7:30 |
Registration & Continental Breakfast |
8:45 |
Opening Remarks |
9:00 - 10:00 |
Keynote Address ~ Buddha Meets the Neuroscientist: Implications for Restoration of Self After Traumatic Brain Injury
Dr. Thomas Kay
Neuropsychologist in private practice, New York, New York
Presentation (138 KB) |
10:00 - 10:30 |
Break & Poster Review |
10:30 - 11:15
Concurrent Sessions
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Behaviour Management: Partnering To Bridge The Continuum
Nancy Boaro
Toronto Rehab (Toronto)
Presentation (614 KB) | Abstract
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Tracking Movement of Clients with An ABI Through The System From Acute Into The Community: What Does It Tell Us And What Else Might We Need To Know?
Angela Colantonio
Toronto Rehab / University of Toronto (Toronto)
Presentation (389 KB) | Handouts | Abstract |
“Never Give Up”: A Teenager's Journey To Recover From Traumatic Brain Injury
A.J. Fordham
Consumer Representative (Rodney)
Handouts | Abstract |
The Next Two Decades: A Framework For Culturally Competent Rehabilitation Practice
Caron Gan
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Toronto)
Presentation (5.6 MB) | Abstract |
11:25 - 12:10
Concurrent Sessions
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Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment For Sleep Disturbance In Clients With Brain Injury
Sarah Vernon-Scott
Brainworks (London)
Presentation (7.7 MB) | Abstract
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Financial Cost Recovery Strategies For Families Impacted By Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): Identifying Accessible Financial Supports For ABI Affected Families
Anthony Hutchinson BNRC/Sheridan College of Technology and Advanced Learning (Brampton)
Presentation (483 KB) | Abstract |
Helping Hand A Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Group
Janet Woodhouse
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Toronto)
Presentation (424 KB) | Abstract |
Positive Outcomes Following Long-Term Rehabilitation For Individuals With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Denise Lawson
Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (Calgary)
Presentation (22.4 MB) | Abstract |
12:10 - 1:30 |
Lunch & Poster Review |
1:30 - 2:15
Concurrent Sessions
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Working Memory Training For Patients With Acquired Brain Injury: Effects In Daily Life
Berit Johansson
Hjärnskadecenter – Brain Injury Center (Stockholm)
Presentation (1.1 MB) | Abstract
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Families After Brain Injury: Psycho-Educational and Support Group Intervention
Clare Brandys
Community Head Injury Resource Services (Toronto)
Presentation (3.2 MB) | Abstract |
Sexuality, Safety & Smarts: Creative Sexuality Education Strategies For Youth With ABI
Douglas Schmidt
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Toronto)
Presentation (1.1 MB) | Abstract |
Canine Potential Unleashed: An Old Dog Teaches New Tricks
Rebecca Swift-Weir
Brain Injury Services Muskoka Simcoe (Barrie)
Presentation (715 KB) | Abstract |
2:25 - 3:10
Concurrent Sessions
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Clinical Guidelines For The Care Of Persisting Symptoms After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Shawn Marshall
The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre (Ottawa)
Presentation (4.5 MB) | Abstract
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School Reintegration For Children And Youth With Acquired Brain Injury
Dawn Good
Brock University (St. Catharines)
Presentation Not Available | Abstract |
The Effectiveness Of Self-Awareness Group Therapy Program For Adults With Long-Term Brain Injuries
Bruce Linder
Brain Injury Services (Hamilton)
Presentation (8.6 MB) | Abstract
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Telephone Follow Up: Supporting Transitions Of Patients With Stroke And Acquired Brain Injury
Iona Yim
Toronto Rehab (Toronto)
Presentation (4.2 MB) | Abstract |
3:10 - 3:45 |
Break & Poster Review |
3:45 - 4:45 |
Keynote Address ~ Conceptualizing Intervention for Behavioural Dyscontrol after Acquired Brain Injury
Dr. Robert L. Karol, PhD, LP, ABPP, CBIST
President, Karol Neuropsychological Services & Consulting
Presentation (1.6 MB) |
4:45 - 4:50 |
Closing Remarks |
5:00 - 7:00 |
Networking Reception
The Toronto ABI Network is pleased to invite all conference attendees to attend a networking reception, in the foyer outside the session rooms, following the program on Monday, November 8th. |
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010 |
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Room A |
Room B |
Room C |
Room D |
Room E |
7:45 |
Continental Breakfast |
8:45 |
Greetings |
9:00 - 10:00 |
Keynote Address ~ The Distinction Between Conscious versus Unconscious Cognitive Processing: Implications for Acquired Brain Injuries
Dr. Steve Joordens, BSc , MA , PhD
Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough
Handouts (54 KB) |
10:00 - 10:30 |
Break & Poster Review |
10:30 - 12:00
Concurrent Workshops
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Life, Function and Future: What to Expect from the Recovering Brain Injured Patient
Abe Snaiderman, MD, FRCPC(C)
Director, Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Neurorehabilitation Program, Toronto Rehab; Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine (PMR) University of Toronto
Brain injury typically affects directly "one brain and 10 people". This workshop will help caregivers understand the emotional, behavioural and cognitive changes commonly observed in the brain injured patient and their support systems. It will provide a common sense framework to help identify and prevent behavioural, emotional and cognitive complications in the community.
Presentation Not Available For Download
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ABI in the Classroom: Structuring Learning for Student Success
Erin M. Picard, PhD, CPsych
Head Psychologist, Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board
Diane Tope-Ryan, BA Hon
Program Specialist A.B.A., Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board
This workshop will provide all professionals with an understanding of how structuring the students' learning environment promotes independence and skill development while addressing unique learning needs. Hands-on activities with a curriculum focus will be showcased and video demonstrations provided.
Presentation (12.9 MB)
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Can I Return to Work?
Mary Stergiou-Kita, PhD (candidate), MSc, BSc, OT Reg (Ont)
Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto
This interactive workshop will guide participants to explore significant factors and process relevant to a comprehensive vocational evaluation following traumatic brain injury. Participants will utilize their own experiences and results from a systematic review, completed by the facilitator, to develop a guiding framework for their vocational evaluations.
Presentation (381 KB) | Handout #1 | Handout #2
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Sleep and Wake Disorders After Brain Injury: A Practical Workshop for Clinicians
Catherine Wiseman-Hakes PhD (candidate)
University of Toronto, Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; Toronto Rehab; Neuro-Rehab Services
Chanth Seyone, MD, FRCP Assistant Professor, University of Toronto / Director, ABI Clinic,Toronto Western Hospital , University Health Network, Department of Psychiatry
Sleep and wake problems are among the most commonly reported sequelae after TBI. This workshop will provide an overview of the role of sleep and wake disturbances, and some practical suggestions for functional assessment, monitoring, and where/when to refer for treatment.
Presentation (3.8 MB)
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Chronic Pain - Living with the "Catastrophe"
Ted Robinson, MD CCFP, FCFP
Bridgepoint Hospital Day Treatment Department, Pain Management and Orthopedic Outpatient Programs; Mount Sinai Hospital, Wasser Pain Management Centre /
CBT & MBSR Group Programs; Member of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and the Canadian Pain Society (CPS)
Marilyn Galonski RN, BScN
Care Coordinator, Wasser Pain Management Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital
This workshop will describe a CBT group treatment program for patients with chronic non-cancer pain, including techniques employed. We will also present case studies of several patients with mild and moderate ABI who have participated in the program, with varying degrees of success, and discuss appropriate criteria for including ABI patients in such a program.
Presentation (532 KB)
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12:00 - 1:30 |
Lunch & Poster Review |
1:30 - 2:30 |
Keynote Address ~ From Both Sides: What I Learned from my Rehabilitation from Head Injury and Use Today as an Effective Clinician
Greg Noack
Brain Injury Survivor; Author; Rehabilitation Therapist, Acquired Brain Injury Service, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
Handout |
2:30 - 2:45 |
Closing Remarks and presentation of People's Choice Award |
Poster Displays: Select title for presentation abstract.
People's Choice Award Winner:
 Conference registrants voted for their favourite poster presentation based on several criteria. The winner of the People's Choice Award for 2010 is:
Creating a Seamless Transition
Valerie Lusted, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital |
- Creating a Seamless Transition ~ Valerie Lusted, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Toronto)
- Designing a Neurotrauma Surveillance System for Prevention: What are the Key Components, Challenges, Strengths and Weaknesses? ~ Amy Chen, Toronto Rehab (Toronto)
- Early Results of a New Comprehensive Assessment Measure for Minimally Responsive Individuals ~ Ana Gollega, Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (Calgary)
- How the Foundation of a Recreation Therapist Unified Two Organizational Visions to Open our Eyes to Seeing the Real Picture of Thriving with Traumatic Brain Injury ~ Jackie Doyle, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (Chatham)
- Identity after a Brain Injury: A Scoping Review Of The Current State of the Literature ~ Mikelle Bryson-Campbell, University of Western Ontario (West Lorne)
- Living with Brain Injury Group: An Innovative and Integrative Approach to Peer Support and Education ~ Sucheta Heble, Toronto Rehab (Toronto)
- Long-Term Trends in Recovery of Function for Persons with Catastrophic Brain Injuries - Josie Turbach, Anagram Premier/ResCare Premier (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
- Managing Complex Concussions in Children and Youth: A Multidisciplinary Approach to a Multifaceted Problem ~ Sara Somers, Thames Valley Children's Centre (London)
- Patient and Family Needs in the First Six Months of Transition to Community Living after Moderate to Severe Acquired Brain Injury: A Telehomecare Study ~ Sonya Canzian, St. Michael's Hospital (Toronto)
- Predictors of Adherence to an Internet-Delivered Self-Help Workshop for Depression: Patients with Mild or Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury ~ Jane Topolovec-Vranic, St. Michael's Hospital (Toronto)
- Qualitative Perspectives of Clients, Families and Staff about Two ABI Community-based Service Models ~ Judy Gargaro, Toronto Rehab (Toronto)
- Reiki and Physiotherapy for ABI: A Collaborative Approach to Improve Outcomes ~ Sian Owen, Sian Owen Physiotherapy (Toronto)
- The Impact of Depression and Pain on Cognitive Performance in Mild TBI ~ Tisha Ornstein, Ryerson University (Toronto)
Conference Program:
Sponsors:
The Network would like to thank the following sponsors whose contributions made this event possible. Please select the logo or name to visit our sponsors' websites.
Platinum Sponsors:
Partnering Sponsor:
Gold Sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
Planning Committee:
Many individuals worked together to coordinate this event. The hard work and commitment of the members of the Conference Planning 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 Health Sciences Centre (committee chair)
Maureen Bird-Graper, Community Representative
Colleen Boyce, Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario
Michelle Diamond, Toronto Rehab
Laura Fernando, abi Possibilities, Inc.
Patricia Howell, Neuro-Rehab Services, Inc.
Linda Lo, St. Michael's Hospital
Val Lusted, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Johanna Skippon, Bridgepoint Health
Staff Support:
Charissa Levy, Executive Director, Toronto ABI Network
Andrea Etherington, Project/Referral Coordinator, Toronto ABI Network
Robert Jessop, Communications/Data Coordinator, Toronto ABI Network
Judy Moir, Assistant Executive Director, Toronto ABI Network
Special thanks to the Conference Services Team at Toronto Rehab who provided conference management services and assistance to help make this a successful event.
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This page last updated November 15, 2010
The mission of the The Toronto ABI Network is to provide leadership in furthering equitable, accessible, responsive, cost-effective and quality publicly-funded services and support for persons living with the effects of an acquired brain injury in the Greater Toronto Area.
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