Call for Abstracts for ABI Network Conference
The Toronto ABI Network's bi-annual conference will be held on November 3-4, 2008 at the Hilton Toronto, located at 145 Richmond Street West, in downtown Toronto.
We are expecting this year's event to match the success of our 2006 conference - at which we attracted over 400 delegates, high profile keynote speakers, expert podium presenters, survivors sharing compelling personal stories, and over 40 exhibiting sponsors. Both the sponsorship opportunities and delegate registrations sold out well in advance in 2006.
Call for Abstracts
As in previous years, a Call for Abstracts has been distributed widely within the ABI community. We are currently seeking submissions for podium presentations, interactive workshops and posters from a diverse representation of disciplines, organizations and experiences.
All submitted abstracts will be vetted through a blind-review process and evaluated by professionals from across the brain injury community. Submissions by survivors and family members are encouraged.
If you are interested in submitting an abstract for the conference, please complete the Abstract Submission Form and return it by March 31, 2008.
Sponsorship Options
Participation from sponsors is an integral part of the conference and support from sponsors assists with the development of a successful and rewarding event. A Call for Sponsorship of this conference has been released and we are pleased to announce that we have already received confirmation from 33 sponsoring organizations for this event.
There are still a few available opportunities to become a sponsor. For more information about levels of sponsorship, please see the sponsorship options.
Registration
Registration for the conference will begin in June 2008.
Further Information
If you have any questions about the conference, please visit the Toronto ABI Network Conference 2008 website or contact Cass Bayley, Conference Manager at (888) 527-3434 or cass@bayleygroup.com with any questions.
Strategic Planning Session Sets Priorities
The Toronto ABI Network hosted its annual strategic planning session on January 25, 2008. In addition to the Advisory Committee, members of the Systems Coordination Committee were also invited to attend. The strategic planning session provided the opportunity to hear a presentation about the LEAN methodology so the committee can determine its applicability for the Network. Committee members also participated in a facilitated discussion to determine priorities for the 2008/2009 operating plan.
Michael Cesar, senior project manager with Shared Information Management System (SIMS), provided an introduction to the LEAN methodology and practices. He was also able to provide examples of results using LEAN in healthcare improvement activities. LEAN is a framework of concepts and methods to achieve continual gains in productivity while satisfying patients’ expectations for service quality.
Dr. Mark Bayley facilitated the second part of the morning to identify key areas and priorities for the next year. The list of priorities identified by those present included (in no particular order):
- Investigating and addressing concerns about people going home from acute care to wait for rehabilitation
- Divide between discharge from acute care and admit to inpatient rehabilitation
- Continuity of referral process
- Delaying of referrals due to unclear admission criteria
- ALC pressures
- Discharge into community
- Long term residential needs / Advocacy for community services
- Create a business case for continuum of services
- Flexibility of community services
- Educating families/providers about what resources are available
- Improved throughput for behavioural care
- Advocacy about legal/private service referrals from acute care
Brain Injury Family Intervention - Adolescents
The Best Practice Committee of the Toronto ABI Network has agreed to collaborate with investigators to support the knowledge mobilization activities related to the Brain Injury Family Intervention (BIFI) for the adolescent population.
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is the leading cause of disability and death among children and adolescents, yet there are very few services after the child leaves the hospital, especially for families. The effects of ABI are often life-long and can place significant demands on family members, who provide the major support for the child. These families need access to support over the long-term as children and adolescents with ABI recover very differently than adults.
Research has shown that children who are injured at a younger age are at greater risk than those who are injured later in life. As these children grow into adolescence, they often ‘grow into’ their injury. This makes it especially stressful for families, as it is often difficult for parents to know what is ABI and what is typical of adolescents. Family support is especially needed at this stage of family life as the young person prepares for adulthood. It has been shown that when families are coping well, then the person with the ABI does better.
The Brain Injury Family Intervention for Adolescents (BIFI-A) is a model of support that consists of 11 topics covering a variety of areas that families have identified as important (e.g. common changes after ABI and its effects on the family, being a teen and achieving independence, emotional and physical recovery, problem solving, stress management, preparing for school and work).
The role of the Best Practice Committee will be to collaborate with the group of investigators to increase awareness about family supports after ABI and to introduce the BIFI-A intervention.
Workshop to Educate Family Physicians
On May 21, 2008, the Network will be hosting a workshop for family physicians called, “The Road Map to Acquired Brain Injury: A Primer for Family Physicians”.
The workshop will be held at The Old Mill Inn and will provide opportunity for physicians to learn about the assessment and management of individuals living with the effects of acquired brain injury.
The workshop will include presentations from a number of dynamic and committed physicians including:
- Dr. Chanth Seyone, Neuropsychiatirist and Director of the TBI Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital
- Dr. Abe Snaiderman, Director of the Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Toronto Rehab
- Dr. Minella de Souza, Psychiatrist, Toronto Western Hospital
- Dr. Shree Bhalerao, Director of Medical Psychiatry, St. Michael’s Hospital
Data on Referrals Received
The Toronto ABI Network manages referrals for acquired brain injury services in the Greater Toronto Area. Referrals for inpatient service are triaged through the Network office to the first available bed that is appropriate to the individual's needs. The Network also facilitates the process of referring to community-based ABI providers.
The following information reports only on patients/clients referred through the Network office and is not intended to reflect incidence data.
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Events Listing
The events listed here are provided for your information and are not necessarily being organized by the Toronto ABI Network. If you are interested in further details about any of the events below, please contact the appropriate individual identified in the event listing.
| Call for Abstracts ~ Toronto ABI Network Conference 2008 Deadline: March 31, 2008 View abstract submission form (Word) See Toronto ABI Network Conference 2008 website for more details. |
March 25-26, 2008
Baycrest presents the 18th annual Rotman Research Institute conference:
Neuroimaging in Dementia
Location: The Four Seasons Hotel, 21 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario
There will be a pre-conference clinical session on March 24, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact: Paula Ferreira, Conference Coordinator
Phone: 416-785-2500 ext. 2363
Email: pferreira@baycrest.org
Web: www.rotman-baycrest.on.ca
April 9-12, 2008
Seventh World Congress on Brain Injury
Location: Pestana Palace Hotel, Lisbon, Ontario
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Web: www.internationalbrain.org
May 1-2, 2008
Community Solutions presents:
Relax and Learn 2008: An Interactive Collaborative Forum for ABI Professionals
Location: Nottawasaga Resort and Conference Centre, Alliston, Ontario
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact: Barbara Claiman, Community Solutions
Phone: 905-373-7300 ext. 23 or toll-free: 1-800-430-6523
Email: commsol@sympatico.ca
See event flyer for more information.
May 7-9, 2008
Ontario Brain Injury Association in conjunction with Brock University presents:
Certificate Training Program ~ Neuropsychological Assessments: Beyond Testing
Facilitators: Dr. Sherrie Bieman-Copland and Dr. Dawn Good
Location: Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact: Debbie Spaulding or Ruth Wilcock
Phone: 1-800-263-5404
Web: www.obia.on.ca
May 16, 2008
Best Practices for Working with People with Acquired Brain Injury
Facilitator: Dr. John Davis
Location: Best Western Highland Inn and Conference Centre, Midland, Ontario
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact: Patricia Revell, Rehabilitation Coordinator, Brain Injury Services Simcoe Muskoka
Phone: 705-734-2178 or toll-free: 1-877-320-1950
Email: pr-biss@csolve.net
September 5-6, 2008
Evaluation and Treatment of Visual Perceptual Dysfunction in Adult Brain Injury (Level 1)
Facilitator: Mary Warren MS, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA
Location: Holiday Inn Waterfront, Peterborough, Ontario
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact: MindWorks
Email: info@mindworksgroup.ca
Web: www.mindworksgroup.ca
October 23, 2008
Brain Injury Association of Niagara Conference 2008
Pathways to Discovery: Resilience, Empowerment and Innovationn
Featuring keynote speaker Walter Gretzky
Location: Four Points Sheraton, Thorold, Ontario
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact: Brain Injury Association of Niagara
Phone: 905-984-5058
November 3-4, 2008
Toronto ABI Network Conference 2008
Location: Hilton Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact: Cass Bayley, Conference Manager
Phone: 1-888-527-3434
Email: conference@abinetwork.ca
Web: www.abinetwork.ca/conference2008
This listing provides details of events taking place within several months of the newsletter’s release date. For a more comprehensive list of events of interest to the ABI community, please see the conference listing on our website.
In Brief
Restraint Resource Guide launched on website
A Professional Resource Guide on the use of restraints has been officially launched on the Toronto ABI Network website. The guide provides valuable information on:
- Presentation from the Restrain Forums held on May 15, 2006 and January 17, 2008
- Resources, tips and tools for managing behaviours
- Protocols and guidelines for physical restraints including the Patient Restraints Minimization Act and the College of Nurses of Ontario, Practice Standards Restraints
Visit the Restraint Resource Guide
Fourth Annual Mix and Mingle to Support Associations
The boards of directors, staff and volunteers of the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) and the Brain Injury Society of Toronto (BIST) wish to extend an invitation to the fourth annual Mix and Mingle to be held at Hart House on May 8, 2008.
In addition to supporting the work of BIST and OBIA, your attendence at this event will provide you with an opportunity to listen to live jazz music by the Trent Reschny Trio, peruse a silent auction and mix with your colleagues over hors d'oeuvres and beverages.
All proceeds from this event will support the activities of OBIA and BIST.
For more information, please see the Mix and Mingle event flyer and registration form.
Brain Injury Society of Toronto seeking board members
Would you like to be on Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Society of Toronto?
The Brain Injury Society of Toronto (BIST) is a non-profit community organization formed in 2004 to represent the interests of persons living with the effects of acquired brain injury in the City of Toronto. BIST is working to serve the needs of a diverse community and require additions to the composition of their Board of Directors to reflect the diversity and breadth of the community.
The Board is responsible for all of the activities and governance of BIST, including fund-raising, financial management, strategic planning, community relations, and the programs and services offered to the community. There are three Executive positions on the Board (Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer) who are elected by the Board from among the serving Board Members.
Board members are asked to serve a three-year term. Directors meet monthly and usually sit on at least one subcommittee dealing with a specific aspect of the Society’s activities. Directors commit 5 to 10 hours per month to these activities.
The BIST Board invites applications from individuals who have knowledge, skills, expertise and passion in one or more of the following areas:
- Personal experience with ABI as a survivor or family member
- Financial management of a charity
- Community development and engagement
Brain Injury Society of Toronto
email: info@bist.ca
phone: 416-830-1485