What's New? -

June, 2009
From the desk of Colleen Boyce,
Executive Director

As the gorgeous summer weather approaches, it is imperative that ongoing prevention initiatives are foremost in our minds. We know the warmer weather brings about more incidences of motor vehicle and related injuries. Keep safe!

The remediation of the HCAI (Health Claims for Auto Insurance) system is on schedule and IBC is reviewing the functionality of the remediated system until July, 2009. Effective August, a public testing process, which will include clinical and administrative staff involvement, will begin. It is anticipated that a full adoption of HCAI will occur prior to the end of 2010. The latest updates surrounding this information can be retrieved at www.hcaiinfo.ca.

The five year review of the Insurance Act was submitted to the Minister of Finance from FSCO at the end of March, 2009. Subsequent to the report, the Alliance of Community Medical and Rehabilitation Providers was launched to counter act the recommendations in the report. The Alliance has hired a PR company and a lobbyist to assist with initiatives in persuading the Minister to re-consider some of their recommendations. The Alliance believes these recommendations will have a huge impact on the clients who are currently deemed non-catastrophic as well as on the proposal for family doctors as "gate keepers." In roads have been made via the media, support from different agencies and groups, as well as through various Ministers and the opposition's party. A decision should be made over the summer.

The Brain Injury Society of Toronto (BIST) has new and exciting programmes, including, although not limited too: walking, coffee, baking and social groups. Please visit www.bist.ca for up to date information. The telephone number for BIST is 416 830 1485 and the email address is info@bist.ca. BIST and OBIA are having a joint fundraiser, "Mix and Mingle" at the Hard Rock Café on Thursday, June 18th, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

June is "Brain Injury Awareness Month!" The AC (Awareness Committee, under the auspices of BIST) is having an exciting lunch event from 12:00 to 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 18th, at Nathan Philips Square. The musicians performing are "The Nomads" and "Femi Abosede." There will be art exhibitions, a survivor tent and booth displays. The Alliance will also be present to discuss the FSCO recommendations and to host a media conference. Please encourage all your colleagues, clients, families and the general public to attend.

NRIO's "Summer in the City" programme will be effective July and August. Please contact Colleen if you have any students who would benefit from this academic and recreational support.

NRIO's Spring Breakfast Seminar Series have been extremely successful, with outstanding speakers and a wonderful turnout. Dr. Jane Gillett and Ann Bedard will be speaking June 25th on a topic entitled, "Two Heads Are Better Than One: A Neurologist and an OT Describe Their Comprehensive Assessment." Ian Wollach will be presenting September 17th; his topic is "Determining Income Replacement Benefits Payable to Self-Employed Persons." Jeanette Podolsky from Speech Therapy Centres of Canada and Colleen will be presenting in September as well. Details are to follow.

NRIO has completed the 2008 Outcome Validation Study. If anyone would like a copy, please contact Colleen.

NRIO continues to give back and support the brain injury community: Hamilton Health Sciences Conference, the BIST/OBIA Mix & Mingle and the new International Pediatric Brain Injury Society.

On behalf of all NRIO clients, staff, and the Board of Directors, I would like to wish you a cool, safe and happy Summer!