nrio  Brainwaves

April, 2005

From the desk of Colleen Boyce, Executive Director

After our freezing cold and very long winter, we all look forward to the long awaited spring. We have to be aware of all the outdoor activities associated with warmer weather - skate boarding, cycling, scooting (Bill 129, helmet legislation has still not been passed), jogging and walking. Maintaining awareness and safe driving is paramount to keeping safe.

We are still waiting to hear the final outcome pertaining to the DAC “less” insurance system. What we do know is that it is imminent!! Further information can be retrieved on the FSCO web site - www.fsco.ca

The Brain Injury Society of Toronto (BIST) has been meeting since October, 2004. To date, BIST has a full compliment of Board members, although there is an opening for a Treasurer. BIST had 2 community meetings in February, which were well received. Strategic planning and a financial budget has been completed and subsequently BIST is in a position to apply for charitable status. Volunteers are welcomed. The telephone number for BIST is 416 830 1485. OBIA and BIST are planning to host a joint fundraiser at Hart House, on Thursday, May 12th, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Please join us.

Although June is “Brain Injury Awareness Month”, the Brain Injury Awareness Committee (BIAM) of Toronto, continues to meet to plan for June, 2005. BIAM is hoping to have an indoor music concert in June, which will be a fundraiser as well. Details will be forwarded as soon as the band and venue is confirmed. Everyone is encouraged to participate in doing something for brain injury in June. Visit the web site for brain injury awareness, activities and functions and how you can get involved - www.biam.ca.

NRIO continues to provide academic camp programming over the holiday season. Please contact Catherine Dodds, School Resource Co-ordinator, myself at 416-231-4358 or Sara Stone at 519-888-0306 if you require upcoming summer camp information. NRIO had “Kids-on-the- Go ” camp activities over the Winter and March break. The programme provides individualized academic activities as well as physical, language based and cognitive games, in a fun and enjoyable format.

Catherine Dodds, in conjunction with Rebecca Swift-Weir from Brain Injury Services of Simcoe County and John Kosmopoulos, under the auspices of the Simcoe York Children with ABI Committee, are working on a behavioural manual providing strategies for children with ABI. The manual is currently in draft stage and I will keep you informed as to when it is released. Catherine is speaking at the Hamilton and Waterloo breakfast seminars - “Unlocking the Myth: Keys to Success”.

NRIO’s Spring Breakfast Seminar Series start again in April - June. Waterloo will be hosting the following seminars:

• April 13th - “On the Road to Recovery” - by Challenger Rehab on Wheels
• May 4th, “The Path to Work/Vocational Interventions for those with ABI” by Ian Turner and Paul McCormack, Bartimaeus
• May 11th, “Unlocking the Myth: Keys to Success” behavioural strategies for children with ABI by Catherine Dodds, NRIO.

Hamilton:

• April 4th, “Unlocking the Myth”,
• April 20th, “Future cost of care assessments and the ABI client” by Susan Paquette, Case Manager;
• April 27th, “ABI, Substance Abuse and Addictions: The Crisis Team Experience” by Gary Blake and Gene Uchida, Chedoke.

Please contact Sara Stone at 519-888-0306 if you would like to register or want copies of any of the presentations.

Etobicoke site is hosting the following breakfast seminars:

• May 12th, “Shifting you into Focus” - life and executive coaching for children by Teresa Holleran, KIDSCOACHING.INC
• May 26th, “ABILITY”: Understanding ABI, Student/Peer Education and Advocacy Program. Help students understand the student with the ABI, by Catherine Dodds, NRIO
• June 10th, “Surviving the Fog” - Learning Disabilities and ABI by Lauren Noble, who is a survivor, Vice Principle, BIST Board Member
• June 24th, “Helping Clients to help themselves: Facilitation self advocacy, challenges and successes “ by Beverlee Melamed, Occupational Therapist.

Please contact Christine Romanenchuk at 416-231-4358 to register.

NRIO went through re-accreditation with CCHSA in January, 2005. It was a great success and I am thrilled to advise you, we were Accredited!! Despite this being an onerous task, we thrive on improving our programmes and the services that we offer.

Catherine Dodds, NRIO School Resource Co-ordinator, spent 2 days presenting at the Izaak Walton Killam Children’s Hospital in Halifax in February. Catherine presented on school re-entry issues as well as developing a support system for families.

NRIO has residential programmes in Etobicoke, Mississauga and Hamilton. The residential programmes include a comprehensive, multi disciplinary programme. We also provide respite, and independent, time targeted residential assessments. Space is available.

On behalf of all NRIO clients, staff, and the Board of Directors, I would like to wish you an enjoyable Spring!!