"The Brain that Changes Itself"

The Brain that Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science by Dr. Norman Doidge is available in bookstores.

"The brain can change itself. It is a plastic, living organ that can actually change its own structure and function, even into old age. Arguably the most important breakthrough in neuroscience since scientists first sketched out the brain’s basic anatomy, this revolutionary discovery, called neuroplasticity, promises to overthrow the centuries-old notion that the brain is fixed and unchanging. The brain is not, as was thought, like a machine, or “hardwired” like a computer. Neuroplasticity not only gives hope to those with mental limitations, or what was thought to be incurable brain damage, but expands our understanding of the healthy brain and the resilience of human nature."--from the website.

Understanding Stroke & Brain Injury: A Workshop for Family & Friends

Presented by Dr. Jennifer Yao and facilitated by Jennifer Wonders. Held monthly at GF Strong Rehab Centre, 4255 Laurel St. in Vancouver. Please contact Jennifer at 604-737-6221

2008 schedule:
Thurs. – Jan. 17, 6 – 9pm
Thurs. – Feb. 21, 6 – 9pm
Sat. – March 15, 9am – 12
Thurs. – April 17, 6 – 9pm
Sat. – May 24, 9am – 12
Thurs. - June 19, 6 – 9pm
Thurs. - Oct. 16, 6 – 9pm
Sat. – Sept. 12, 9am – 12
Sat.–Nov. 22, 9am – 12

Concussion in Sports Workshop

Time sensitive!

Concussion in Sports Workshop
January 31st 2008

Sponsored by the Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association, ThinkFirst Foundation, and Fraser Health Acquired Brain Injury Program

Best Western Regency Inn and Conference Centre
32110 Marshall Road
Abbotsford, BC
4:30pm – 7:00pm
Cost: $10 per person

Speakers:
Dr. Brian Hunt & Robyn Littleford

** Light dinner provided**

For more information, please call 604-557-1913 or toll-free 1-866-557-1913
Fax: 604-850-2527

Please Register by January 24, 2008

Introduction to Acquired Brain Injury Course [for Caregivers]

Time sensitive

Introduction to Acquired Brain Injury Course
(may also be available by videoconference)
February 13 – 15, 2008
GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre

This Acquired Brain Injury Workshop is designed to provide a basic level of knowledge for caregivers working in the community with people living with brain injury and those interested in working as caregivers.

The cost of this 3 day workshop is $400.00 + GST (28.00) = $428.00.
Course materials & coffee breaks will be provided.

For further information, contact Jennifer Wonders, ABI Educator at 604-737-6221 or email: Jennifer.Wonders@vch.ca

The course starts on Wednesday, February 13th and runs from 9 am until 4 pm for all 3 days.

This course may also be available via videoconferencing so if you’re interested in participating – please call Jennifer to discuss whether this is an option at your work site.

Understanding Stroke & Brain Injury: A Workshop for Family & Friends

Time sensitive

Thursday evening, October 18, 2007
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

GF Strong Rehab Centre
4255 Laurel St., Vancouver
Social Services Seminar Room 189
(watch for directional signs)

Dr. Jennifer Yao will talk about ABI & Recovery. The facilitators for this workshop are Veronika Larson & Jennifer Wonders.

For further information or questions, please contact Jennifer Wonders at 604-737-6221

Loss of 'the self' in Acquired Brain Injury: panel presentation in Victoria

Time sensitive: October 24, 2007

"A panel presentation exploring the loss of "the self" as experienced by Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) survivors and caregivers of persons living with ABI is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 24th at 12:00 noon in the Victoria General Hospital Theatre in Victoria, BC. The presentation is open to survivors, family members, service providers and medical personnel."

from: headline: British Columbia's Voice for the Brain Injury Community Fall 2007

Brain Injury Trauma Recovery & Growth Groups: Victoria

Time sensitive: Fall 2007

Groups:
Survivors of Brain Injury
Caregives (spouses, parents & adult children)

"12 week guided mutual aid group provides a supportive environment where you will learn more about emotional recovery from trauma.

The group fosters, supports, encourages and promotes emotional healing and psychological growth following brain injury and other traumas.

In this model, a skilled and experienced counsellor and a peer co-facilitator, who is a survivor or 26 years, work together adding an important dimension to the group experience."

Contact Ellen Connell, RCC, CCRC, MA
Phone 250-385-6578
email jeconnell@shaw.ca

Community Brain Injury Program for Children & Youth event

Time sensitive: Registration deadline September 28, 2007

The Community Brain Injury Program for Children & Youth,
BC Centre for Ability
10th Anniversary Celebration presents
Innovative Evidence-based Interventions for Individuals with ABI
Friday, October 12, 2007
Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Hotel
1128 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC

featuring Dr. Roberta DePompei
Professor and Clinical Supervisor at the University of Akron, Ohio. She has conducted leading edge research on the impact of assistive technology for people with acquired brain injury and on the reintegration of children and youth with brain injuries into home, school and community.

Morning session: 9:00-12:00
Students with TBI: Recognizing and Treating Cognitive-communicative Behaviours that Affect Learning

Afternoon session:
1:00-2:15 pm - The Use of Personal Data Assistants for Persons Who Have ABI/Cognitive Challenges
2:30-4:00 pm - The Research and Best Practices for Youth: Transitions to the Adult World

$85.00 Full day
$50.00 Half day
Registration deadline September 28, 2007

Contact Dinali de Fonseka
phone 604-451-5511, ext. 238
email ddefonseka@centreforability.bc.ca

"brainbridge" Newsletter July 2007 Issue

"brainbridge" newsletter published by the BC Centre for Ability's Community Brain Injury Program for Children & Youth in BC (CBIPCY) is out. In the July 2007 issue:

• [How to] Use your summertime wisely and well
• Summer [safety tips] boating and all-terrain vehicles
• Life--outside of school [tips for community participation]
• [Tips for learning about] Asking for help
• "Voices of the Families" 2007 User Evaluation Project report
• Library Resources
• US CDC announces updated information to help physicians recognize and manage concussions early
• Childhood Cancer Survivor's Society of BC support group info

Contact CBIPCY at http://www.mybrainonline.com/ or call 604-630-3009 or 604-630-3026.

Newsletters will soon be available on the website.

Brain Injury Conference October 18-19 in Abbotsford

The Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association (FVBIA) is hosting a conference:
What Does It Take:
A Holistic Look at Recovery afer Acquired Brain Injury
October 18-19, 2007
Cascade Community Church
35190 Delair Road, Abbotsford, BC

Workshop topics include:
Thursday October 18th: "The role of Effective Case Management," "Working with Mentally Disordered Offenders," "What We Know Now about Attention Training in Children with Acquired Brain Injury," "Aging Parents and ABI Outcomes," Key Worker Model for Children with Complex Needs," "Intervention Strategies for Brain Injured Adults in Prison," "Behaviour Issues with Acquired Brain Injury," and "Housing and Housing Supports."

Friday October 19th: "Educating the Student with Acquired Brain Injury in College," "The Role of the Forensic Nurse," Protecting Settlement Funds," and "The Role of Recreation (Peer Support, Art, Social Inclusion)"

Contact the FVBIA by email at info@fvbia.org, phone 604-557-1913 or visit the website at http://www.fvbia.org for information.