Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability
for
all
age
groups
in America. This, often, hidden disability is commonly found to
be a co-occurring condition among individuals living with mental
health
challenges,
substance use related disorders and other disabling conditions.
As a result, individuals with brain injury are often served by
programs
primarily
focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities, aging and
other populations receiving long-term services and supports. Those
engaging
in
person-centered thinking, planning, and practice in human service
systems need to be equipped with tools to consistently and
appropriately
work
with
those who have a history of brain injury. This webinar features
presenters from the National Association of State Head Injury
Administrators
(NASHIA) and two individuals with lived experience of brain injury.
The webinar’s key points of focus will include how brain injury
considerations
and
person-centered practices differ from plans supporting other
disability populations; and accommodations and strategies for
addressing
brain
injury-related cognitive, behavioral and social issues with regard
to person-centered plan development.
Anastasia Edmonston MS CRC, has worked in the field of rehabilitation services for individuals with traumatic and acquired brain injuries for over 30 years in both inpatient and outpatient services, as a case manager, program coordinator, advocate and vocational rehabilitation counselor. She provides training on the topics of traumatic brain injury, person centered thinking and planning to professionals who work in the fields of mental health and addiction (with a focus on the link between addiction and brain injury), and aging services.
Kelly Lang and two of her daughters were involved in a horrific car accident in November 2001. This left her daughter Olivia with a severe traumatic brain injury. A few months later Kelly was diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury. Kelly’s advocacy career began once Olivia arrived in the acute care setting and has continued for the past 17 years. She serves on numerous boards and advisory councils and has spoken to brain injury support groups and other professionals regarding her family’s experience with brain injury, including the successes and difficulties accessing services.
Anne Forrest is a PhD Economist and an early adopter of technology. After she had a mild traumatic brain injury following a car accident in 1997, she became an international speaker and advocate for people recovering from brain injury. She has brought her message of concussion recovery, neuroplasticity and cognitively-accessible technology to survivors and their families, professionals, and lawmakers. Anne's website (A Plastic Brain | Awareness, Hope, Advocacy) was designed with team through the Knowbility Open Air contest for people like her with visual/cognitive issues following concussion.
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