Summer - Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon

Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon
Board of Directors
Craig Nichols, JD/President………......Portland
Chuck McGilvary, Vice Pres..…...Central Point
Carol Altman, Treasurer…...…….…...Hillsboro
Jeri Cohen, JD. Secretary…….……...Creswell
Gretchen Blyss,DC …………………...Portland
Aaron DeShaw, JD DC ……….…...…Portland
Wayne Eklund, RN……………...……….Salem
Nancy Irey Holmes, PsyD, CBIS …..Redmond
Eric Hubbs, DC ……………….……..Beaverton
Kendra Ward COTA/L………….……….Astoria
Ex-Officio
Rep Vic Gilliam, Ex-Officio……...…...Silverton
Advisory Board
Kristin Custer, QLI………..…….….Omaha, NE
Danielle Erb, MD..............….........…...Portland
Andrea Karl, MD …….…….…....….Clackamas
Dave Kracke, JD.………….….....……Portland
Ronda Sneva RN……………...………..Sisters
Bruce Wojciechowski, OD…….......Clackamas
Kayt Zundel, MA……………… ……...Portland
Staff
Sherry Stock, MS CBIST Executive Director
Pat Murray, Peer Mentor, Director-Brain Injury
Help Center - 503-752-6065
Becki Sparre, SG Facilitator, Admin, Trainer
Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon
PO Box 549
Molalla, Oregon 97038-0549
800-544-5243 • Fax: 503-961-8730
www.biaoregon.org
biaor@biaoregon.org
501 (c)(3): Fed. ID 93-0900797
Issue
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Headliner DEADLINES
Deadline
April 15
July 15
October 15
January 15
Publication
May 1
August 1
November 1
February 1
Editor: Sherry Stock, John Botterman, Dave
Kracke, Jeri Cohen
The President’s
Corner
Craig Nichols, JD
Summer is here and with it comes the many
activities we are able to enjoy in our beautiful
Oregon summer weather.
BIAOR activities that are just around the corner
include the Poker Rally, which is a fun and
exciting road rally scheduled for Saturday,
September 6, 2014. For details, please see the
informational flyer in this newsletter on page 8.
Another great event to save the date for on your
calendar is BIAOR's Annual Fundraising Cruise
on the Spirit of Portland. Join us the afternoon
of Sunday, October 19 for a wonderful brunch
cruise on this elegant ship while viewing the
sites on the Willamette River between Portland
and Oregon City.
wearing a bike
helmet is a
wise idea for
everyone, not
just children,
and our efforts
to encourage
the Oregon
legislation to adopt a bike helmet law for everyone.
Finally, in my column in the last newsletter I was
remiss in failing to thank Portland attorney Ralph
Wiser for his participation on the BIAOR Board and
for his years of service as president of the board.
During his tenure as president, his steady leadership
kept the organization intact and moving forward
through some difficult years. Ralph, thank you for
Also, please mark you calendars for a joint Brain your service to BIAOR and in turn assisting all those
Injury Alliance of Oregon/Oregon Trial Lawyers
people in Oregon affected by traumatic brain injury.
seminar on December 4, 2014. This seminar
Thank you all for your support and contributions to the
will be a full day for lawyers on Handling the
Traumatic Brain Injury case, and we will hear
Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon.
from doctors, neuropsychologists, and other
lawyers on the current status of medicine for the Craig Nichols
identification and treatment of traumatic brain
injury, and how to best represent a client with at BIAOR Board President
TBI.
Summer activities include bicycling and in
Oregon we have a mandatory biking helmet law
for minors 16 years and younger. In future
columns you will hear from me about why
Craig Nichols is the senior partner at Nichols &
Associates in Portland. Nichols & Associates has been
representing brain injured individuals for over thirty
years. Mr. Nichols is available for consultation at (503)
224-3018.
Advertising in Headliner
Rate Schedule
(Color Rate)
Issue
Annual/4
Issues
A: Business Card $100(125) $350(450)
B: 1/4 Page
$200(250) $700(900)
C: 1/2 Page
$300(375) $1000(1300)
D: Full Page
$600(700) $2000(2400)
E. Sponsor Headliner $2500
Advertising on BIAOR Website:
$10,000 for Banner on every page
$5000/year for Home Page
$250 for active link Pro-Members page
Policy
The material in this newsletter is provided for education
and information purposes only. The Brain Injury
Alliance of Oregon does not support, endorse or
recommend any method, treatment, facility, product or
firm mentioned in this newsletter. Always seek medical,
legal or other professional advice as appropriate. We
invite contributions and comments regarding brain injury
matters and articles included in The Headliner.
page 2
BIAOR
$10,000
Simply go to smile.amazon.com, search for and
select Brain Injury Association of Oregon as your
charity of choice, and continue with your order as
usual. The Amazon Foundation will donate .5% of
the purchase price to BIAOR! There is no
additional cost to you! Use Smile.Amazon.com
"The human
brain starts
working the
moment you are
born and never
stops until you
stand up to
speak in
public."
- George Jessel
Summer 2014
The Headliner
When looking for a professional, look for someone who knows and understands
brain injuries. The following are supporting professional members of BIAOR.
Names in Bold are BIAOR Board members
Attorneys
Oregon
Astoria
† Joe DiBartlolmeo, DiBartolomeo Law Office, PC,
Astoria, 503-325-8600
Bend
† Dwyer Williams Potter Attorney’s LLC, Bend, 541617-0555 www.RoyDwyer.com
Warren John West, JD, Bend, 541-241-6931 or 800353-7350.
Eugene.
† Derek Johnson, Johnson, Clifton, Larson &
Schaller, P.C., Eugene 541 484-2434
Don Corson, Corson & Johnson Law Firm, Eugene,
541-484-2525
Charles Duncan, Eugene, 800-347-4269
Tina Stupasky, Jensen, Elmore & Stupasky, PC,
Eugene, 541-342-1141,
Portland
‡ Paulson Coletti, John Coletti, Jane Paulson
Portland, 503.226.6361 www.paulsoncoletti.com
¥ Craig Allen Nichols, Nichols & Associates,
Portland 503-224-3018
William Berkshire, Portland 503-233-6507 PI
Jeffrey Bowersox, Lake Oswego, 503-452-5858 PI
Tom D'Amore, D'Amore & Associates, Portland 503222-6333
Aaron DeShaw, Portland 503-227-1233
Lori Deveny, Portland 503-225-0440
Jerry Doblie, Doblie & Associates, Portland, 503-226
-2300
Wm. Keith Dozier, Portland 503-594-0333
Sean DuBois, DuBois, Law Group, Portland, 503-222
-4411
† Brendan Dummigan, Pickett Dummigan, Portland
503-223-7770 www.pickettdummigan.com
Peggy Foraker, Portland 503-232-3753
Sam Friedenberg, Nay & Friedenberg , Portland 503245-0894 Guardianship/Conservatorship
€ Bill Gaylord, Gaylord Eyerman Bradley,PC,
Portland 503-222-3526
Timothy Grabe, Portland, 503-282-5223
Julia Greenfield, Disability Rights Oregon, Portland
503-243-2081
Sharon Maynard, Bennett, Hartman, Morris &
Kaplan, Portland 503-227-4600, SSI/SSD
Richard Rizk, Rizk Law, Inc., Portland 503-245-5677
Trucking Injuries, WC, Empymt & LT Disability
Charles Robinowitz, Portland, 503-226-1464
J. William Savage, Portland 503-222-0200
€ Richard A. Sly, Portland 503-224-0436, SSI/SSD/
PI
Steve Smucker, Portland 503-224-5077
¥ Tichenor& Dziuba Law Offices, Portland 503-2243333
Ralph Wiser III, Wiser & Associates, Inc., Lake
Oswego 503 620-5577, PI & SSI/SSDI
Salem
Adams, Hill & Hess, Salem, 503-399-2667
€ Richard Walsh, Walsh & Associates, PC Keizer,
503-304-4886 www.walshlawfirm.net
Roseburg
Samuel Hornreich, Roseburg, 541-677-7102
Washington Bremerton Seattle
Bremerton
Kenneth Friedman, Friedman Rubin, Bremerton, 360782-4300
† Ridgeview Assisted Living Facility, Dan Gregory,
Medford, 541-779-2208
WestWind Enhanced Care, Leah Lichens, Medford,
541-857-0700
Melissa Taber, Oregon DHS, 503-947-5169
Polly Smith, Polly's County AFH, Vancouver, 360-601
-3439 Day Program and home
Uhlhorn Program, Eugene, 541 345-4244 Supported
Apt
† Windsor Place, Inc., Susan Hunter, Salem, 503-581
-0393 Supported Apt
Chiropractic
Gretchen Blyss, DC, Portland, 503-222-0551
Stefan Herold, DC, DACNB, Tiferet Chiropractic
Neurology, Portland 503-445-7767
Eric Hubbs, DC, Total Mind & Body Health,
Beaverton 503-591-5022
Care Facilities/TBI Housing (subacute, community Michael T. Logiudice, DC, Linn City Chiropractic,
based, inpatient, outpatient, nursing care, supervisedWest Linn 503-908-0122
living, behavior, coma management, driver evaluation,
Garreth MacDonald, DC, Eugene, 541-343-4343
hearing impairment, visual impairment, counseling,
D.Stephen Maglente, DMX Vancouver, Vancouver
pediatric)
WA 360-798-4175
Sherry Acea, Fourth Dimension Corp, Bend 541-647Bradley
Pfeiffer, Bend 541-383-4585
7016
Seattle
‡ Kevin Coluccio, Coluccio Law, Seattle, WA 206-8268200 www.coluccio-law.com
‡ Richard Adler, Adler Giersch, Seattle, WA
206.682.0300
Carol Altman, Homeward Bound, Hillsboro 503-640
-0818
Linda Beasley, LPN CBIS, Autumn House, Beaverton,
503-941-5908
Hazel Barnhart, Psalm 91 Care Home, Beaverton, 971
-227-4773 or 503-747-0146 TBI 35+
Karen Campbell, Highland Height Home Care, Inc,
Gresham & Portland, 971-227-4350 or 503-6180089 Medically Fragile
£ Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation, Pomona,
CA, 800-926-5462
Damaris Daboub, Clackamas Assisted Living,
Clackamas 503-698-6711
Wally & Donna Walsh, Delta Foundation/Snohomish
Chalet, Snohomish, WA 360-568-2168
Care N Love AFH LLC, Corrie Lalangan, Vancouver
WA 360-901-3378
Danville Services of Oregon, LLC,, Michael Oliver,
Portland (800) 280-6935
Maria Emy Dulva, Portland 503-781-1170
Herminia D Hunter, Trinity Blessed Homecare,
Milwaukie, 503-653-5814, Dem/Alz 70+
Kampfe Management Services, Pam Griffith, Portland,
503-788-3266 Apt
Karin Keita, Afripath Care Home LLC, Adult Care
Home Portland 503-208-1787
Terri Korbe, LPN, High Rocks Specialty Care,
Clackamas 503-723-5043
Learning Services, Northern CA & CO, 888-419-9955
† Mentor Network, Yvette Doan, Portland 503-2901974
Joana Olaru, Alpine House, Beaverton, 503-646-9068
† Oregon Rehabilitation Center, Sacred Heart Medical
Center, Director: Katie Vendrsco, 541-228-2396
Quality Living Inc (QLI), Kristin Custer, Nebraska, 402573-3777
Cognitive Rehabilitation Centers/ Rehab
Therapists/Specialists
† Gentiva Rehab Without Walls, Mountlake Terrace,
WA 425-672-9219
† Progressive Rehabilitation Associates—BIRC,
Portland, 503-292-0765
Quality Living Inc (QLI), Kristin Custer, Nebraska,
402-573-3777 (BI & SCI)
Marie Eckert, RN/CRRN, Legacy HealthCare, RIO
Admissions, Portland, 503-413-7801
Marydee Sklar, Executive Functioning Success,
Portland, 503-473-7762
Counseling
Heidi Dirkse-Graw, Dirkse Counseling & Consulting,
Inc. Beaverton, OR 503-672-9858
Sharon Evers, Face in the Mirror Counseling, Art
Therapy, Lake Oswego 503-201-0337
Donald W. Ford, MA, LMFT, LPC, Portland, 503-2972413
Jerry Ryan, MS, CRC, Oregon City, 503-348-6177
Elizabeth VanWormer, LCSW, Portland, 503-2973803
Dentists
Dr. Nicklis C. Simpson, Adult Dental Care LLC,
Gleneden Beach
Educators/Therapy Programs
Gianna Ark, Linn Benton Lincoln Education Service
District, Albany, 541-812-2746
Andrea Batchelor, Linn Benton Lincoln Education
Service District, Albany, 541-812-2715
Heidi Island, Psychology, Pacific University, Forest
Grove, 503-352-1538
Penny Jordan, TBI Team Liaison, Portland, 503-2604958
To become a supporting professional member of BIAOR see page 23 or contact BIAOR, biaor@biaoregon.org.
The Headliner
Summer 2014
page 3
Looking for an Expert? See our Professional Members here
± McKay Moore-Sohlberg, University of Oregon,
Eugene 541-346-2586
Jon Pede, Hillsboro School District, Hillsboro, 503844-1500
Expert Testimony
Janet Mott, PhD, CRC, CCM, CLCP, Life Care
Planner, Loss of Earning Capacity Evaluator, 425778-3707
Life Care Planners/Case Manager/Social
Workers
Rebecca Bellerive, Rebecca Bellerive, RN, Inc, Gig
Harbor WA 253-649-0314
Wayne Eklund, Wayne Eklund RN CNLCP Salem
888-300-5206
Michele Lorenz, BSN, MPH, CCM, CHPN, CLCP,
Lorenz & Associates, Medford, 541-538-9401
Vince Morrison, MSW, PC, Astoria, 503-325-8438
Michelle Nielson, Medical Vocational Planning, LLC,
West Linn, 503-650-9327
Dana Penilton, Dana Penilton Consulting Inc,
Portland 503-246-6232 danapen@comcst.net
www.danapenilton.com/
Thomas Weiford, Weiford Case Management &
Consultation, Voc Rehab Planning, Portland 503245-5494
Legal Assistance/Advocacy/Non-Profit
¥ Deborah Crawley, ED, Brain Injury Association of
Washington, 253-238-6085 or 877-824-1766
£ Disability Rights Oregon, Portland, 503-243-2081
£ Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living
(EOCIL), Ontario 1-866-248-8369; Pendleton 1877-771-1037; The Dalles 1-855-516-6273
£ Independent Living Resources (ILR), Portland,
503-232-7411
£ Jackson County Mental Health, Heather
Thompson, Medford, (541) 774-8209
£ Oregon Chiropractic Association, Jan Ferrante,
Executive Director, 503-256-1601
£ Kayt Zundel, MA, ThinkFirst Oregon, (503) 4947801
Speech and Language/Occupational Therapist
Channa Beckman, Harbor Speech Pathology, WA
253-549-7780
John E. Holing, Glide 541-440-8688
± Jan Johnson, Community Rehab Services of
Oregon, Inc., Eugene, 541-342-1980
Sandra Knapp, SLP, David Douglas School District ,
Sandy 503-256-6500
Carol Mathews-Ayres, First Call Home Health, Salem
Anne Parrott, Legacy Emanuel Hospital Warren 503397-6431
Kendra Ward, COTA, Astoria, 209-791-3092
Bruce Wojciechowski, OD, Clackamas, Neurooptometrist, Northwest EyeCare Professionals, 503
-657-0321
Physicians
Sharon Anderson, MD, West Linn 503-650-1363
Bryan Andresen, Rehabilitation Medicine Associates
of Eugene-Springfield, 541-683-4242
Diana Barron, MD. Barron-Giboney Family Medicine,
Brownsville, OR (541) 451-6930
Jerald Block, MD, Psychiatrist, 503-241-4882
James Chesnutt, MD, OHSU, Portland 503-494-4000
State of Oregon
Paul Conti, MD, Psychiatrist, Beaverton, 503-644Dave Cooley, Oregon Department of Veterans
7300
Affairs, Salem, 503-373-2000
Danielle L. Erb, M.D., Brain Rehabilitation Medicine,
Stephanie
Parrish Taylor, State of Oregon, OVRS,
LLC, Portland 503 296-0918
Salem , (503) 945-6201 www.oregon.gov/DHS/vr
M. Sean Green, MD, Neurology, OHSU, (503) 6522487
Technology/Assistive Devices
Steve Janselewitz, MD, Pediatric Physiatrist, Pediatric RJ Mobility Services, Independence, 503) 838-5520
Development & Rehabilitation-Emanuel Children’s
Second Step, David Dubats, Eugene, 877-299-STEP
Hospital, Portland Nurse: 503-413-4418 Dept:503Veterans Support
413-4505
Mary Kelly, Transition Assistance Advisor/Idaho
Michael Koester, MD, Slocum Center, Eugene, 541National Guard, 208-272-4408
359-5936
Belle Landau, Returning Veterans Project, Portland,
Andrew Mendenhall, MD, Family Medicine, Addiction
503-933-4996
& Pain, Beaverton 503-644-7300
± Oregon Rehabilitation Medicine, P.C., Portland, 503 Vocational Rehabilitation/Rehabilitation/
-230-2833
Employment / Workers Comp
Kevin Smith, MD, Psychiatrist, OHSU, 503-494-8617
D’Autremont, Bostwick & Krier, Portland, 503-224Francisco Soldevilla, MD, Neurosurgeon, Northwest
3550
Neurosurgical Associates, Tualatin, 503-885-8845
Roger Burt, OVRS, Portland
Gil Winkelman, ND, MA, Insights to Health LLC,
Arturo De La Cruz, OVRS, Beaverton, 503-277-2500
Alternative Medicine, Neurobiofeedback,
† Marty Johnson, Community Rehab Services of
Counseling, Portland, 503-501-5001
Oregon, Inc., Eugene, 541-342-1980
David Witkin, MD, Internal Medicine, Sacred Heart
† SAIF, Salem, 503-373-8000
Hospital, Eugene, 541-222-6389
Stephanie Parrish Taylor, State of Oregon, OVRS,
Psychologists/ Neuropsychologists
Salem, (503) 945-6201 www.oregon.gov/DHS/vr/
¥ Tom Boyd, PhD, Sacred Heart Medical Center,
Kadie Ross, OVRS, Salem, 503-378-3607
Eugene 541-686-6355
Professionals
James E. Bryan, PhD, Portland 503.284.8558
‡ Ronda Sneva, R&G Food Services, Inc. Sisters/
Caleb Burns, Portland Psychology Clinic, Portland,
Tucson, 520-289-5725
503-288-4558
Legislators
Names in bold are BIAOR Board members
Patricia S. Camplair, Ph. D., OHSU Dept of
‡ Vic Gilliam, Representative, 503-986-1418
† Corporate Member ‡ Gold Member £ Non-Profit
Neurology, Portland, 503-827-5135
€ Silver Member
± Bronze Member ¥ Sustaining
Long Term TBI Rehab/Day Program’s/Support
Amee Gerrard-Morris, PhD, Pediatrics, Portland, 503- Member ∆ Platinum
Programs
413-4506
Carol Altman, Bridges to Independence Day
Elaine Greif, PhD, Portland 503-2602014 BIAOR Calendar of Events
Program, Portland/Hillsboro, 503-640-0818
7275
For updated information, please go to www.biaoregon.org
Anat Baniel, Anat Baniel Method, CA 415-472-6622 Nancy Holmes, PsyD, CBIS,
Call the office with any questions or requests
Benjamin Luskin, Luskin Empowerment Mentoring,
Portland 503-235-2466
800-544-5243
Eugene, 541-999-1217
Sharon M Labs PhD, Portland 503Marydee Sklar, Executive Functioning Success,
224-3393
2014 Poker Rally - Hosted by BIAOR
Portland, 503-473-7762
Ruth Leibowitz, PhD, Salem Rehab, Sept 6
503-814-1203
Medical Professionals
Sept 20
Seaside Brewery Brain Injury Awareness Event
Michael
Leland, Psy.D, CRC,
Gerry Aster, RN, MS, South Pasadena CA, 541-896
- What for further details
Director, NW Occupational
-3001
Medicine Center, Inc., Portland,
Marsha Johnson, AnD, Oregon Tinnitus &
October 19 BIAOR Annual Fundraiser Cruise
503-684-7246
Hyperacusis Treatment Center, Portland 503-234
Will Levin, PhD, Eugene, 541-302- Dec 4
Legal Conference on Brain Injury - Co-Hosted
-1221
1892
Kristin Lougee, CBIS, 503-860-8215-cell
with OTLA
Susan Rosenzweig, PsyD, Center
Carol Marusich, OD, Neuro-optometrist, Lifetime
for Psychology & Health, 503-206 Dec 12
Holiday Party at John’s Incredible Pizza Eye Care, Eugene, 541-342-3100
-8337
Hosted by BIAOR
† Kayle Sandberg-Lewis, LMT,MA, Neurofeedback,
Portland, 503-234-2733
March 1214, 2015
page 4
Summer 2014
13th Pacific Northwest Brain Injury Conference
- Living with Brain Injury
The Headliner
NCAA Settles $70 Million in Head Injury Cases
--Regulations to Change
The National Collegiate Athletic Association will
pay $70 million for concussion testing as part of a
proposed settlement over an ongoing head-injury
lawsuit, the organization announced Tuesday.
The money would pay for symptom identification
for current and former college athletes.
If accepted, the proposed deal, which would also
offer $5 million for concussion research, would
put an end to an ongoing class-action lawsuit
facing the NCAA in federal court. According to the
plaintiffs in that case, a 2010 NCAA internal study
showed that almost half of college trainers put
athletes with signs of concussions back on the
field. The suit has been riding a wave of
accusations that the NCAA and college teams
across the country have put players at risk of
brain injuries.
“Student-athletes — not just football players —
have dropped out of school and suffered huge
long-term symptoms because of brain injuries,” the
lead plaintiff’s lawyer, Steve Berman, told The
New York Times. “Anything we can do to enhance
concussion management is a very important day
for student-athletes.”
The settlement would affect men and women
across all NCAA divisions. In addition to football,
ice hockey and soccer squads, the settlement also
affects basketball, wrestling, field hockey and
lacrosse teams. All current and former athletes in
the NCAA would be eligible for concussion
screening and possible damage claims under the
proposal.
As part of the deal, college athletes will be
required to take a baseline neurological test at the
beginning of each year, which will help doctors
monitor the effects of potential concussions during
the season. Concussion education will also be
required for coaches and athletes.
“We have been and will continue to be committed
to student-athlete safety, which is one of the
NCAA’s foundational principles,” said NCAA Chief
Medical Officer Brian Hainline in a statement.
“Medical knowledge of concussions will continue
to grow, and consensus about diagnosis,
treatment and management of concussions by the
medical community will continue to evolve. This
agreement’s proactive measures will ensure
student-athletes have access to high quality
medical care by physicians with experience in the
diagnosis, treatment and management of
concussions.”
“I’m cautiously optimistic,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher,
a neurologist at the University of Michigan. “It’s a
good step; it’s a needed thing. But C.T.E. is very
difficult to diagnose, and the medical monitoring is
only as good as the quality of the evaluations
these athletes receive.”
References: Washington Post, ESPN, CNN, Time
Fred Meyer Community Rewards - Donate to BIAOR
Fred Meyer's new program. Here's how it works:
Link your Rewards Card to the Brain Injury Association of Oregon at
www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. Whenever you use your Rewards card when
shopping at Freddy's, you’ll be helping BIAOR to earn a donation from Fred Meyer.
Summer Sudoku
The object is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one
condition: each row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain the digits 1
through 9 exactly once. (Answer on page 17)
RALPH E. WISER
Attorney
Representing
Brain Injured Individuals
Auto and other accidents
Wrongful Death
Sexual Abuse
Elder Abuse
Insurance issues and disputes
Disability: ERISA and Non-ERISA, SSD, PERS
One Centerpointe Drive, Suite 570
Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035
Phone: (503) 620-5577
Fax: (503) 670-7683
Email: ralph@wiserlaw.com
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
Free Parking/Convenient Location
The Headliner
Summer 2014
page 5
The Lawyer’s Desk: A Look at TBI Legal
Representation
©
By David Kracke, Attorney at Law
Nichols & Associates, Portland, Oregon
freshman track and field athlete, was struck in the
head by a discus that was thrown while our client
was retrieving her discus. Our client was part of a
team that followed the procedure I outlined above,
and to this day the team still employs this same
retrieval procedure. My question is this: What are
they thinking?
pick up those
discuses and then run
back to the throwing
circle where the
discuses are thrown
again. I’ve done the math, and there is no time lost
employing this method.
A brain injury is a permanent impairment of the
most serious order. It’s why we implemented
Max’s Law and Jenna’s Law, because we, as a
society, recognize the terrible consequences of
saddling a child with a permanent brain injury, and
because we, as a society, desire to reduce those
At many Oregon high schools the discus throwers brain injuries. So how is it that track coaches at
follow a protocol established by the track coaches certain Oregon high schools can be so callous with
that goes like this: A thrower throws the discus,
the risks they expose their athletes to on a daily
basis? The answer: It saves time at practice. By
then, while the next few throwers throw their
having the athletes walk out to the landing area to
discuses, that first thrower walks backwards out
retrieve the discuses while other athletes are
into the landing area and retrieves his or her
discus while the other discuses, thrown by the
throwing their discuses toward the landing area
other athletes, land around them. If a discus is
the coaches are convinced that they are saving
coming toward the athlete while he or she is
precious practice time.
retrieving their discus, the athlete is supposed to Tell the athlete who was struck in the head and is
dodge out of the way. If the athlete out in the
now re-learning basic life skills about saving time.
landing area doesn’t see the discus coming
Tell the athlete re-learning to tie his shoes
toward them, and if the discus hits the athlete in
because he was hit in the head by a discus about
the head, according to some high school track
saving time. Tell the student who is no longer
coaches, oh well, the athlete should have dodged looking ahead to a career in medicine, engineering
out of the way! When the athlete suffers a brain
or mathematics because her brain just doesn’t
injury as a result of the impact between their head work right anymore about all the time they saved
and the thrown discus, that’s just the way it is.
at track practice. Look those athletes in the eyes
That’s the way it’s always been done, and
and tell them how much time they are saving now.
apparently that’s the way some track coaches
There is a simple solution to the current protocol
want it to be done in the future.
and it goes like this: All of the athletes throw their
Our firm recently resolved a brain injury case with
discuses after which all of the athletes run out,
a local Oregon school district where our client, a
It seems like our work is never done at the BIAOR.
No sooner do we enjoy a success like the passage
of Jenna’s Law than does a situation like this arise
to remind us that we must be vigilant at all turns
and that we can never sit back and rest on our
laurels. I’m not sure exactly what the solution to
this particular issue is, although I would hope that
the good administrators at all Oregon high schools
will do the right thing and stop the discus retrieval
protocol where athletes have to dodge out of the
way of flying discuses, or else get hit by them. This
is not rocket science and to think that we will have
to institute some sort of legislative fix to accomplish
something that is so self-evident is, in my mind,
completely ridiculous. What would be better is for
track coaches throughout the state to eliminate this
type of discus retrieval method wherever it exists.
Do it voluntarily and do it now. It shouldn’t take a
lawyer to tell them to do the right thing; it should
only take their good sense and their desire to keep
their young athletes safe to make sure that their
discus throwers do not also have to be discus
dodgers.
As all of the readers of this column know, Oregon
is a national leader with regard to concussion
safety for our young athletes. In 2009 we passed
Max’s Law which requires all high school coaches
to take an annual concussion awareness course,
and since January 1, 2014 Jenna’s Law requires
all youth coaches in whatever league to take an
annual concussion awareness course. So, with
that stellar effort by the Oregon legislature to
protect our kids from head injuries how is it that
Oregon high school track and field athletes are at
such risk of being hit in the head by discuses
thrown by their teammates?
David Kracke is an attorney with the law firm of
Nichols & Associates in Portland. Nichols &
Associates has been representing brain injured
individuals for over twenty two years. Mr. Kracke is
available for consultation at (503) 224-3018.
ARE YOU A MEMBER?
The Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon relies on your membership
dues and donations to operate our special projects and to assist
families and survivors. Many of you who receive this newsletter
are not yet members of BIAOR. If you have not yet joined, we
urge you to do so. It is important that people with brain injuries,
their families and the professionals in the field all work together
to develop and keep updated on appropriate services.
Professionals: become a member of our Neuro-Resource
Referral Service. Dues notices have been sent. Please remember
that we cannot do this without your help. Your membership is
vitally important when we are talking to our legislators. For
further information, please call
1-800-544-5243 or email
biaor@biaoregon.org. See page 23 to sign up.
page 6
Summer 2014
Can happen to anyone at anytime
The Headliner
Personality Changes
After Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause
of death and lifelong disability in the United
States for individuals below the age of 45.
Current estimates from the Center for Disease
Control (CDC) indicate that at least 1.7 million
Americans sustain a TBI annually. TBI severity
is defined by the duration of loss of
consciousness (LOC), altered mental status
(e.g., confusion), and posttraumatic amnesia
(PTA). It is important to note, however, that the
severity of functional impairments after TBI often
is not related to the severity of the injury.
Patients are classified as having a moderate–to–
severe TBI if they have an LOC over 30 minutes
or altered mental status greater than 24 hours.
Mild TBI is defined as a blow to the head
followed by an LOC of less than 30 minutes, or
an altered mental status with PTA of less than
24. It is often assumed that recovery from mild
TBI is rapid; however, there may still be
permanent damage.
individuals with relatively selective injuries
sustained in early childhood and in adulthood
supports this behavioral distinction.
The frontal lobes are the emotional control center
and are most closely tied to an individual’s
personality or personhood. Neuroscientists have
been concentrating on the prefrontal region of
the brain as a source of personality change but
recent studies have introduced greater specificity
in conceptualizing associated neuropsychological impairments. Classification
models have been created in an attempt to more
precisely define problems associated with the
frontal lobes. One of the first categorizations of
patients with TBI identified two distinct types of
personality disorders (PD) that were predicted to
result from damage to different regions within the
frontal lobes. The "pseudodepressed"
personality, attributed to lesions in the
dorsolateral frontal region, is characterized by
apathy, lack of drive, inability to plan ahead, and
limited insight. However, the "pseudopsychopathic" personality presented with
reduced social awareness, puerile jocular
attitude, and sexually disinhibited humor.
Disruption of the dorsolateral prefrontal circuitry
was thought to be predominantly associated with
executive cognitive dysfunctions, whereas
ventral medial and orbital prefrontal circuitry
were hypothesized to result in behavioral
disturbances in initiation and/or motivation and
inhibition and/or emotional regulation,
respectively. TBI damage often results in
interruption of multiple circuits, making these
distinctions difficult to objectively quantify and
clinically distinguish. Recent research in
As many as two thirds of TBI subjects are affected
by significant personality changes for periods
enduring up to 15 years and more. Two studies
found a very high prevalence of post–TBI PDs, the
so–called acquired PD. The most common were
borderline PD (22%) and avoidant PD (28%).
Confirming these initial observations, using a
larger sample, Hibbard et al. (2000) observed that
as many as 55% of a subgroup of subjects without
pre–TBI PD received an acquired PD diagnosis
after the injury.
The Headliner
The consequences of TBI are often devastating to
the individual and his or her loved ones. Changes
in cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning
are widespread. Studies examining these changes
have been consistent in their findings. In a 30–
year follow–up study, in 2002 by Koponrn, of
patients who experienced a TBI, prevalence rates
of Axis I and Axis II psychopathology were high.
The most common diagnoses at follow–up were
major depression, alcohol abuse or dependence,
panic disorder, specific phobia, and psychotic
disorders. Many patients also had at least one PD,
with avoidant, paranoid, and schizoid being the
most prevalent. A distinct, disinhibited organic
personality syndrome was also identified in these
patients, which was specifically associated with
frontal lesions.
Prominent behavioral characteristics in TBI
patients have included altered emotion (including
restricted emotions with occasional inappropriate
or uncontrolled emotional outbursts); impaired
judgment and decision–making (including difficulty
arriving at decisions as well as poor decisions);
impaired initiation, planning, and organization of
behavior; and defective social comportment
(including egocentricity and impaired empathy).
These impairments tend to be accompanied by a
marked lack of insight. The abnormalities often are
not evident in interviews or over brief time frames,
but rather become apparent when the patient’s
behavior is considered over a period of months or
even years.
Impaired recognition of facial expressions in
patients with TBI was reported in several studies
and showed that the recognition impairment was
not specific to faces as their patients were equally
impaired at recognizing emotions from body
Summer 2014
postures. They speculated that a systematic
impairment in the accurate recognition of such
social cues might promote the genesis and
maintenance of poor social skills and antisocial
behavior commonly found following severe head
injury.
The most disruptive consequences of TBI at 1, 5,
and 15 years after the event are personality
changes. Such changes may include lability,
disinhibition, aggression, apathy, and paranoia.
The personality changes are most often
exaggerations of premorbid personality traits. The
"pseudoborderline" personality is characterized by
impulsivity, lack of empathy, loss of a sense of
self, and inability to monitor one's own behavior.
Patients who display mania, euphoria, and
impulsivity are labeled as "pseudosociopathic."
This syndrome is associated with damage to the
orbitofrontal cortex. Medial frontal damage may
cause a "pseudodepressed" personality disorder
with severe apathy. Explosive personality
disorders in which patients are irritable and subject
to sudden rages and violence are commonly seen,
particularly in patients who use alcohol.
Environmental management is essential for
personality disorders, which can be affected by
pain and fatigue. Management includes sleep
hygiene; avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and illicit
substances; avoiding chronic opiates for pain; and
maintaining an exercise plan and stretches.
Treatment of these various personality changes
must include counseling. Pharmacological
treatment with tricyclic and SSRI antidepressants
may help with lability. Low-dose stimulants, Ldopa, and dopamine agonists have been shown in
some studies to be helpful with impulsivity.
References
Jeffrey Nicholl, MD, W. Curt LaFrance, Jr., MD, MPH,
Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of Traumatic Brain Injury, Semin
Neurol. 2009;29(3):247-255.
Marc Fowler & Paul C. McCabe, Traumatic Brain Injury and
Personality Change, NASP Communiqué, Vol 39 Issue 7
page 7
page 8
Summer 2014
The Headliner
Sometimes people can seem
more self-centered after a
brain injury
They may not seem to notice or care about the
feelings or needs of family or friends or others
around them. Egocentricity is a common change
after a brain injury.
Why does it happen?
Egocentricity or self-centeredness can result
from changes in brain functioning, including:
- Reduced awareness of the emotions and
emotional responses and needs of others
- Reduced ability to be keep track of social
interactions and responses from others
- Changes in communication skills (e.g. capacity
to listen, to ask questions)
- Difficulty with attention, so may only focus on
their own thoughts, feelings, needs
- Changes in communication and social skills
that mean their own needs are expressed in a
more direct, demanding way
- Impatience or inability to wait for needs to be
met by other people around them
- Impaired judgment and reasoning
- Concrete or rigid thinking patterns
- Memory and learning impairments.
Tips for living with egocentricity
Identify the cause
Try to work out the reason the person is having
difficulty with egocentricity or seems selfcentered so you know what you can (or can't) do
about it. Is it lack of awareness, empathy,
communication skills, impatience, poor
judgment or a memory issue?
The Headliner
Provide feedback and information
Provide frequent, non-critical feedback about the
needs, feelings of other people, such as family or
friends. Set limits and give information when you
do such as, "I can't go now because I have to
do ...first, you will have to wait."
Ask the person questions to direct their
attention to information such as, "How do you
think they would feel about ...?" Do you think
they are happy / upset / worried? What do you
think they are feeling or thinking about ....?"
Direct the person's attention to specific areas or
examples of where they showed good awareness,
consideration or responded to the needs and
feelings of other people.
Provide opportunities for the person to get
feedback from other people (family, peers, and
friends).
Praise, praise, praise - give the person lots
of positive reinforcement and encouragement.
Reinforce waiting, turn-taking and social skills and
efforts to modify behavior.
Nurturing relationships and friendships
Encourage the person to understand what they
need to do and say to make and keep friendships
and relationships - this may not be obvious to
them. Encourage and prompt:
- Making phone calls, writing letters or emails
- Texting friends to keep in touch
- Remembering birthdays and special occasions
- Following up social events
- Initiating contact and suggesting activities with
friends/family
- Saying please, thank you and taking turns,
asking someone what they would like to do.
Summer 2014
Developing awareness
Direct the person's attention to the feelings,
thoughts or needs of other people such as "I
noticed Sue was upset about …”
Make suggestions to prompt conversation,
questioning, or listening skills such as, "When you
see John why don't you ask him how his job is
going?”
Model considerate behavior in front of the
person, and then discuss it with them later, such
as, "Did you notice that I asked how she was
feeling today and she said ...?” or "Your Dad
seemed a bit tired today, what do you think?"
Talk with the person on a regular basis and
encourage them to focus on their communication
and social interactions with other people:
- What went well
- How would they feel if ...
- What should they do differently
- What social or communication skills were being
used.
Practice, practice, practice - social and
communication skills are learned over time, and
may need to be relearned and practiced, such as,
in social groups, coffee shops, over meals, and in
sporting activities.
Counselling and support
It is important that the person with a brain injury is
supported to understand and cope with these
changes - they may not be aware of changes in
their social or communication skills.
Source: Bridges 12/12
page 9
Idaho State University receives major federal
grant to screen for traumatic brain injuries and
assist TBI survivors
Idaho State University’s Institute of Rural Health
has been awarded a $1million grant to screen
Idahoans for traumatic brain injury and renew
efforts to establish a statewide trust fund to
temporarily assist TBI survivors and their families.
The grant—awarded June 1 by the Health
Resources Services Administration (HRSA) will
run through May 31, 2018.
“Idahoans are at a higher risk for brain injury
accidents because of the rural nature of the
state,” said the grant’s principal investigator
Russell Spearman, a senior research associate in
the IRH office at ISU-Meridian. Along with
Spearman co-investigator and doctoral candidate
Lynn Bohecker also served as a major contributor
toward this grant’s preparation and writing.
Spearman notes that more than 32,000 Idahoans
are living with a severe TBI, caused by head
trauma often sustained in car crashes, military
combat or playing sports.
BI screenings will be added this fall to the services
offered through the ISU-Meridian/Ada County
Community Health Screening Program. The TBI
screening will consist of a structured interview
developed by the College of Medicine at Ohio
State University brain researchers and conducted
by ISU-Meridian health professions students and
faculty. Clients who show signs of TBI will be
referred to specialists for further evaluation, says
Spearman.
registering a motor vehicle - similar to TBI trust
funds in other states. Spearman intends to seek
support from Idaho lawmakers.
The grant will also allow Spearman and his
research team to continue efforts to establish a
trust fund to help TBI survivors ease the transition
from acute care to independent living after
exhausting health insurance benefits and
community resources.
This is the fifth HRSA brain injury grant awarded
to the IRH since 2000. Since 2006, ISU has
been the state’s lead agency for TBI research
and services. In announcing the latest award,
reviewers applauded ISU’s successful efforts to
establish a comprehensive TBI program that
meets the needs of Idahoans.
The challenge, notes Spearman, is finding a way
to finance the trust fund. One possibility is giving
motorists an option to donate money when
The grant will also provide workshops for
parents of children with a traumatic brain injury,
educational materials about concussion- related
TBI, and resources to reach underserved
populations in Idaho, including our Native
American communities.
For more information, contact Russell Spearman
at 208-373-1773 or spearuss@isu.edu
Specialists in Brain Injury Care
Collaboration, Cooperation, Compassion….
At Learning Services, these words mean something. For over twenty years, we
have been providing specialized services for adults with acquired brain injuries. We
have built our reputation by working closely with residents and families to support
them with the challenges from brain injury. Our nationwide network of residential
rehabilitation, supported living and neurobehavioral rehabilitation programs provide
the services that help our residents enjoy a quality of life now and in the future.
Gilroy Campus, California
To learn more about our Northern California program or our
new Neurobehavioral Program in Colorado, call 888-419-9955 or
visit learningservices.com.
Learning Services Neurobehavioral Institute - West
page 10
Summer 2014
The Headliner
Meeting the needs of people
Matthew Kampfe
Due to improvements in direct medical care more
people are surviving Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI).
The need for creative rehabilitation programs to
meet the current and future care demands of this
population are warranted. However, most of us
know that there is an “Art” and “Science” to
working with survivors of ABI which is best
developed through experience. Additionally, many
adults who have spent years in institutions are
returning to the community. Today the emphasis
is on integrating people into the mainstream of
society instead of simply placing them in custodial
situations removed from their communities. The
result of this emphasis is an increased need for
competent skilled trainers and developmental
opportunities to ensure successful living outside
the restrictive institutional setting.
For over 30 years Kampfe Management Services
(KMS) has been a comprehensive provider of
community based rehabilitation programs for adult
survivors of ABI. We believe survivors of ABI are
people first who can learn (or re-learn) the
necessary functional skills and behaviors required
to re-integrate back into community and achieve
the highest quality of life possible. Our focus is to
develop functional and behavioral independence
so that individuals become empowered to choose
behaviors and make decisions which support
them living in the appropriate independent setting.
Everything we believe in at KMS challenges the
status quo. This begins with our belief in people
and empowering them make decisions and
choose behaviors which help them in their
recovery. The KMS Independent Living Skills and
Behavior Programs are based on four
philosophical assumptions, two of which are
clarified below. Each of these assumptions is
important in promoting independent living for
adults with ABI. Current research supports that
KMS Philosophical Assumptions are in line with
the most up-to-date trends in cognitive and
community based rehabilitation.
Assumption 1: Survivors of ABI can learn,
given the proper teaching situation.
The Headliner
The learning capabilities of ABI
survivors have been consistently
underestimated by both
educators and the general public.
The information presented to the
public has emphasized the
survivor’s disabilities and
shortcomings rather than their
learning potential, goals and
strengths as focused on at KMS.
In the past, many professionals
believed that a survivor’s current
skill level was fixed and
unchanging. However we (KMS) know that
current skills do not imply or predict a lack of
potential to learn. Given the proper instructional
sequence, motivation and learning environment
survivors can learn skills that were not
imagined possible years ago. There is currently
a wealth of information at KMS and from
throughout the country, demonstrating that
given adequate training, survivors of ABI can
be successful in living and integrating into
community.
Assumption 2: A community-based
residential setting is the most effective and
efficient setting for teaching independent
living skills.
It is important to teach ILS’s in the settings
where they will be used. According to the
normalization principle, ABI survivors should
live and work in settings that are as close to the
community norm as possible so they will
develop the skills and behaviors which are
normal for the community in which they live.
Doing so makes it easier for survivors to
transfer information and positive behaviors from
a classroom or institutional setting to the
community. Training at KMS occurs in
community settings, so survivors learn to be
familiar with many of the difficulties they may
encounter. They will move more easily from the
protected and structured training stage to
independent performance. For example, it is
more meaningful
to teach
someone how
to cook a meal
in their own
kitchen, or how
to shop for food
in a grocery
store than to
teach these in
an artificial
setting.
assumptions at KMS shape the psychological
approach we take to community based cognitive
rehabilitation. The KMS Independent Living Skills
and Behavior Programs have been developed by
combining information available from existing
materials, utilizing research in curriculum
development and design, and field testing with
professionals in a variety of settings. As a result,
a series of protocols exists for KMS staff and are
meticulously followed to ensure the most
compassionate care is delivered in the most
appropriate setting to maximize learning.
Returning to KMS, after a decade of serving in
administrative positions for a national model
healthcare system and institution of higher
learning, has allowed me to put these
experiences into practice. These professional
experiences when combined with my
understandings of ABI have uniquely shaped my
view of community based rehabilitation programs
and services. KMS fills a community need and
seeks to provide value each person we interact
with. The opportunity to improve the quality of
care being delivered to survivors is selfsacrificing but rewarding on so many levels and I
look forward to improving the landscape of care
in the ABI community.
Kampfe Management Services
Specializing in Independent and Structured Living
Programs for Survivors of ABI
Premier provider of Residential, Community,
Transitional Programs for over 30 years
www.KampfeManagement.com
Matthew Kampfe P: 503-788-2911 / E:
Matthew@KampfeManagement.com
The four
philosophical
Summer 2014
page 11
Historical responses to challenging and complex
behaviors have included burning at the stake,
hangings, imprisonment, torture and banishment
from the community. While we have come a long
way in most respects, some of these responses
are still being used against people with a brain
injury.
If anyone's behaviors challenge the understanding
of the community too much, they can still end up
being imprisoned or at least refused access to the
local community.
Human history is littered with examples of
punishment being used to control behavior the
community does not understand. It is still a
common approach, whether with prisons on the
societal level or the subtle 'cold shoulder' at a
personal level.
Positive behavioral support is a new approach to
challenging behaviors. It is transforming the way
we respond to people with disabilities when their
behavior prevents them accessing the community,
or is a danger to themselves or others. It is now an
internationally accepted way to provide support
instead of punishment.
Principles of Positive
Behavior Support
So what is it? Positive
behavior support is exactly
what it sounds like - a
supportive, positive
approach. Some key points
of positive behavior support
include:
- we shouldn't try to control
other people, but should
support them in their own
behavior change process
- there is a reason behind most behavior that is
labelled as challenging
- everyone should be treated with compassion and
respect regardless of their behavior
- everyone is entitled to quality of life and effective
services after acquiring a brain injury
- our growing knowledge about how to provide
support for positive behavior can make a big
difference
- positive responses will be more effective than
coercion and punishment
How It works
So how would we approach a behavioral issue
using this approach?
- Identify and understand the behavior
- Improve quality of life to reduce the incidence of
challenging behavior
- Model and encourage positive behavior
- Develop positive intervention when challenging
behaviors occur
- Develop steps to manage crisis situations if
needed
- Keep evaluating the support strategies used
- Support caregivers who are affected by
challenging behaviors
Stress & routines
Act, Not React!
It is hard to comprehend the stress a family can face when dealing with
challenging or complex behaviors. Highly charged incidents can leave a
family constantly stressed, leading to exhaustion, anxiety and even illness.
It is critical to understand how our reactions can influence a given behavior
- it’s always better to act than react! Yelling, insults or the silent treatment
don’t encourage positive behavior.
Finding a support group is very important to make sure you are getting all
the support that is available. You do not have to be on the path alone.
Your Brain Injury Alliance can help you.
Make full use of respite care, if your state provides that, to get breaks from
the home environment, and see if there is a caregiver support group in
your area.
Use routines to lessen the burden of caring for your loved one. An injured
brain is usually less able to handle unpredictability, new situations and
stress, so establishing routines can be a real lifeline. They provide
structure, fight off boredom, reduce anxiety, and set goals to be achieved
each week. Not surprisingly, routines can prevent many of the causes of
challenging behaviors.
Work with your loved one to develop a weekly routine with achievable
tasks, pleasant activities and other goals. Use memory prompts like a
whiteboard, diary or alarm clock. Many smart phones can be used for
memory prompts. A good routine will be:
- easy to understand and follow,
- logically sequenced
- based on what the person wants, not just what is easy
- developed together
page 12
It is very normal to experience anger, frustration, embarrassment or
annoyance with certain challenging behaviors. But a useful quote from the
Batman Begins movie is applicable: “It’s not you are underneath (inside);
it’s what you do with it that defines you!”
In our extensive positive behavioral support work, there have been many
cases where the issue was not so much with the person’s behavior, but the
family members themselves! This is not intended to criticize families who
usually make incredible sacrifices to support a loved one, but the reality is
the excessive control, critical statements, lack of patience and many other
factors can create the breeding ground for behavioral issues. A
commitment to positive behavioral support means regularly asking
yourself: “As a caregiver, what can I do differently today that will encourage
positive behaviors?”
Caregivers must remember to take time for themselves. Families must
learn to love this new person and let go of the memories of what were
before, rather focusing on the new normal with this changed person. Work
everyday to find something good in your loved one and tell them. They,
too, remember to other person and what they could do before but not now.
They, too, have to learn to love the new person they have become.
Summer 2014
The Headliner
A Three Step Approach to Behavior
This simple yet effective approach is a key element of Positive Behavior Support
what happens before
the behavior (and
may have caused it?)
For years this has actually been known as the
"ABC model" (trigger, behavior and
consequences) but there has been a move
toward using trigger, behavior and outcome
for easier undemanding.
So what are triggers? These are simply all the
relevant things that happened before the behavior
occurs. They can also be seen as triggers for the
behavior, such as:
• things that other people did or said
• emotional state (e.g. depressed, tired)
• the environment (e.g. hot, noisy, bright)
Manage these triggers to avoid behaviors
with the following typical strategies:
- Build and maintain good rapport
- Avoid or minimize known triggers
- Sometimes a distraction or redirection away
from the trigger is all that's needed
- Involve the person in discussing triggers
- Work together on possible coping strategies in
dealing with triggers
- Suggest and encourage these strategies when
a trigger occurs
Graduated exposure to the trigger
This is useful when triggers can't or shouldn't be
avoided. With time and patience, it can be a
powerful technique. For example, Kirsten
starts screaming in supermarkets due to sensory
overstimulation. Her mother says they will just
stand outside the supermarket for 30 seconds
then go home. The next time, they go in for 30
seconds then go home. This is gradually
lengthened until Kirsten has adapted to this
difficult environment.
Preparing for the trigger
An inability to cope with chaos, unpredictability
and lack of routine is common after a brain
injury. For example, if Chris finds the activity
and noise of a supermarket unpleasant, it can
help to talk about expected reactions and ways
to cope before the event.
The Headliner
what happens during
the behavior (what
does it look like?)
Before you respond to an actual behavior, the key
is to understand the purpose of the behavior and
what it may be expressing about unmet needs.
Although emotions can be running high, there are
still strategies that can prove useful during the
behavior itself:
- Stay calm and speak in an even tone
- Give simple directions and prompts about coping
mechanisms
- Use non-threatening hand gestures
- Ask how you can assist in th.is situation
- Manage your personal safety and remember the
strategies agreed on for dangerous incidents
- Recognize when it's time for disengagement/exit
strategies for crisis situations
Ignoring the behavior
In some cases, behavior occurs to get attention,
so the best strategy may be to ignore it. As with
many of these techniques, tactical ignoring is best
linked with positive reinforcement. An example
from parenting is when a child is ignored during a
tantrum, but is rewarded with praise, a treat or
favorite activity when preferred behavior is
occurring.
Timeout
Timeout is removing the person from any positive
stimulus. In brief, the idea is isolation for a limited
period of time in order to calm down, learn coping
skills and discourage inappropriate behavior. It is
also a time for caregivers or support workers to
work through any frustration or anger, and ensure
responses are based on the positive behavior
support plan.
what are the
immediate and delayed
reactions from
everyone involved?
Positive reinforcement
This is generally the most effective behavior
management strategy. An incentive is given
immediately when a desired behavior occurs. For
example, Glen usually becomes quiet when
anxious then suddenly starts shouting at
everyone. He is learning to tell family members
when he is getting anxious and do his deep
breathing exercises. His actions are praised
every time he does this.
The difference between reinforcement and a
bribe is that reinforcement comes after a task is
completed, whereas a bribe is offered before.
When choosing reinforcers, remember that each
individual will respond to different things.
Remember to:
- look at what has provided motivation in the past
- Ask about likes and dislikes
- Look at the person's deprivation state - what do
they want, and cannot easily get?
- Try to make sure the reinforcer is practical and
ethical (e.g. don't use food treats for someone
who has a weight problem)
Timing is critical to the effectiveness of positive
reinforcement, and that the person feels the goal
is achievable.
Source: Bridges 1212
Consequences
Consequences can be pleasant or unpleasant. A
pleasant consequence will reinforce the behavior
(e.g."When I yell everyone gives me what I want”)
while a negative consequence will discourage a
behavior (e.g."When I yell everyone ignores me
completely").
A consistent response from everyone can have a
very strong effect.
Summer 2014
page 13
Cruise the Willamette:
Have Fun and Make a Difference
Brain injury is alive and well. It will continue to
be as we age, as we survive calamity and as we
learn to recognize symptoms of brain injury.
Read this newsletter. Look at the facts.
Consider the implications. Then try to block out
the image that brain injury could happen to you
or someone you love. Be aware, but keep your
distance lest it is “catching”. Why not? – it is too
scary to contemplate. Maybe hiding from reality
will keep it from happening to you. Maybe……
BUT—always be aware that:
Survival, treatment, symptom recognition and
education can prevent and minimize the impact
of brain injury
Ready or not, it WILL “happen” to you or
someone you love. It can come in the form of a
stroke, auto accident, a hit to your head, a heart
attack, an illness, or even a fall.
All around us we interact with people who have
had some form of a brain injury, have survived,
thrived and live regular lives.
So COME CELEBRATE and SUPPORT ALL
THE REALITIES of BRAIN INJURY!
The annual Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon
(BIAOR) fundraising auction deserves a “save
the date’ on your October calendar! You’ve
been to auctions – but ever been to one while
cruising the Willamette? (check it out
www.portlandspirit.com) Enjoy an autumn
evening on the Portland Spirit, October 19, 2014
for a Cruise and Dinner, music, silent and live
auction, raffle and balloon prizes.
Bring friends to share your table for a delightful
Sunday brunch and excitement. Purchase
holiday gifts without mail order shopping while
supporting BIAOR. Take a cruise on the river!
Who should come?
Everyone who supports BIAOR should come.
This annual auction is BIAOR’s major fundraiser.
Auction proceeds help provide education,
resources and support to individuals and families
dealing with the realities of brain injury. This
newsletter, one of the most comprehensive
available in any of the western states, is made
possible by your contributions.
PLEASE Join us and support the goals of this
vital cause
page 14
Whether you are able to attend or not PLEASE
contribute. Your contributions, large and small,
will make this a more successful fundraiser.
Cash donations allow BIAOR to provide
scholarships to people with brain injury to attend
this auction as well as the Annual Pacific
Northwest Regional Brain Injury Conference
every March.
What is going to be auctioned?
- A week in a two bedroom villa in Carlsbad
California on the sand
- A week in a two bedroom suite in Puerto
Vallarta Mexico
- A three day weekend in a
condo in Gearhart Oregon
- Numerous packages of
hotels and restaurants
- tickets to sports event,
plays, symphony, ballet
- get-a-way weekends
throughout Oregon
- ski passes
- spa treatments/packages
- health club memberships
- Private Winery Tours
- garden care items/services
- kids gifts/party packages
- bakery delights
- helicopter/plane flights
- fishing/sailing day trips
- theme/food/baskets
- Major Airline tickets
- Paintings and other artwork
Summer 2014
Do you have something to donate? Donations can
be made by contacting: Sherry at 800-544-5243 or
by email at sherry@biaoregon.org. Have an item
to be picked up, contact Sherry and she will
arrange for that.
Check out the BIAOR website, www.biaoregon.org/
fund.htm, for up to date auction items YOU will
want to bid on and more details about the auction
and fun to be had on the Portland Spirit, October
19, 2014.
Registration page 15
The Headliner
Here’s my reservation!
Fourteenth annual fundraiser!
Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon
Sunday, October 19, 2014 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Phone:
E-Mail Address:
Please Reserve the following:
______Please contact me about other sponsorship opportunities.
_______ Table Sponsor • $1,500.00
Sponsorship includes 10 tickets at the same table, name or company name listed in program, name or company name
listed on BIAOR website with link, name or company name listed in newsletter, and signage on table the day of the event.
($500 tax deductible - Tax ID # 93-0900-797)
• I NEED ______ Cruise TICKETS (one ticket per paid attendee).
Please seat me at a no-host table • $100.00 per person
If you have several friends that you would like to sit with, we encourage you to submit one check or multiple checks in
one envelope. Tables accommodate 10 people.
I am unable to attend. Please accept my donation for:
$
Sign up early—tickets limited to the first 150
Payment Options: Check Enclosed payable to BIAOR (Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon)
Charge my: Visa
MasterCard
American Express
Discover
Account # ________________________________Exp. Date: ________ Sec. Code: ______
Signature __________________________________________________________________
Address—if different than above _______________________________________________
Please print guests’ names clearly below:
For further information please contact:
Sherry Stock
sherry@biaoregon.org
Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon
PO Box 549
Molalla OR 97038
800-544-5243
Fax: 503-961-8730
Tax ID # 93-0900-797
Spirit of Portland, SW Front Ave/Naito Parkway & SW Salmon St., 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
The Headliner
Summer 2014
page 15
cycle
It is stressful to deal with violence, screaming or
self-injurious behavior, especially in public.
Understanding the behavior cycle can help you stay
calm and respond appropriately when it feels like a
situation is out of control.
TRIGGER PHASE
Learn to recognize the
changes in demeanor that
signal a trigger. This could be
signs of anxiety, becoming
withdrawn or fidgeting.
Use positive behavior
strategies if any have been
agreed upon.
Remain calm and speak
gently, reminding the person
of any coping mechanisms
that have been discussed and
agreed on.
If It Is possible, remove
yourselves from the trigger
(such as a noisy
environment).
Use redirection (Why don't we
go for a walk if you are getting
anxious about your meeting
tomorrow).
Stay calm and give
any directions
concisely; a brain
injury plus turbulent
emotions can make
comprehending
instructions difficult.
A crisis can usually
still be avoided at this
stage, so keep
promoting coping
mechanisms. Try
asking "What would
you like me to do?”
CRISIS PHASE
point!).
out of e
It's
to
when
to protect
this
t
time to disengage.
If you have removed yourself from the
situation, make sure it is safe before
returning.
- Stay calm and look out for any signs that
the situation could escalate again.
- There is often a period of remorse and
reflection at this point, but don't review
the incident, as there is the potential for it
to escalate again
- Actively listen and provide empathy, but
don't make statements that may excuse
or reinforce the behavior (such as. "Don’t
worry about It, it doesn't matter").
- Discuss the situation properly once
emotions have returned to “baseline.”
BACK TO BASELINE
This is the best time to review an
incident, but be mindful of timing -too
early and things may escalate again, or
too late and the incident may already be
forgotten.
Provide empathy and make nonjudgmental statements as you review
the incident as a learning opportunity.
Discuss whether there could be
different ways to handle similar
situations in the future.
BASELINE PHASE
The dotted white line represents 'baseline' which is the typical emotional state when there are no triggers
present to cause problems.
There are plenty of proactive things that can be done during these quiet times, such as:
- Minimize the triggers of behavior
- Support the person in recognizing these triggers, and explore ways to cope with them.
page 16
Summer 2014
Identify coping mechanisms that were
used, and recognize any positive steps
that were made, no matter how small.
Remember to document the incident if
you are keeping track of behavior's over
time.
The Headliner
Responding to a
Despite the best positive behavior support plans,
there can be incidents that get out of hand and
pose dangers.
As a behavior starts to escalate, continue to work
toward understanding the triggers and purpose of
the behavior. You may still be able to prevent a
crisis with:
- a calm even tone of voice and reassurance
- active listening and expressing empathy
- simple, clear directions of what is required
Tone of voice is very important. Many individuals
will start to subconsciously speak in a higher pitch
even if we are trying to defuse a situation.
Deliberately speaking quietly in a normal tone can
make a big difference, despite all the adrenalin
flooding our system!
Try to identify the message behind the behavior
too; you might be able to avert a crisis if you can
find the trigger and deal with it directly.
A positive behavior support plan should include
how to respond to each possible crisis situation.
Typical strategies during the escalation phase
include:
- Promoting coping skills
- Breathing exercises
- Redirection (distraction)
- Stimulus change
- 'Help me' requests
- Introducing humor
- Exiting the troubling environment
When a crisis develops, your personal safety takes
priority over everything else. You should have a
crisis management plan which includes:
- when to disengage from an escalating situation
- making sure your exits are always unobstructed
- prior removal of any items that could be used to
cause injury
- a list of back-ups and supports to contact
Some other useful tips include:
- Don't wear necklaces
- Wear comfortable shoes you can run in
- Use furniture as a barrier if required
- Have all necessary backup and support phone
numbers on hand
- If you have children, make sure they know the
crisis plan too
- Allow at least 10 to 15 minutes for a crisis to
pass, but don't review the situation with the
person for at least several hours
After everything has settled down, you may
need to debrief: Talk the situation over with a
family member, a peer support mentor, a member
of your support group, a counselor or your local
Brain Injury Alliance. Caregivers can quickly burn
out when they are unable to deal with the stress
that slowly builds up after each crisis if they don't
have any support.
Please see pages 26-27 for a support group in
your area. If you need additional support, call
BIAOR 800-544-5243 and request the Caregiver
information that includes a DVD.
Remember, you are not alone.
"The chief function of the
body is to carry the brain
around."
- Thomas A. Edison
Summer Sudoku
(Answer from page 5)
5
6
2
4
1
8
9
8
Fox Tower
805 SW Broadway, Suite 2540
Portland, OR 97205
503-277-1233
The Headliner
5
6
3
Summer 2014
7
6
8
3
3
8
5
2
5
6
7
5
3
6
1
9
1
9
4
5
8
6
7
866-843-3476
4
3
7
9
1
1
8
4
4
2
9
3
8
7
2
9
4
page 17
and Traumatic Brain Injury
As many as 98% of people with TBI’’s may have
increased fatigue; 70% complain of Mental
Fatigue. Just what is this fatigue like? It is a huge
feeling of exhaustion. People can be weary or
listless. It can affect their ability to do both
physical and mental work. It can sap their energy
so much that it prevents them from taking care of
themselves. Some cannot go back to work.
Others can’t even do the things they used to
enjoy doing.
Physical Fatigue can come from muscle
weakness. It can come from having to work
harder to do things that were easy before the TBI.
That includes things like dressing, working around
the house, even walking. Physical fatigue gets
worse in the evening, after a busy day. But the
next morning, after a good night’s sleep, it should
be less. Often this kind of fatigue gets better over
time.
Psychological Fatigue is the fatigue that comes
with depression and their psychological
conditions. This kind of fatigue gets worse with
stress. Often, sleep does not help at all.
Psychological fatigue is often worse when you
wake up in the morning. To “cure” psychological
fatigue you must find its cause. Your doctor can
help.
Mental Fatigue or Cognitive Fatigue is a special
kind of fatigue that can happen after a TBI.
Somebody with mental fatigue might say, “After a
while, I just can’t concentrate any more. I just can’t
think.” It’s possible that this happens because the
TBI forces you to concentrate harder to do tasks
that were easier before the injury. Just like hard
physical work tires you out, so does hard mental
work. Unfortunately, mental or cognitive fatigue is
the kind of fatigue that we know the least about,
even though it causes problems for so many
people with TBI.
Psychological Fatigue – what comes from being
depressed – makes you tired early in the
morning. Rest usually won’t help psychological
fatigue. Physical Fatigue gets worse as the day
goes on. Rest often does help physical fatigue and
mental fatigue. Mental fatigue may get worse as
the day goes on. Over time, exercising and being
more active helps lessen physical and mental
fatigue.
What Can You Do?
If you think your fatigue may be coming from
depression, anxiety, or other psychological
conditions, see your doctor.
If you think you fatigue is physical or mental, try
some of these things:
What is it that Brain does for us?
Get more sleep and rest. Do you have
insomnia or sleep apnea? Sometimes, these
are side effects of TBI. If either of these
problems is affecting how well you sleep, tell
your doctor. There may be treatments.
Try to change your schedule. Do the things
that require the most physical or mental
“strength” earlier when you are fresher. Don’t
save the grocery shopping for evening. Don’t
try to balance the checkbook or figure our
your income taxes in the evening when you
are tired.
Allow time for rests during the day. After one
of these rests, you may be fresh again and
able to take on some of those more difficult
tasks.
Start exercising. You may need to check first
with your therapist or doctor to find out which
is the best and safest type of exercise
program for you. Begin with just a little, and
gradually increase. Hopefully, the exercise
will improve your physical endurance and
mental alertness. Research has shown that
people with TBI who exercise have fewer
symptoms and better cognitive function. They
feel their health is better, and say that they
are less depressed. They may be more
mobile and more productive.
Eating a good, nutritious diet will also help. A
low-fat, high-fiber diet is strongly encouraged.
Contact your doctor for the best diet for your
situation.
Keep yourself mentally stimulated. At the
same time that you avoid getting overtired,
also avoid being under-stimulated. It’s a fine
line.
"The emotional brain
responds to an event more
quickly than the thinking
brain." - Daniel Goleman
page 18
Summer 2014
The Headliner
OHSU Brain Institute
Bobby Haegerty
The Oregon Health & Science
University Brain Institute (OBI)
was formed eight years ago to
bring together the many diverse
research (we’re in the top five in
the country), clinical, teaching,
and outreach resources in
neuroscience and to build
effective collaborations to better
respond to neurological and
psychiatric disorders. These
new communities are called
Networks for Opportunity
Discovery and Exchange
(NODEs); the most recent
NODE began fall of 2012 and
focuses on TBI/PTSD.
This initial group of 40 grew to over 100 with a Steering Committee, 3 cochairs (Drs. Jim Chesnutt, Nate Selden, and George Keepers), a research
case statement, and a recent major conference held on May 28 which drew
nearly 150. OBI has facilitated the development of this new community and
helped link it to major national efforts to build awareness and support for
better research, education, and care for patients and families living with these
sometimes devastating disorders.
On group OBI works closely with is One Mind (founded by Rep. Patrick
Kennedy and philanthropist Garen Staglin) whose Executive Director,
General Peter Chiarelli (retired head of the Iraqi theater and first
implementer of the ‘no return to combat after concussion’ policy) and
recently helped host the General at Portland’s City Club with Dr.
Chesnutt as moderator.
OBI has also helped Congressman Earl Blumenauer start the
Congressional Neuroscience Caucus which advocates on Capitol Hill for
more awareness and support for neurological and psychiatric research
and better translation into care and education.
OHSU is already an effective hub of neuroscience research and these
recent efforts will help focus this capacity and potential to better
understand and help solve the difficult issues surround brain injury. We
work closely with the Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon and believe strongly
that the broadest community of interest is the most effective.
To find out more about the OHSU Brain Institute (OBI) educational
events and resources (and learn about our Healthy Brain Campaign) go
to www.ohsubrain.com.
At Windsor Place, we believe in promoting
the self-confidence and self-reliance of all
of our residents
Susan Hunter
Windsor Place, Inc.
3009 Windsor Ave. NE Salem Oregon 97301
www.windsorplacesalem.org
Executive Director
Phone: 503-581-0393
Fax: 503-581-4320
The Headliner
Summer 2014
page 19
What to do if you don’t have a brain to
navigate for you?
By Cheryl Rask
This is my truth. I have an injury that you cannot
see or even begin to imagine. How I’ve learned
to manage on this planet is my story to share
with others and a gift to you. I will take you on a
spiritual and personal healing journey - all done
without a brain working properly. My story
includes how I managed to not give up my role
as a Mom, to have a boyfriend, and to even be
an Infinite Being in the world today. I share how I
struggled to feel whole and complete as me with
this injury and feel worthy as me. This is my
story.
On a rainy work day in 2003, April Fool’s day, I
drove my son to Montessori school not knowing
or expecting what was coming my way. Whip
lash so severe I broke teeth. The head shattered
dramatically. The other car hadn’t even put on its
brake to stop. We weren’t moving when the
impact happened. All I could do is look around,
and see if my son was okay. I asked the woman
to please refrain from cursing. In shock, I took
my son to school, and went to work. A few hours
later my body seemed to be shutting down on
me. Systems were not working, so I had to
leave. That day, I had no idea I wouldn’t ever be
back as me again.
So that people could understand what I was
experiencing, I would tell people that I couldn’t
explain where recipes were. For at least a year,
the doctors could not explain what was
happening. My spouse at the time grew angrier
with the increased responsibility for home and
child which fell to him. My body was in terrible
pain from head to toe. I could not care for me or
my 3-year-old, Isak. It wasn’t till I met a doctor
who explained that I had Mild Traumatic Brain
Injury, that I began to make any sense of what
was happening. My full-time job now was to fix
me, to get me back. Or so I thought.
In 2004 my husband left. I felt terrified about how
I’d make it. I didn’t know that I needed him to go,
for me to experience less stress. I had outside
help to clean and to play with Isak all the time. At
one point I sat on the kitchen floor with the pots
all around me, and cried praying for a recipe to
come back to me. The steps to make a single
dish had left me. How was I to survive I’d cry. I’d
continue to try to get me back with speech,
occupational, and physical therapy multiples time
a week. I’d see a vision therapist. I tried vocation
rehabilitation. I tried all of these and more,
hoping to get myself ready to be work again. Yet
life had another plan.
page 20
Two years later, 2005, I got
the okay to try to back to
work. But another accident
happened! Isak and I were
on our way to the Zoo, and
the tire undercarriage of
another car shot like a
rocket at my driver’s side
door. What was God trying
to tell me? Had I done
something wrong, or got off
track? What else did I need
to deal with that I hadn’t before? The parts I’d
tried to hide? I went to a psychic who saw these
crashes as wake up calls for me. I really felt like I
was being punished.
The possible time for recovery after the first injury
was 9 to 12 years. After the second injury,
doctors couldn’t predict recovery at all. Self
esteem and confidence were difficult to feel, when
I felt I lived with nothing to give. I started to find
my value in being a Mother: my purpose was to
be here for Isak. I knew that I had personal
strength. I’d overcome in the worst of times
during childhood. As a child I’d dealt with invisible
injuries that no one wants to know about, and I
had pulled myself up when my inner light went
out. Now I’d get the chance to turn it back on
once again.
Physical movement impaired my functioning.
Stimulation hurt. Slow registration my life became
a practice of remaining at peace and free, no
matter what life brought me. I had a teacher who
taught me I still had value doing nothing. We’d
work on Presence once a week. He suggested I
try energy medicine. It is in energy medicine that
I learned to be clear and present for
humanity. What I didn’t know is that my intuition
too had grown and I heard messages loudly. The
outer world posed lots of challenges for me, yet
guided, I always had God looking out for
me. Then one day I saw a photo of Byron Katie in
a local paper. Her book lay at the office of my
teacher. One sentence in Loving What Is
changed this life that I live. I no longer had a
decision to make that I had faith in the impulses I
get every day. Thus began my guided life, and I
went from disabled to enabled in a blink of an eye.
I now live with an inner security that everything is
fine. Not that it’s anything like the majority of
persons’ lives, but this is mine. I wake when I
do. I get ready when it feels I’ve got the energy
to. One doctor described me having ¼ of the 4
Summer 2014
energy stores that most humans have. So I’ve
become hyper aware of what is at risk of draining
me, when I have no energy to spare. Emotional
reactions, visual overstimulation, and audio
sensitivity can all lead me to a place of needing to
recover for hours, days and weeks, depending on
how badly I’ve gone over my threshold. Physical
activity, too, can take drain me. I struggle talking
too. You can imagine that my worst challenges
are grocery stores of any kind. I’ve shopped with
my mom recently, but before that had groceries
delivered. At age 43, how bizarre it is to have to
live in a constant state of looking out for myself.
Yet, I can see the gift in this for me. Not ever able
to hurry lest I become impaired immediately, has
me going at ease, and it’s lovely. How abundant I
feel, when I hold space for humanity, and they
love my level of understanding. Nine years of
cloistered living has given me time to review my
life and to return me back to myself another time.
I’ve attempted to get Social Security for 7 years,
but haven’t. I’ve been denied twice. From the
perspective of the government Higher Authority,
I’m seen as “normal” looking. They assume that I
am normal by what they see. I can’t prove it, so
why could they believe me, humans ask
me. Would space age looking glasses make me
more believable to those judging? I looked like a
frog with the glasses I was given to help me. The
doctor learned from me that periphery is seen not
only by looking up and around, but also by facing
the ground. He sees me as a poster child for
this. Great, science is still learning about the
brain. Having to exist on Food Stamps only has
made life remaining faithful very important.
My eyes are impaired at night. I don’t drive on
interstates most of the time. I try it randomly, and
wish I hadn’t given my brain’s slow response to
visual stimuli. I made the mistake of insisting on
getting to see the Chopra Center, so I drove to it
(Navigate Continued on page 21)
The Headliner
(Navigate Continued from page 20)
with 6 lanes of traffic. I put my own life at risk, because I didn’t
have the motor skills to drive with the needed speed and
accuracy.
Those closest to me have had to learn my needs. They all forget
at times, but it’s up to me to speak up and to advocate for my
needs. My Mom now notices noisy places, and doesn’t mind
alternative suggestions. My son questions me, not believing me
completely. Yet he also sees I’m doing my very best to meet all his
needs. His playful nature was a bit challenging at earlier ages, but
we’re making life great as we go moment to moment. My
boyfriend was kind most of the time, yet he was not wired to catch
subtle clues, so I suffered unknowingly trying to keep up with the
one I loved.
I don’t feel pain when I should. I get bruised, burnt or even lose
toe nails from not getting sensory registration on time. I have to
be extra careful or not cook if I’m over my threshold. I can be
physically shaky. When I am, I should not work with knives or
drive. My issues can be highly inconvenient for some, but I try to
remember that is their problem, not mine. Apologies for lack of
tolerance and compassion come occasionally. I get to love me
just as I am right now, even if my caring for me bothers another
human being. I can no longer appease another by sacrificing
myself, my energy, or my time. Having a brain injury has led me
to treat myself better. My landlady is supportive: she tries to not
judge how I spend my life. She does her best to not assume I
should be trying something to improve myself. Day after day for 8
years I’ve been living here, mostly alone, mostly indoors.
I’m working to become more powerful than ever before, stepping
out for the resources to come, even if I risk you judging. I’ve been
told repeatedly that my life story is not easy to hear. My Mom
even asked what person would want to hear about my life, given
that society hasn’t wanted to speak of such things until now. But
we’re in a time of no more secrets. Why can’t I be just as proud of
what I overcame as anyone else who’s made her way? I believe
in Integrity, Honesty and Total Transparency, and I’ve committed
to following my knowing. With God holding my hand I pour on to
the page the horrible ways I felt about abuse, abandonment, and
an affair. Each time I’d have to work my way back to feeling right
with God when I felt undeserving. Like I told you, I’d overcome
this obstacle once before; I have dealt with invisible injury hidden
within. I was born for Greatness; this hidden stuff won’t be pushed
down any more. I pray to understand which for qualities I need to
embody Peace and Freedom in the midst of what’s
happening. Compassion, Love, Abundance usually come up, yet I
know what I really want more is Purity. See what it takes to get
me that… Grace.
How would you live without a brain to help out? I’ve learned to
trust in the unknown, the uncertain and the fearless aspect of us. I
chose to completely surrender to God my life and to follow the
unseen feelings I receive. I wake each day not knowing what’s
happening. I leap only when I feel the “go” impulse
pounding. The unimaginable synchronicity is only possible when I
listen. I trust that all my needs are met. The chaotic state ends
and arrows of hate don’t get in. The God of me cares about life,
the living, and deeply loves everything. Already perfect, nothing to
fix, to get, to improve. It’s Fear or Bliss. I chose Bliss.
The Headliner
Summer 2014
page 21
Oregon Centers for Independent Living
Contact List
steve@portlandlawyer.com
page 22
503-224-5077 fax: 503-299-6178
CIL
LOCATION
COUNTIES SERVED
ABILITREE
Director: Tim Johnson
2680 NE Twin Knolls Dr
Bend, OR 97702
1-541-388-8103
Crook, Deschutes,
Jefferson
EOCIL
(Eastern Oregon Center
for Independent Living)
Director: Kirt Toombs
322 SW 3rd Suite 6
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 276-1037
1-877-711-1037
400 E Scenic Dr.,
Ste 2349
The Dalles, OR 97058
541-370-2810
1-855-516-6273
1021 SW 5th Avenue
Ontario, OR 97914
(541) 889-3119 or
1-866-248-8369
Gilliam,, Morrow,
Umatilla,
Union, Wheeler
Columbia , Hood
River, Sherman,
Wasco
Baker, Grant,
Harney, Malheur ,
Wallowa
HASL
(Independent Abilities
Center)
Director: Randy
Samuelson
305 NE "E" St.
Grants Pass, OR 97526
(541) 479-4275
Josephine, Jackson,
Curry, Coos ,
Douglas
LILA
(Lane Independent
Living Alliance)
Director: Sheila Thomas
99 West 10th Ave#117
Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 607-7020
Lane, Marion, Polk,
Yamhill, Linn,
Benton, Lincoln
ILR
(Independent Living
Resources)
Director:
Barry Fox-Quamme
1839 NE Couch Street
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 232-7411
Clackamas,
Multnomah,
Washington
SPOKES UNLIMITED
Director:
Christina Fritschi
1006 Main Street
Klamath Falls, OR
97601
(541) 883-7547
Klamath, Lake
UVDN (Umpqua Valley
disAbilities Network)
Director: David Fricke
736 SE Jackson Street,
Roseburg, OR 97470
(541-672-6336
Douglas
Summer 2014
The Headliner
Understanding Mild Traumatic Brain
Injury (MTBI): An Insightful Guide to
Symptoms, Treatment and Redefining
Recovery
Understanding Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
(MTBI): An Insightful Guide to Symptoms,
Treatment and Redefining Recovery
Edited by Mary Ann Keatley, PhD and
Laura L. Whittemore $16.00
The Essential Brain injury Guide
The Essential Brain Injury Guide provides a wealth of vital
information about brain injury, its treatment and
rehabilitation. Written and edited by leading brain injury
experts in non-medical language, it’s easy to understand.
This thorough guide to brain injury covers topics including:
Understanding the Brain and Brain Injury; Brain Injury
Rehabilitation; Health, Medications and Medical
Management; Treatment of Functional Impacts of Brain
Injury; Children and Adolescents; Legal and Ethical
Issues; and MORE! Used as the primary brain injury reference by thousands of
professionals and para-professionals providing direct services to persons with
brain injury over the past 15 years. $60.00
Recovering from Mild Traumatic Brain Injury A handbook of hope for
military and their families. Edited by Mary Ann Keatley, PhD and Laura L.
Whittemore
This clear and concise handbook speaks to our Wounded Warriors and their
families and helps them navigate through the unknown territory of this often
misunderstood and unidentified injury. It provides an insightful guide to
understanding the symptoms, treatment options and redefines "Recovery" as
their new assignment. Most importantly, the intention of the authors is to inspire
hope that they will get better, they will learn to compensate and discover their
own resiliency and resourcefulness. $18.00
Ketchup on the Baseboard
Ketchup on the Baseboard tells the personal story of the
authors' family’s journey after her son, Tim, sustained a brain
injury. Chronicling his progress over more than 20 years, she
describes the many stages of his recovery along with the
complex emotions and changing dynamics of her family and
their expectations. More than a personal story, the book
contains a collection of articles written by Carolyn Rocchio as
a national columnist for newsletters and journals on brain
injury. $20
A Change of Mind
A Change of Mind by Janelle Breese Biagioni is a very
personal view of marriage and parenting by a wife with two
young children as she was thrust into the complex and
confusing world of brain injury. Gerry Breese, a husband,
father and constable in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
was injured in a motorcycle crash while on duty. Janelle
traces the roller coaster of emotions, during her husband’s
hospital stay and return home. She takes you into their
home as they struggle to rebuild their relationship and life at home. $20
Fighting for David
Leone Nunley was told by doctors that her son David was in a
"persistent coma and vegetative state"--the same diagnosis
faced by Terri Schiavo's family. Fighting for David is the story
how Leone fought for David's life after a terrible motorcycle
crash. This story shows how David overcame many of his
disabilities with the help of his family. $15
The Caregiver's Tale: The True Story Of A Woman, Her
Husband Who Fell Off The Roof, And Traumatic Brain
Injury
From the Spousal Caregiver's, Marie Therese Gass, point
of view, this is the story of the first seven years after severe
Traumatic Brain Injury, as well as essays concerning the
problems of fixing things, or at least letting life operate
more smoothly. Humor and pathos, love and frustration,
rages and not knowing what to do--all these make up a
complete story of Traumatic Brain Injury. $15
The Headliner
Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon
New Member
Renewing Member
Name: ___________________________________________
Street Address: _____________________________________
City/State/Zip: ______________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________
Email: _____________________________________________
Type of Membership
Survivor Courtesy $ 5 (Donations from those able to do so are appreciated)
Basic $35
Family $50
Individuals $25
Non Profit $75
Professional $100
Sustaining $200
Corporation $300
Lifetime $5000
Sponsorship
Bronze $300
Silver $500
Gold $1,000
Platinum $2,000
Additional Donation/Memorial: $________________
In memory of: ______________________________________
(Please print name)
Member is:
Individual with brain injury
Family Member
Other:_________
Professional. Field: _______________________________
Book Purchase ($2 per book for mailing):
The Caregiver’s Tale $15
Change of Mind $20
Fighting for David $15
Ketchup on the Baseboard $20
The Essential Brain Injury Guide $60
Recovering from MTBI $18
Understanding MTBI $16
Type of Payment
Check payable to BIAOR for $ ________________________
Charge my VISA/MC/Discover Card $ __________________
Card number: _________ __________ _________ __________
Expiration date: _____________ Security Code from back _________
Print Name on Card: __________________________________
Signature Approval: __________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________
Please mail to:
BIAOR PO Box 549
Molalla, OR 97038
800-544-5243 Fax: 503– 961-8730
www.biaoregon.org • biaor@biaoregon.org
501 (c)(3) Tax Exempt Fed. ID 93-0900797
Summer 2014
page 23
Resources
For Parents, Individuals,
Educators and
Professionals
The Oregon TBI Team
The Oregon TBI Team is a multidisciplinary group
of educators and school professionals trained in
pediatric brain injury. The Team provides in-service
training to support schools, educators and families
of Individuals (ages 0-21) with TBI. For evidence
based information and resources for supporting
Individuals with TBI, visit: www.tbied.org
For more information about Oregon’s TBI
www.cbirt.org/oregon-tbi-team/
Melissa Nowatske 541-346-0597
tbiteam@wou.edu or nowatzkm@cbirt.org
Returning Veterans Project
Returning Veterans Project is a nonprofit organization comprised of politically unaffiliated and
independent health care practitioners who offer free counseling and other health services to
veterans of past and current Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns and their families. Our volunteers
include mental health professionals, acupuncturists and other allied health care providers. We believe it
is our collective responsibility to offer education, support, and healing for the short and long-term
repercussions of military combat on veterans and their families. For more information contact:
Belle Bennett Landau, Executive Director, 503-933-4996 www.returningveterans.org
email: mail@returningveterans.org
Center for Polytrauma Care-Oregon VA
Providing rehabilitation and care coordination for combat-injured OIF/OEF veterans and active duty
service members.
Contact: Ellen Kessi, LCSW , Polytrauma Case Manager Ellen.Kessi@va.gov
1-800-949-1004 x 34029 or 503-220-8262 x 34029
www.cbirt.org
LEARNet
Provides educators and families with invaluable
information designed to improve the educational
outcomes for Individuals with brain injury.
www.projectlearnet.org/index.html
Parent Training and Information
A statewide parent training and information center
serving parents of children with disabilities.
1-888-988-FACT
Email: info@factoregon.org
http://factoregon.org/?page_id=52
Websites Parents & Educators
Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.com/health/
traumatic-brain-injury/DS00552
BrainLine.org www.brainline.org/
content/2010/06/general-information-for-parentseducators-on-tbi_pageall.html
FREE Brain Games to Sharpen Your
Memory and Mind
www.realage.com/HealthyYOUCenter/Games/
intro.aspx?gamenum=82
http://brainist.com/
Home-Based Cognitive Stimulation Program
http://main.uab.edu/tbi/show.asp?
durki=49377&site=2988&return=9505
Sam's Brainy Adventure
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/flash/
comic.html
Neurobic Exercise
www.neurobics.com/exercise.html
Brain Training Games from the Brain Center of
America
www.braincenteramerica.com/exercises_am.php
page 24
Washington TBI Resource Center
Providing Information & Referrals to individuals with brain injury, their caregivers, and loved ones
through the Resource Line. In-Person Resource Management is also available in a service area that
provides coverage where more than 90% of TBI Incidence occurs (including counties in Southwest
Washington).
For more information or assistance call: 1-877-824-1766 9 am –5 pm
www.BrainInjuryWA.org
Vancouver: Carla-Jo Whitson, MSW CBIS 360-991-4928 jarlaco@yahoo.com
Legal Help
Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) promotes Opportunity, Access and Choice for individuals with
disabilities. Assisting people with legal representation, advice and information designed to help solve
problems directly related to their disabilities. All services are confidential and free of charge.
(503) 243-2081 http://www.disabilityrightsoregon.org/
Legal Aid Services of Oregon serves people with low-income and seniors. If you qualify for food
stamps you may qualify for services. Areas covered are: consumer, education, family law,
farmworkers, government benefits, housing, individual rights, Native American issues, protection from
abuse, seniors, and tax issues for individuals. Multnomah County 1-888-610-8764 www.lawhelp.org
Lewis & Clark Legal Clinic is a civil practice clinic for the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis &
Clark College. Representing low-income individuals experiencing a cariety of civil and administrate
problems. 503-768-6500
Oregon Law Center Legal provides free legal services to low income individuals, living in Oregon,
who have a civil legal case and need legal help. Assistance is not for criminal matter or traffic tickets.
http://oregonlawhelp.org 503-295-2760
Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Services refers to a lawyer who may be able to assist.
503-684-3763 or 800-452-7636
The Oregon State Bar Military Assistance Panel program is designed to address legal concerns of
Oregon service members and their families immediately before, after, and during deployment. The
panel provides opportunities for Oregon attorneys to receive specialized training and offer pro bono
services to service members deployed overseas. 800-452-8260
St. Andrews Legal Clinic is a community non-profit that provides legal services to low income
families by providing legal advocacy for issues of adoption, child custody and support, protections
orders, guardianship, parenting time, and spousal support. 503-557-9800
Summer 2014
The Headliner
Affordable Naturopathic Clinic in Southeast
Need Help with Health Care?
An affordable, natural medicine clinic is held
the second Saturday of each month. Dr.
Cristina Cooke, a naturopathic physician, will
offer a sliding-scale.
The clinic is located at:
The Southeast Community Church of
the Nazarene
5535 SE Rhone, Portland.
Oregon Health Connect: 855-999-3210
Oregonhealthconnect.org
Information about health care programs for people who need
help.
Naturopaths see people with a range of health
concerns including allergies, diabetes, fatigue,
high blood-pressure, and issues from past
physical or emotional injuries.
For more information of to make an
appointment, please call:
Dr. Cooke, 503-984-5652
Project Access Now 503-413-5746 Projectaccessnnow.org
Connects low-income, uninsured people to care donated by
providers in the metro area.
Have you had an insurance claim
for cognitive therapy denied?
If so call:
Julia Greenfield, JD Staff Attorney
Disability Rights Oregon
610 SW Broadway, Ste 200, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 243-2081 Fax: (503) 243 1738
jgreenfield@droregon.org
Financial Assistance
Tammy Greenspan
Head Injury Collection
A terrific collection of
books specific to brain
injury. You can borrow
these books through the
interlibrary loan system. A
reference librarian experienced in brain injury literature can help you find the
book to meet your needs.
516-249-9090
Long Term Care—Melissa Taber, Long Term Care TBI
Coordinator, DHS, State of Oregon 503-947-5169
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP) is a federally-funded program that helps lowincome households pay their home heating and cooling
bills. It operates in every state and the District of Columbia,
as well as on most tribal reservations and U.S. territories.
The LIHEAP Clearinghouse is an information resource for
state, tribal and local LIHEAP providers, and others
interested in low-income energy issues. This site is a
supplement to the LIHEAP-related information the LIHEAP
Clearinghouse currently provides through its phone line 1800-453-5511 www.ohcs.oregon.gov/OHCS/
SOS_Low_Income_Energy_Assistance_Oregon.shtml
Food, Cash, Housing Help from Oregon Department of
Human Services 503-945-5600
http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/assistance/index.shtml
Housing
Various rental housing assistance programs for low
income households are administered by local community
action agencies, known as CAAs. Subsized housing, such
as Section 8 rental housing, is applied for through local
housing authorities. 503-986-2000 http://oregon.gov/
OHCS/CSS_Low_Income_Rental_Housing_
Assistance_Programs.shtml
Oregon Food Pantries http://www.foodpantries.org/st/
oregon
Central City Concern, Portland 503 294-1681
Central City Concern meets its mission through innovative
outcome based strategies which support personal and
community transformation providing:
• Direct access to housing which supports lifestyle change.
• Integrated healthcare services that are highly effective in
engaging people who are often alienated from
mainstream systems.
• The development of peer relationships that nurture and
support personal transformation and recovery.
• Attainment of income through employment or accessing
benefits.
The Headliner
Health Advocacy Solutions - 888-755-5215 Hasolutions.org
Researches treatment options, charity care and billing issues for a
fee.
Coalition of Community Health Clinics 503-546-4991
Coalitionclinics.org
Connects low-income patients with donated free pharmaceuticals.
Oregon Prescription Drug Program 800-913-4146
Oregon.gov/OHA/pharmacy/OPDP/Pages/index.aspx
Helps the uninsured and underinsured obtain drug discounts.
Central City Concern, Old Town Clinic Portland 503 294-1681
Integrated healthcare services on a sliding scale.
Valuable Websites
www.BrainLine.org: a national multimedia project offering information and resources about
preventing, treating, and living with TBI; includes a series of webcasts, an electronic
newsletter, and an extensive outreach campaign in partnership with national organizations
concerned about traumatic brain injury.
www.iCaduceus.com: The Clinician's Alternative, web-based alternative medical resource.
www.oregon.gov/odva: Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
http://fort-oregon.org/: information for current and former service members
www.idahotbi.org/: Idaho Traumatic Brain Injury Virtual Program Center-The program
includes a telehealth component that trains providers on TBI issues through videoconferencing and an online virtual program center.
www.headinjury.com/ - information for brain injury survivors and family members
http://activecoach.orcasinc.com Free concussion training for coaches ACTive: Athletic
Concussion Training™ using Interactive Video Education
www.braininjuryhelp.org Peer mentoring help for the TBI survivor in the Portland Metro/
Southern Washington area. 503-224-9069
www.phpnw.org If you, or someone you know needs help-contact: People Helping People
Sharon Bareis 503-875-6918
www.oregonpva.org - If you are a disabled veteran who needs help, peer mentors and
resources are available
http://oregonmilitarysupportnetwork.org - resource for current and former members of the
uniformed military of the United States of America and their families.
http://apps.usa.gov/national-resource-directory/National Resource Directory The National
Resource Directory is a mobile optimized website that connects wounded warriors, service
members, veterans, and their families with support. It provides access to services and
resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and
community reintegration. (mobile website)
http://apps.usa.gov/ptsd-coach/PTSD Coach is for veterans and military service members
who have, or may have, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It provides information about
PTSD and care, a self-assessment for PTSD, opportunities to find support, and tools–from
relaxation skills and positive self-talk to anger management and other common self-help
strategies–to help manage the stresses of daily life with PTSD. (iPhone)
Summer 2014
page 25
Brain Injury Support Groups
Survivor Support Line - CALL 855-473-3711
A survivor support line is now available to provide
telephone support to those who suffer from all levels of
brain impairment. 4peer11 is a survivor run, funded,
operated and managed-emotional help line. We do not
give medical advice, but we DO have two
compassionate ears. We have survived some form of
brain injury or a we are a survivor who is significant in
the life of a survivor.
The number to call 855-473-3711 (855-4peer11). Live
operators are available from 9am-9pm Pacific Standard
Time. If a call comes when an operator is not free
please leave a message. Messages are returned on a
regular basis.
Astoria
Astoria Support Group
3rd Tuesday 6-7:30
Pacific NW Occupational Therapy Clinic
1396 Duane St. Astoria OR 97103
Kendra Ward 209-791-3092 pnwhigroup@gmail.com
Bend (3)
Oregon City
Eugene (3)
Head Bangers
3rd Tuesday, Feb., Apr., June, July, Aug., Oct. Nov.
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Potluck Social
Monte Loma Mobile Home Rec Center
2150 Laura St;, Springfield, OR 97477
Susie Chavez, (541) 342-1980
admin@communityrehab.org
Community Rehabilitation Services of Oregon
3rd Tuesday, Jan., Mar., May, Sept. and Nov.
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Support Group
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
1465 Coburg Rd.; Eugene, OR 97401
Jan Johnson, (541) 342-1980
admin@communityrehab.org
BIG (BRAIN INJURY GROUP)
Tuesdays 11:00am-1pm
Hilyard Community Center
2580 Hilyard Avenue, Eugene, OR. 97401
Curtis Brown, (541) 998-3951 BCCBrown@gmail.com
CENTRAL OREGON SUPPORT GROUP
2nd Saturday 10 am to 11:30
St. Charles Medical Center
2500 NE Neff Rd, Bend 97701
Call 541 382 9451 for Room location
Joyce & Dave Accornero, 541 382 9451
Accornero@bendbroadband.com
Hillsboro
Ablitree Thursday Support Group
Every Thursday 10:30 am-12pm
Survivor and Family/Caregiver Cross Disabilities
Abilitree, 2680 NE Twin Knolls Dr., Bend OR 97701
Contact Michelle Harper 541-388-8103 x 204
michelleh@abilitree.org or
Amanda Brittner francinem@abilitree.org
Klamath Falls (2)
Abilitree Moving A Head
1st & 3rd Friday 5:30-7:30
Brain Injury Survivor and Family Group
Abilitree, 2680 NE Twin Knolls Dr., Bend OR 97701
Contact Francine Marsh 541-388-8103 x 205
francinem@abilitree.org
Corvallis
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
1st Tuesday 1:30 to 3:00 pm
Church of the Good Samaritan Lng
333 NW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97330
Call for Specifics: Shawn Johnson, CCC-SLP
541-768-5157 smjohnson@samhealth.org
BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP
2nd Tuesday of each month, 5:30-6:30 pm
Good Sam. Regional Medical Cntr, Ancillary Blg
3580 NW Samaritan Dr., Corvallis, OR 97330
Call for Specifics: Rebecca Veltri, PT
541-768-5157, rveltri@samhealth.org
Coos Bay (2)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support Group
2nd Saturday August 9th 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Kaffe 101, 171 South Broadway
Coos Bay, OR 97420 tbicbsupport@gmail.com
Growing Through It- Healing Art Workshop
Wednesdays, 9-10:30am
The Nancy Devereux Center
1200 Newmark Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon
Bittin Duggan, B.F.A., M.A.,
541-217-4095 bittin@growingthroughit.org
page 26
Westside SUPPORT GROUP
3rd Monday 7-8 pm
For brain injury survivors, their families, caregivers and
professionals
Tuality Community Hospital
335 South East 8th Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Carol Altman, (503)640-0818
SPOKES UNLIMITED Brain Injury Support Group
2nd Tuesday 1:00pm to 2:30pm
1006 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Dawn Lytle 541-883-7547
dawn.lytle@spokesunlimited.org
SPOKES UNLIMITED BRAIN INJURY RECREATION
4th Tuesday
Contact Dawn Lytle for additional information:
541-883-7547 dawn.lytle@spokesunlimited.org
Lake Oswego
Family Caregiver Discussion Group
4th Wednesday of the month 7-8:30 p.m.
(there will be no group in August)
Lake Oswego Adult Community Center
505 G Avenue, Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Ruth C. Cohen, MSW, LCSW, 503-701-2184
www.ruthcohenconsulting.com
Lebanon
BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP OF LEBANON
1st Thursday 6:30 pm
Lebanon Community Hospital, Conf Rm #6
525 North Santiam Hwy, Lebanon, OR 97355
Lisa Stoffey 541-752-0816 lstoffey@aol.com
3rd Friday 1-3 pm (on hiatus until Sept)
room 226 McLoughlin Hall
Clackamas Community College
Sonja Bolon, MA 503-816-1053 sonjabolon@yahoo.com
Portland (20)
BIRRDsong
1st Saturday 9:30 a. m. and 11 p.m.
Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital
1015 NW 22nd, Wistar Morris Room. Portland
Brian Liebenstein 503-608-2378
peersupportcoordinator@birrdsong.org
Brain Injury Help Center
Meet with Brain Injury Advocate - Appointments only
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10:00-12:00
Young BI Adult Technology & Game time
Wednesdays: 10:00-12:00
Family and Parent Coffee in café
Wednesdays: 10:00-12:00
“Living the Creative Life” Women’s Coffee
Fridays: 10:00 – 12:00
Technology Time-adaptive tutoring (5/10)
Fridays: 1:00-4:00
1411 SW Morrison #220 Portland, Oregon 97205
braininjuryhelporg@yahoo.com Pat Murray 503-752-6065
BRAINSTORMERS I
2nd Saturday 10:00 - 11:30am
Women survivor's self-help group
Wilcox Building Conference Room A
2211 NW Marshall St., Portland 97210
Next to Good Samaritan Hospital
Jane Starbird, Ph.D., (503) 493-1221 drstarbird@aol.com
BRAINSTORMERS Il
3rd Saturday 10:00am-12:00noon
Survivor self-help group
Emanuel Hospital, Medical Office Bldg West (MOB West)
2801 N Gantenbein, Portland, 97227 503-816-2510
Steve Wright stephenmwright@comcast.net
CROSSROADS (Brain Injury Discussion Group)
2nd and 4th Friday, 1-3 pm
Independent Living Resources
1839 NE Couch St, Portland, OR 97232
Sarah Gerth, 503-232-7411 sarah@ilr.org
Must Be Pre-Registered
Doors of Hope - Spanish Support Group
3rd Tuesday 5:30 -7:30pm
Providence Hospital,
4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, Rm HCC 6
503-454-6619 grupodeapoyo@BIRRDsong.org
Please Pre-Register
FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
3rd Saturday 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Medford
Self-help and support group
Southern Oregon Brainstormers Support & Social Club
Currently combined with
1st Tuesday 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH BRAIN INJURY
751 Spring St., Medford, Or 97501
Emanuel Hospital, Rm 1035
Lorita Cushman @ 541-621-9974
2801 N Gantenbein, Portland, 97227
BIAOregon@AOL.COM
Pat Murray 503-752-6065
Newport
BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP OF NEWPORT
2nd Saturday 2-4 pm
Progressive Options, 611 SW Hurbert Street Ste A,
Newport, OR 97365
(541) 265.4674 or progop541@yahoo.com
Spring 2014
The Headliner
Support Groups provide face-to-face interaction among people whose lives have been affected by brain injury, including Peer Support and Peer Mentoring.
FARADAY CLUB
Must be pre-registered
1st Saturday 1:00-2:30pm
Peer self-help group for professionals with BI
Emanuel Hospital, Rm. 1035
2801 N Gantenbein, Portland, 97227
Arvid Lonseth, (503) 680-2251 (pager)
alonseth@pacifier.com
HELP (Help Each Other Live Positively)
4th Saturday - 1:00-3:00 pm
TBI Survivor self-help group (Odd months)
TBI Family & Spouse (Even Months)
Cognitive Enhancement Center
604 SE Water Ave Portland 97214
Brad Loftis, (503) 760-0425 muse2002@yahoo.com
Please contact at least two days in advance
OHSU Sports Concussion Support Group
For Youth and Their Families who have been affected
by a head injury
3rd Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 pm
OHSU Center for Health and Healing 3rd floor conf rm
3303 SW Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239
For more information or to RSVP contact
Jennifer Wilhelm 503-494-3151 wilhelmj@ohsu.edu
Sponsored by OHSU Sports Medicine & Rehab
PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH BRAIN INJURY
3rd Saturday 12:30 - 2:30 pm
self-help support group.
12:30-1 pm Currently combined with THRIVE
SUPPORT GROUP for Pizza then joins
FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
Emanuel Hospital, Rm 1035
2801 N Gantenbein, Portland, 97227
Pat Murray 503-752-6065
Positive Brain Injury Support Group
(for career person's with a Brain Injury)
1st and 3rd Monday's 4:30- 6:00pm
4511 SE 39th Ave., Portland, 97202
Call: Nancy Holmes, PsyD,
CANCELLED
THRIVE SUPPORT GROUP
3rd Saturday 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Brain Injury Survivor support group Ages 15-25
Emanuel Hospital, MOB West
Medical Office building West
Directly across from parking lot 2
501 N Graham, Portland, 97227
Amy Werry and Kimberly Skillicorn be the facilitators
ThriveGroupPDX@gmail.com or 817.602.8387
MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED
TBI Caregivers Support Group
4th Thursday 7-8:30 pm
8818 NE Everett St, Portland 97220
Karin Keita 503-208-1787
afripath@gmail.com
MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED
TBI SOCIAL CLUB
2nd Tuesday 11:30-3 pm
Pietro’s Pizza, 10300 SE Main St, Milwaukie OR 97222
Lunch meeting- Cost about $6.50
Michael Flick, 503-775-1718
MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED
The Headliner
Roseburg
UMPQUA VALLEY DISABILITIES NETWORK
2nd Monday 12 noon - 1:15pm
736 SE Jackson St, Roseburg, OR 97470
(541) 672-6336 udvn@udvn.org
Salem (3)
SALEM COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Fridays 11-12:30 pm
Ike Box Café, 299 Cottage St, Salem OR 97301
SALEM BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP
4th Thursday 4pm-6pm
Salem Rehabilitation Center, Conf Rm 2 A/B
2561 Center Street, Salem OR 97301
Megan Snider (503) 561-1974
megan.snider@salemhealth.org
SALEM STROKE SURVIVORS & CAREGIVERS
SUPPORT GROUP
2nd Friday 1 pm –3pm
Salem Rehabilitation Center
2561 Center Street, Salem OR 97301
Scott Werdebaugh 503-838-6868
Ruby McEliroy 503-390-3372
Redmond (1)
Coffee Social
2nd & 4th Wednesday 2-4 pm
Lavender Thrift Store
724 SW 14th St, Redmond OR 97756
Call Cheryl Brown 541-548-7358 or
Darlene 541-390-1594
WASHINGTON TBI SUPPORT GROUPS
Quad Cities TBI Support Group
Second Saturday of each month, 9 a.m.
Tri State Memorial Hosp.
1221 Highland Ave, Clarkston, WA
Deby Smith (509-758-9661; biaqcedby@earthlink.net)
Stevens County TBI Support Group
1st Tuesday of each Month 6-8 pm
Mt Carmel Hospital, 982 E. Columbia, Colville, WA
Craig Sicilia 509-218-7982; craig@tbiwa.org
Danny Holmes (509-680-4634)
Moses Lake TBI Support Group
2nd Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m.
Samaritan Hospital
801 E. Wheeler Rd # 404, Moses Lake, WA
Jenny McCarthy (509-766-1907)
Pullman TBI Support Group
3rd Tuesday of each month, 7-9p.m.
Pullman Regional Hospital, 835 SE Bishop Blvd, Conf
Rm B, Pullman, WA
Alice Brown (509-338-4507)
Pullman BI/Disability Advocacy Group
2nd Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:00p.m.
Gladish Cultural Center, 115 NW State St., #213
Pullman, WA
Donna Lowry (509-725-8123)
Spokane Family & Care Giver BI Support Group
4th Wednesday of each month, 6 p.m.
St. Luke's Rehab Institute
711 S. Cowley, #LL1, Spokane, WA
Melissa Gray (melissagray.mhc@live.com)
Craig Sicilia (509-218-7982; craig@tbiwa.org)
Michelle White (509-534-9380; mmwhite@mwhite.com)
*TBI Self-Development Workshop
“reaching my own greatness” *For Veterans
2nd & 4th Tues. 11 am- 1 pm
Spokane Downtown Library 900 W. Main Ave., Spokane,
WA
Craig Sicilia (509-218-7982; craig@tbiwa.org)
Spokane County BI Support Group
4th Wednesday 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
12004 E. Main, Spokane Valley WA
Craig Sicilia (509-218-7982; craig@tbiwa.org)
Toby Brown (509-868-5388)
Spokane County Disability/BI Advocacy Group
511 N. Argonne, Spokane WA
Craig Sicilia (509-218-7982; craig@tbiwa.org)
VANCOUVER, WA
TBI Support Group
2nd and 4th Thursday 2pm to 3pm
Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, 2211 NE 139th Street
conference room B 3rd floor Vancouver WA 98686
Carla-Jo Whitson, MSW, CBIS jarlaco@yahoo.com
360-991-4928
IDAHO TBI SUPPORT GROUPS
STARS/Treasure Valley BI Support Group
4th Thursday 7-9 pm
Idaho Elks Rehab Hosp,Sawtooth Room (4th Fl), Boise
Kathy Smith (208-367-8962; kathsmit@sarmc.org)
Greg Meyer (208-489-4963; gmeyer@elksrehab.org)
Southeastern Idaho TBI support group
2nd Wednesday 12:30 p.m.
LIFE, Inc., 640 Pershing Ste. A, Pocatello, ID
Tracy Martin (208-232-2747)
Clay Pierce (208-904-1208 or 208-417-0287;
clayjoannep@cableone.net)
Twin Falls TBI Support Group
3rd Tuesday 6:30-8 p.m.
St. Lukes’ Idaho Elks Rehab Hosp, Twin Falls, ID
Keran Juker (keranj@mvrmc.org; 208-737-2126)
*Northern Idaho TBI Support Group
*For Veterans
3rd Sat. of each month 1-3 pm
Kootenai Med. Center, 2003 Lincoln Way Rm KMC 3
Coeur d’Alene, ID
Sherry Hendrickson (208-666-3903,
shendrickson@kmc.org)
Craig Sicilia (509-218-7982; craig@tbiwa.org)
Ron Grigsby (208-659-5459)
SPOKANE, WA
Spokane TBI Survivor Support Group
2nd Wednesday of each month 7 p.m.
St.Luke's Rehab Institute
711 S. Cowley, #LL1,
Craig Sicilia (509-218-7982; craig@tbiwa.org)
Michelle White (509-534-9380; mwhite@mwhite.com)
Valerie Wooten (360-387-6428)
Summer 2014
page 27
NON-PROFIT ORG
U. S. Postage
PAID
PORTLAND, OR
PERMIT NO. 3142
The Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon (BIAOR)
AKA the Brain Injury Association of Oregon
PO Box 549, Molalla OR 97038
Nancy Irey Holmes, LLC, PsyD, CBIS
www.nancyholmespsyd.com Fax: 503-200-5550
1450 Standard Plaza
1100 SW Sixth Ave
Portland, OR 97204
1-888-883-1576
www.tdinjurylaw.com
Protecting
the Rights
of the
Injured
Membership Dues Notices Mailed
BIAOR’s Fiscal Year runs from July 1-June 30. Each year we
provide:
Support Services
Information & Referral
65 Support Groups
7200 calls
Peer Mentoring and Support
10,000 emails
Education
1520 packets mailed
3 day Annual Conference
1.2 million website visitors
Legislative & Personal Advocacy 370 Trainings/Education
Personal Injury Practice Areas:
Brain Injury Accidents
Automobile Accidents
Maritime Accidents
Construction Accidents
Trucking Accidents
Medical Malpractice
Wrongful Death
Dangerous Premises
Defective Products
Bicycle Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Sexual Harassment/Abuse
Aviation Accidents
Legal Malpractice
We can’t do this alone, please send in your
membership dues today.
How To Contact Us
Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon (BIAOR)
Mailing Address:
PO Box 549
Molalla, OR 97038
Toll free: (800) 544-5243
Fax: 503-961-8730
biaor@biaoregon.org
www.biaoregon .org
Branch Offices: Appointments only
Brain Injury Help Center- Pat Murray
1411 SW Morrison #220 Portland, Oregon 97205
braininjuryhelporg@yahoo.com 503-752-6065
Salem Regional Rehab Center
2561 Center St NE, Salem OR 97401
BIAOR Open biaoropen-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
BIAOR Advocacy Network BIAORAdvocacy-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
page 28
Thank you to all our contributors and advertisers.
Summer 2014
The Headliner