Illinois Concussion Bill Signed into Law

With the Chicago Bears playing field in the background, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed the Concussion bill into law today at Soldier Field. This law will require that youth athletes be pulled from practice/game situations if they are found to be displaying signs/symptoms of a concussion. The player will not be able to return to play until they have been evaluated by trained medical personnel.

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois has been preparing sports concussion awareness and training material for distribution in preparation of the law being implemented. The materials will be distributed to school districts and park districts. The BIA of Illinois can provide educational/training presentations to school and park districts. The Brain Injury Association is able to provide continuing education for athletic trainers and Illinois educators. Please contact the BIA office if you are interested in receiving additional information on sports concussion and injury prevention, info@biail.org or (800)699-6443.The Concussion legislation [HB 200 - Senate Amendment (SAM) #1], was passed at the end of May by both chambers of the legislature, and was awaiting the Governor's signature.





The law makes it mandatory for school boards in the state to work with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to develop clear guidelines to educate coaches, student athletes and their parents, including:
1. Requiring school boards to adopt a policy regarding student athlete concussions and head injuries, and ensuring that policy be in compliance with the protocols, policies, and by-laws of the IHSA;
2. Information on the school board's concussion and head injury policy must be a part of any agreement, contract, code, or other written instrument that a school district requires a student athlete and his or her parents or guardian to sign before participating in practice or interscholastic competition;
3. The IHSA shall make available to all school districts, including elementary school districts, education materials, such as visual presentations and other written materials, that describe the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries.


In concert with HB 200, the IHSA Board of Directors (on April 19, 2011) had approved the new policy regarding return to play guidelines after a student-athlete has been diagnosed with a concussion. The policy now requires that "In cases when an athlete is not cleared to return to play the same day as he/she is removed from a contest following a possible head injury (i.e., concussion), the athlete shall not return to play or practice until the athlete is evaluated by and receives written clearance from a licensed health care provider to return to play."

Park districts are authorized and encouraged to make available to residents and users of their facilities educational materials describing the nature and risks of concussions and head injuries, including the advisability of removal of youth athletes from a practice or game if they exhibit signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion. The intent of these materials is to assist in education coaches, youth athletes, parents and others about the nature and risks of head injuries.

 

About the Brain Injury Association of Illinois

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois provides information and resources to individuals who have sustained an acquired brain injury, as well as to families, professionals and other members in the community. Services are are available to both the civilian and military populations. The BIA of Illinois provides educational programs, injury prevention programs, public awareness, summer camp program, advocacy and support programs.

For additional information, call (800)699-6443 or e-mail info@biail.org. Visit the website, www.biail.org for more information. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BIAofIL and Twitter, www.twitter.com/BrainInjuryAssn. Our educational films can be viewed at http://www.braininjurytoolbox.com/.
  

Brain Injury and the Celebrity Apprentice

I've always been a fan of Celebrity Apprentice, but have been very disturbed watching it this season. Gary Busey has a brain injury, and I have been disappointed in the manner in which he has been treated by his teammates who clearly have no understanding or awareness of brain injury. Personally, I feel that the episodes could be used as a training tool for "how not to interact" with someone who has had a brain injury. In all fairness, I don't believe Gary Busey's teammates intentionally set out to hurt someone, but as too often the case, they did so because of lack of education and awareness. Had they understood brain injury and its impact on the person it touches, I believe their behavior and actions would have been more effective and positive towards Gary Busey.


The Brain Injury Association works hard day in and day out to raise the level of brain injury awareness and education around the country......and Celebrity Apprentice has confirmed that there continues to be a need for raising the public's awareness and education about brain injuy. This is the mission of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois, the Brain Injury Association of America, and the other BIA affiliates around the country. Brain Injury has not only impacted on Gary Busey's life, but also Representative Gifford, our military service men and women, professional athletes, student athletes, children and adults of all ages......it can happen in an instant and it can change lives forever.


I have posted this note on the BIA of Illinois Facebook page, and welcome your comments. I have also been sending out Twitter messages via www.twitter.com/BrainInjuryAssn.


My brother in law likes to share the quote, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Well today I have decided to reach out and do something....we all work hard every day to raise the level of brain injury awareness and education, and in union our voices must continue to carry the message that brain injury can happen to anyone of us at anytime.


At least today, I hope that I can help someone more clearly understand brain injury, and in turn hope that they may show more understanding to the next person they meet who has sustained a brain injury.


About the Brain Injury Association of Illinois

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois provides information and resources to individuals who have sustained an acquired brain injury, as well as to families, professionals and other members in the community. The BIA of Illinois also provides educational programs, injury prevention, public awareness, summer camp program, advocacy and support programs. For additional information, call (800)699-6443 or e-mail info@biail.org. Visit the website, www.biail.org for more information. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BIAofIL and Twitter, www.twitter.com/BrainInjuryAssn.

Illinois Legislature Addresses Concussion Education and Prevention

Members and supporters of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois have been very active with legislative advocacy activities during the month of March. This is especially important since March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Members have called and e-mailed their Illinois state legislators to ask them to support current legislation addressing concussion education and prevention. Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) introduced House Bill 200, and Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) introduced Senate Bill 150. Both men are working hard so that the legislation passes both the House and Senate, and then on to the Governor's desk to be signed into law. Thank you to all our members and supporteres who made those important calls and sent messages to their legislators. This has been a bi-partisan effort, and many legislators are in agreement that this is a vital issue that needs to be addressed.


Written testimony was provided on behalf of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois during the Senate Committee hearing. Statements were submitted by BIA of Illinois Board members Hunter Hillenmeyer and Mary Kay Reed, Honorary Board member Dr. James Young, BIA Executive Director Philicia Deckard, Dr. Elizabeth Pieroth, and Dr. Patrick Walsh of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital.


On March 11th, a press conference was held by Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross and Senator Kwame Raoul at Solder Field, along with Chicago Bears executives and players, NFL executives, and representatives from the Illinois High School Athletic Association, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Brain Injury Association of Illinois. The press release can be read below:


(Chicago - March 11, 2011) - With Soldier Field in Chicago as the backdrop today, Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) team up with 1985 Super Bowl Champs Richard Dent, Otis Wilson and Kurt Becker as well as NFL executives, the Illinois High School Association, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital to push legislation through the Senate that tackles the vital issue of concussion education.

“The sports community has really stepped up to the plate to help us bring awareness to this vitally important issue of concussion education,” said Cross. “With Sen. Raoul’s help and leadership in the Senate we will make concussion education a requirement for our student athletes and their parents.”

“I truly appreciate Leader Cross’s unwavering devotion to raising the profile of concussion education,” said Raoul. “From little league football to the NFL, and all levels and types of sports, we must do what we can in state government to make sure that girls and boys, men and women better protect themselves from potentially life-altering head injuries.

The legislation aims to require all school boards, including the Chicago Board of Education, to adopt a policy regarding student athlete concussions and head injuries including:
- Requires the policy to be in compliance with the protocols, policies, and by-laws of the IHSA.
- Requires that information on the school board’s concussion and head injury policy be a part of any agreement, contract, code, or other written instrument that a school district requires a student athlete and his or her parents or guardians to sign before participating in practice or interscholastic competition.
- Requires the IHSA to make available to all school districts, including elementary school districts, education materials, such as visual presentations and other written materials that describe the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries.


After the bill passes the House and the Senate, it will head to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.


Many current and former professional athletes, top NFL executives, medical professionals, high school representatives and other interested associations are supporting this effort:

"To help protect all NFL players from the dangers of brain and other injuries, I recently joined the Brain Injury Association of Illinois' Board of Directors to help extend our reach beyond the 1,800 players in NFL locker rooms. The standard set by our league inevitably affects policy at other levels. The advances in diagnosis and treatment of concussions means future generations of athletes will enjoy better long-term health and fewer short-term risks as a result. HB 200 and SB 150 are important legislation that will make the future safer for young athletes all across our state.                            
 - - Hunter Hillenmeyer, an eight year veteran with the Chicago Bears, also served on the NFL Players Association's TBI Committee and Player Safety and Welfare Committee, Brain Injury Association of Illinois Board Member


About the Brain Injury Association of Illinois
The Brain Injury Association of Illinois provides information and resources to individuals who have sustained an acquired brain injury, as well as to families, professionals and other members in the community. The BIA of Illinois also provides educational programs, injury prevention, public awareness, summer camp program, advocacy and support programs. For additional information, call (800)699-6443 or e-mail info@biail.org. Visit the website, www.biail.org for more information. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BIAofIL and Twitter, www.twitter.com/BrainInjuryAssn.

Brain Injury Association of America Announces 2011 Executive Committee

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois is proud to recognize Illinois Board Chair Ginny Lazzara as an officer of the BIA of America's Executive Committee. Ginny will serve as Vice Chair for Program Outcomes after serving as Chair of the State Affiliate Assembly from 2008 to 2009 and taking a leadership role in BIAA’s strategic planning. The press release issued by Laurie Kusek of the Brain Injury Association of America is listed below in its entirety.


BRAIN INJURY OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES 2011 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

VIENNA, VA – March 3, 2011 – At its February 25, 2011, meeting, the Brain Injury Association of America’s (BIAA) board approved its slate of officers for 2011.

Chair: Gregory J. O’Shanick, M.D.
Greg O'Shanick will serve as chair after serving as chair-elect from 2008 to 2010 and as BIAA’s National Medical Director for the past 14 years. Over the past 30 years, he has treated more than 11,000 patients with brain injuries while serving on the faculties of three different medical schools and in private practice. Since 1991, Dr. O'Shanick has been the president and medical director of the Center for Neurorehabilitation Services in Richmond, Va. He holds board certification in four medical subspecialties (Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, Neurorehabilitation, Psychosomatic Medicine and General Psychiatry) and has published three books, 12 academic textbook chapters, and more than 70 peer-reviewed publications. He has presented at national and international medical conferences and has served as an advisor to numerous federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department Defense, National Institutes of Health and National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

Chair-elect: James S. Misko, Psy.D.
Jim Misko will serve as chair-elect after serving as chair of the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists since 2009. He is co-owner and president of CORE Health Care and has specialized in neuropsychology for the past 15 years. Dr. Misko received his doctorate from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1988 and is licensed as a clinical psychologist. He has committed his time and energy to helping improve the quality of life for people who have survived traumatic brain injuries and other neurological disorders. Dr. Misko lectures nationally to raise awareness of brain injury. The Brain Injury Association of Texas awarded him the 2003 Professional Contribution of the Year.

Vice Chair for Finances & Records: James F. Humphreys, Esq.
Jim Humphreys will serve as vice chair for Finances and Records, a position that functions as BIAA’s treasurer, a role that he has held since 2008. Mr. Humphreys is a licensed attorney in West Virginia and Washington, D.C. His practice areas include personal injury; litigation and appeals; and Federal Employer’s Liability Act. He earned his JD from George Washington University. He also holds a MPA from Princeton, an MA from The Ohio State University, and a BA from West Virginia University. Mr. Humphreys was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1982 and previously served on the staff of Senators John Glenn and Don Reigle. He is a member of the board of the George Washington University Law School and has served in advisory roles for the BIA of West Virginia.

Vice Chair for Program Outcomes: Virginia (Ginny) Lazzara, RN, BSN, CRRN, CBIST
Ginny Lazzara will serve as vice chair for Program Outcomes after serving as chair of the State Affiliate Assembly from 2008 to 2009 and taking a leadership role in BIAA’s strategic planning. Ms. Lazzara is a graduate of St. Xavier University. She has more than 20 years of experience in the field of brain injury rehabilitation. Formerly director of Extended Services and coordinator of the Brain Injury Program at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, Ginny currently is a Brain Injury Rehabilitation Nurse Consultant with the Nolan Law Group and continues to facilitate the Brain Injury Support Group at Schwab. She has held numerous volunteer roles for the past 15 years. She currently serves as chairperson of the State Affiliate Assembly, board chairperson for the Brain Injury Association of Illinois and chairperson of the Illinois Governor’s Council on Brain and Spinal Cord Injury.

About Brain Injury Association of America
The Brain Injury Association of America is the voice of brain injury. Through advocacy, education and research, BIAA and its nationwide network of more than 40 chartered state affiliates bring help, hope and healing to the millions of Americans who have a lifelong disability because of brain injury, as well as their families and the professionals who serve them. For more information: BIAA website.

About Brain Injuries
An estimated 1.7 million children and adults in the U.S. sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and another 795,000 individuals sustain an acquired brain injury (ABI) from non-traumatic causes each year. Today, more than 3.1 million children and adults in the U.S. live with a lifelong disability as a result of TBI and 6.4 million have a disability due to stroke. For more information about brain injuries and the Brain Injury Association of America, visit http://www.biausa.org/.


The Brain Injury Association of Illinois provides information and resources to individuals who have sustained an acquired brain injury, as well as to families, professionals and other members in the community. The BIA of Illinois also provides educational programs, injury prevention, public awareness, summer camp program, advocacy and support programs. For additional information, call (800)699-6443 or e-mail info@biail.org. Visit the website, www.biail.org for more information. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BIAofIL and Twitter, www.twitter.com/BrainInjuryAssn.

Chicago City Council passes Concussion Ordinance

The Chicago City Council passed a new city ordinance on January 13, 2011 addressing sports concussions. Athletes showing signs of concussion will be prohibited from returning to play and/or practice until they are cleared by a licensed health care provider. The rule applies to students at the primary, middle and secondary schools, both public and private school settings. Schools that are found to be in violation of this ordinance would lose their water/sewer exemption from the city. Currently, Chicago Public Schools require that athletes be removed from the field if they show signs of headache, dizziness or loss of memory.

Alderman Ed Burke said "The most important part of this, I believe, is public education."  He also went on to say that parents need to know that "putting their kid back in the game as quickly as possible after a head injury is a recipe for disaster." Burke is the Chair of the Finance Committee. Alderman Latasha Thomas said "The City of Chicago needs to take action because coaches and players, due to their competitive spirit, all too often want to play through what appears to be minor injury without it being properly evaluated. Unfortunately such a failure to respond decisively may lead to a serious outcome." Thomas is the Chair of the Education and Child Development Committee.

The Joint Committee on Finance and Committee on Health and Child Development met the day before in a hearing to discuss the matter of sports concussions. The Brain Injury Association of Illinois provided experts during the hearing to share information. The Brain Injury Association was represented by Dr. Elizabeth Pieroth of The Midwest Center for Concussion Care and Chris Nowinski of the Sports Legacy Institute. Additional witnesses included Dr. Hunt J. Batjer of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Dr. Daniel Derman of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Dr. Jeffrey Mjaanes of Rush University Medical Center, and Dr. Cynthia LaBella of Children's Memorial Hospital.

Following yesterday's meeting, Alderman Burke shared his thoughts with BIA of Illinois Executive Director, Philicia Deckard. He discussed the impact of the legislation and how he hoped it would continue with state legislative activity in Springfield. His brother, Representative Daniel Burke, is currently sponsoring a bill addressing concussions in the Illinois state legislature.

The BIA of Illinois will be looking at the language of the new ordinance to see how it might be used in other communities around the state. Work is already underway with proposed legislation in the Illinois legislature. Injury prevention materials are available through the Brain Injury Association and on the CDC website, www.cdc.gov/concussion.

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois provides information and resources to individuals who have sustained an acquired brain injury, as well as to families, professionals and other members in the community. The BIA of Illinois also provides educational programs, injury prevention, public awareness, summer camp program, advocacy and support programs. For additional information, call (800)699-6443 or e-mail info@biail.org. Visit the website, www.biail.org. For more information on the ordinance, visit www.facebook.com/BIAofIL.

BIA of America Press Statement - US Representative Gabrielle Giffords

January 10, 2011

Brain Injury Association of America

Press Statement

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) extends its sympathy to family members and friends who lost a loved one in the unspeakable tragedy in Tucson, Ariz., this weekend. Our thoughts are with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others who are hospitalized.

Traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI, is an alteration in brain function or other evidence of brain pathology caused by an external force. About 1.7 million children and adults sustain a TBI in the U.S. each year; 10 percent of those injuries are the result of assaults. Although TBI is the leading cause of death for people ages 1-44, recovery is possible.

A gunshot to the head tends to create focal, rather than diffuse, brain injuries. Depending on the bullet’s penetration point and trajectory, the patient may experience physical, cognitive or behavioral impairments. Injuries to the left side of the brain, as is the case for Congresswoman Giffords, may cause decreased control over right-sided body movements; difficulties in speaking or understanding language, trouble with memory or sequencing or impaired logic; and depression or anxiety. Physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as cognitive rehabilitation and psychological counseling, will help Ms. Giffords restore as much brain function as possible and perhaps return to work and former social roles.  

BIAA offers a nationwide network of chartered state affiliates including the BIA of Arizona, that are readily available to provide support, information and resources regarding brain injury. A toll-free hotline is also available through our National Brain Injury Information Center (NBIIC) to those needing assistance at 1-800-444-6443.

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois is a chartered state affiliate of the BIA of America and member of the NBIIC program. The BIA of Illinois provides information and resources, educational programs, injury prevention programs, summer camp program, advocacy and support services. The toll-free phone number is (800)699-6443 and the website is http://www.biail.org/. The office can be also contacted at info@biail.org.

TBI Quality of Life Research Project

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois is working on the Midwest Regional TBI Model System grant with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Research is an important component of this grant. We are looking for persons who have sustained a traumatic brain injury to take part in an important research project. The research addresses quality of life issues following brain injury. Participants will complete several questionnaires in an interview format. The interviews can be done in person or on the phone. Participants will be compensated progressively for each round of completed interviews. If interested, call RIC at (312) 238-2858 and ask about the TBI Quality of Life Research Project.

For additional information and research opportunities, visit www.biail.org/research.htm

Brain Injury Association of Illinois Partners with Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago on the TBI Model Systems Grant

The Midwest Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (MRTBIMS) was created to accomplish several important objectives in support of an interdisciplinary, multidimensional center focused on providing and improving care for people with TBI. We will establish a coordinated multilevel interdisciplinary system of care for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI), including prehospital, emergency, acute, long-term acute, intensive rehabilitation, and community care. This continuum of care is provided at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, RML Specialty Hospital, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and its System of Care, under the leadership of Elliot J. Roth, MD and Felise S. Zollman, MD. We also submit data on at least 35 recently injured TBI patients per year to the National TBI Database. Our research plans include implementation of two site-specific research projects, which consist of clinical trials on the effectiveness of acupuncture to improve sleep in TBI patients and on the effectiveness of a virtual reality-robotics program to improve attention and concentration in TBI patients. We also participate in multicenter collaborative research projects, on sexuality, and on quality of life measures. Further, the Center will be engaged in dissemination of educational and other materials on TBI to a variety of target audiences, including persons with TBI and their families, professionals who care for patients with TBI, and the public. We also collaborate with the Brain Injury Association of Illinois. These activities are expected to have a positive impact on clinical TBI management practices and health care policy.

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois has developed a new educational website as part of the 6 programs we have developed under the grant project. Please visit the website to view educational videos and "Ask the TBI Doc". The "Ask the TBI Doc" provides email-based answers to questions about brain injury from consumers, family members and care providers. Questions submitted to “Ask the TBI Doc” are being addressed by Dr. Eric Larson, RIC neuropsychologist. Additional follow up is also provided by the BIA of Illinois. The website allows the text to be translated into a variety of languages other than English.

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois has also been developing new programs and enhancing current services and programs with the grant. Some of these programs include: Peer Outreach Program, The Essentials (social skills training), Video Education Series, Military Family Education and Outreach, Teleconference education, Brain Injury in the Community (training for police, firemen and first responders). Information on these programs are available by contacting the BIA of Illinois office, (800)699-6443 or info@biail.org. Information will also be available during the conference, October 22-23, 2010. Conference information is available at http://www.biail.org/


Visit http://www.braininjurytoolbox.com to view educational films and "Ask the TBI Doc"

BIA of Illinois Annual Educational Conference - October 22-23, 2010

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois annual educational conference has a variety of topics and presenters that will be of interest to everyone. Our keynote presenters include: Dr. Valerie Nowinski (Neuropsychology Diagnostic Center), Dr. Jeri Morris (Northwestern University), Dr. Robert Kohn (University of Illinois - Chicago), Dr. James Young (Rush University Medical Center), and Mr. Chris Nowinski (Sports Legacy Institute). Additional presenters include: Stacy Yusim (Equip for Equality), Dr. Patrick McGrath (Alexian Bros Behavioral Health Hospital), Dr. Allan Kozlowski (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), Diana Nawrocki (Triton College), Dr. Roy Adair (Advocate Christ Medical Center), Guy Geleerd (Geleerd Law Group), Dr. James Cohn (Lakeview Specialty Hospital and Rehabilitation), Ginny Lazzara (Nolan Law Group), Dr. Patrick Walsh (Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital), Dr. Elizabeth Pieroth (Midwest Center for Concussion Care), Dr. Theresa Pape (Dept of Veterans Affairs - Hines VA Hospital), and Bill Baumann (NeuroRestorative).


Some of the topics to be addressed include: Brain Injury's Impact on the Individual & Family, Social & Therapeutic Relationships following Brain Injury, Mild Brain Injury: Treatment & Diagnosis, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sports Concussions, Advance Directives, Anxiety & Stress Management, Brain Injury Research, Functional Range of Motion, Spasticity, Preparation for Being a Witness in Court, Agitation following Brain Injury, Being Safe to Return to Play, NeuroPlasticity of the Brain, and Returning to Work. The Friday morning Pool session, Functional Range of Motion in the Pool, is open to all conference attendees. Pre-registration is required for this session. Participants can participate in the pool, or sit on the deck and listen to the session.

One of the BIA of Illinois' new programs, The Essentials, is for individuals who have sustained a brain injury. There are 3 tracks involved in this program. One of the tracks will be presented during the conference by Ginny Lazzara. The session will address social skills and appearance. The Friday afternoon session, "The Essentials: Expressing Yourself / Creating Your Look" is open only to individuals who have sustained a brain injury. We have been able to develop this program because of our partnership with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago on the Midwest Regional TBI Model System (MRTBIMS) grant. This grant was awarded to RIC by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).

The Saturday morning session of the conference will also include a "mini sports clinic" session. This clinic will address identifying and diagnosing sports concussions, assessing when it is safe to return to play, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and addressing the public's view of concussions. This clinic is being sponsored by Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, and will allow us to invite coaches/athletic trainers/athletes to this component of the conference.


The conference is open to the public. The conference registration form and additional information can be found at http://www.biail.org/. The price to attend the conference has not changed this year, and the hotel rooms are at a lower rate. Conference room rates are available at the two adjacent hotels, Hilton Suites and Hilton Garden Inn.

There are a variety of exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities available for this conference.The Exhibitor/Sponsor form and information can be found at the BIA website, http://www.biail.org/. Call the office for additional information, (800)699-6443, or e-mail info@biail.org

BIA of Illinois 16th Annual Golf Outing and Dinner

Make plans today to join the BIA of Illinois at the Highland Park Country Club on Thursday, June 17, 2010. This is our 16th annual golf outing and dinner. The event benefits the programs and services provided by the Brain Injury Association of Illinois. Bob Love of the Chicago Bulls and Pam Farley will be the hosts of this year's outing, and both will be joining golfers on the course for a fun afternoon of golf.

The Registration and Lunchtime Grill begins at 11:30am, and the Shot Gun Start is at 1pm.
Following golf, join us in the clubhouse at 5:30pm for a Cash Bar, Silent Auction and Awards Dinner.

Golf tickets are $175, and a ticket includes lunch, golf and dinner. If you aren't able to golf with us, make plans to purchase a dinner ticket for $65. There are many sponsorship opportunities available for this event. Please visit the website to purchase your tickets and sponsorships online, http://www.biail.org/. Please contact the office at info@biail.org or 800.699.6443 if you would like additional information.

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois is a statewide non-profit organization providing services and programs for children and adults who have sustained an acquired brain injury. Some of the BIA of Illinois services/programs include: providing information and resources, nationwide toll-free phone line, websites, annual educational conference, educational programs and training, camp program, public awareness, injury prevention, advocacy and support groups. The mission of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, education, advocacy and research.

For more information on the Brain Injury Association of Illinois, contact the office at 800.699.6443, send e-mail to info@biail.org.

Brain Injury Toolbox

The purpose of the Brain Injury Toolbox is to provide viewers with some tools they may find useful as they travel the road to recovery from a brain injury. Some tools included in this toolbox are educational films, reading material, and resources. The journey to recovery begins at the time of injury and may continue indefinitely. Every brain injury is different, and has its own unique pathway to recovery. The Brain Injury Toolbox has been developed to be a resource for the individual who has just sustained a brain injury and for the individual who may have been injured many years ago. It is for the person who may be presently hospitalized and for the person who has returned to the home and community. It is a resource for both the individual and for the family members. The Brain Injury Toolbox may be of use to those who work with and/or provide services to the person who has sustained a brain injury.

Life can change in an instant for the person who has sustained a brain injury, and for the family. The individual and his family may have many questions and be searching for available resources. The questions may focus on a wide issue of topics and needs. The Brain Injury Toolbox is a place to begin gathering tools that will be used in the unfolding journey following a brain injury.
 
The Brain Injury Toolbox has been developed by the Brain Injury Association of Illinois to disseminate educational materials and other materials that may be useful tools to those whose lives have been impacted by brain injury, for professionals working with individuals who have sustained a TBI, and to the community at large.

Visit the Brain Injury Toolbox Website

http://www.braininjurytoolbox.com/

The website currently has 7 films to view, with an additional 5 films soon to be added. The website contains a glossary of terms, definitions of tests & procedures, characteristics of brain injury, information on brain injury complications/issues, and fact sheets. There is also a section,  "Ask the TBI Doc", on the website. This multi-media website will continue to grow and expand.

This website project was supported in part by Grant Number H133A080045A from NIDRR (National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIDRR.


Information on additional Brain Injury Association of Illinois programs....
As a collaborator with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the Brain Injury Association of Illinois has been able to develop and expand several programs because of the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) grant. The BIA of Illinois has been able to disseminate brain injury educational material and other material to a variety of targeted audiences. Some of our identified programs include:
Peer Outreach Program (POP)
Operation Brain Injury Freedom (OBIF) - Military Family Network
Video Education Series - Brain Injury related films hosted on www.braininjurytoolbox.com
Teleconference Education Series
Brain Injury in the Community
Social Skills and Relationship Building Program



Information on the TBI Model System Grant awarded to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago....
Midwest Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (MRTBIMS):
Innovative Approaches to Improve Cognition, Function and Community Living

The Midwest Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (MRTBIMS) has been created to accomplish several important objectives in support of an interdisciplinary, multidimensional center focused on providing and improving care for people with TBI. We will establish a coordinated multilevel interdisciplinary system of care for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI), including pre-hospital, emergency, acute, long-term acute, intensive rehabilitation, and community care. This continuum of care will be provided at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, RML Specialty Hospital, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and its System of Care, under the leadership of Elliot J. Roth, MD and Felise S. Zollman, MD. We also will submit data on at least 35 TBI patients per year to the National TBI Database. Our research plans include implementation of two site-specific research projects, which consist of clinical trials on the effectiveness of acupuncture to improve sleep in TBI patients and on the effectiveness of a virtual reality-robotics program to improve attention and concentration in TBI patients. We also plan to participate in at least one multi-center collaborative research project. Further, the Center will be engaged in dissemination of educational and other materials on TBI to a variety of target audiences, including persons with TBI and their families, professionals who care for patients with TBI, and the public. Finally, we plan to collaborate with the Brain Injury Association of Illinois and other NIDRR-funded centers as appropriate. These activities are expected to have a positive impact on clinical TBI management practices and health care policy.


 
The Brain Injury Association of Illinois is a statewide non-profit organization providing services and programs for children and adults who have sustained an acquired brain injury. Some of the BIA of Illinois services/programs include: providing information and resources, nationwide toll-free phone line, websites, educational programs and training, camp program, public awareness, injury prevention, advocacy and support groups. The mission of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, education, advocacy and research. For more information on the Brain Injury Association of Illinois, contact the office at 800.699.6443, send e-mail to info@biail.org.

Brain Injury Association of Illinois - Camp and Retreat Program

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois is currently registering campers for the 2010 summer camp season. Camp FunZone is a camp for those who have an acquired brain injury and are between the ages of 7 and 21 (still enrolled within the school system as a student).
Wilderness Endeavor is a camp for those adults who have sustained an acquired brain injury and are 18 years and older.

Camp Dates:
Wilderness Endeavor - June 27 through July 3, 2010
Camp FunZone - June 27 through July 1, 2010

These two camps have been developed specifically for children, teens and adults who have sustained an acquired brain injury. The camp program offers campers an opportunity to participate in social and leisure activities in a structured setting under the supervision of trained staff.

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois is also offering a 3 day camp retreat for those Service Members of all Military branches/components who have sustained an acquired brain injury during their enlistment. The BIA of Illinois' Operation Brain Injury Freedom (OBIF) Retreat will provide participants an opportunity to learn more about brain injury, its impact on the individual and family members, meet with brain injury rehabilitation professionals, share personal experiences, and participate in sports/leisure and relaxation activities.
OBIF Retreat : June 27 - June 30, 2010
(OBIF Retreat Participants may have an opportunity to extend their stay)

 The number of participants for the three programs is limited. Reserve your spot today. The registration forms can be found at http://www.biail.org/. Please call the office for additional information or if you have additional questions, 800.699.6443. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for the camp/retreat program. Please consider making a contribution to this worthwhile program which has served so many campers through the years. Online payment is available for camp registration fees and sponsorships.

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois is a non-profit organization providing information & resources, educational material, support and advocacy to individuals who have sustained an acquired brain injury and to their families, as well as rehabilitation professionals and the community at large.

Ticket to Paradise - 10th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois is hosting its 10th annual fashion show on February 27, 2010. This year’s fashion show "Ticket to Paradise" will be hosted by Ginger Zee of NBC5, and a special guest appearance by Steve Cochran of WGN Radio. Come dressed in your favorite cruise wear! Celebrity guest models include: Ginger Zee of NBC5, Matt Rodewald of NBC5, Bob Love of the Chicago Bulls, Miss Illinois International 2010 Ashley Newman, and Mark Doyle of The Ramova Brothers. Proceeds from the event benefit the programs and services of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois. This event is open to the public.



The show will feature fashions for women, men and children. Boutique shopping is from 10:30am – 12noon. A plated lunch will be served at 12noon with the fashion show to follow. A photography booth will be available for you and your guests to capture your favorite cruise memory.

Two tickets to the Oprah Winfrey Show, gift certificate for "Wishbone" (located across from Harpo Studio), and a large gift basket filled with an assortment of Oprah's favorite things will be the Grand Raffle's first prize. The second prize will be a portable GPS system and accessories. A Spa basket will be the third prize. Winners do not need to be present to win. In addition to the Grand Raffle, there will be a variety of baskets available for the basket raffle.


There are a variety of sponsorship opportunities available to show your support of the Brain Injury Association. Please consider being a Gold Sponsor ($3,000), Silver Sponsor ($1,500), or a Bronze Sponsor ($750). You can become a Basket sponsor for $100. Please refer to the Sponsor Information Sheet.


Tickets are $50, and a table of 10 is $500. This is a fun way to show your support for the programs and services provided by the Brain Injury Association of Illinois around the state of Illinois.


Tickets and Sponsorships are available for online purchase at www.biail.org. You can also complete the registration form and mail/fax it to the BIA of Illinois office. Please feel free to forward this message to your family, friends, and business associates. For additional information, please call the BIA office at (312)726-5699 or e-mail info@biail.org.
 
The Brain Injury Association of Illinois is a statewide non-profit organization providing services and programs for children and adults who have sustained an acquired brain injury. Some of the BIA of Illinois services/programs include: providing information and resources, nationwide toll-free phone line, websites, educational programs and training, camp program, public awareness, injury prevention, advocacy and support groups. The mission of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, education, advocacy and research. For more information on the Brain Injury Association of Illinois, contact the office at (312)726-5699, send e-mail to info@biail.org.



Brain Injury Association of Illinois

Voters with Disabilites Help Line

The Illinois General Primary Election is fast approaching...

Equip for Equality will have an Election Day Helpline on February 2, 2010 for voters with disabilities who have questions or problems on Election Day. They will have advocates available by telephone to answer questions about any voting problem that may be experienced.

The Helpline will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The toll-free numbers to call are:
800-537-2632 (Voice)
800-610-2779 (TTY)
http://www.equipforequality.org/


Contact the Brain Injury Association of Illinois for additional information and resources.
The toll-free number is 800.699.6443, and e-mail address is info@biail.org
Visit the website for more information, http://www.biail.org/
 

Brain Injury Association of Illinois to host 10th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon

Visit the Brain Injury Association of Illinois website, www.biail.org, to purchase tickets to this event and to become a sponsor. This is the 10th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon. It will be Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the Drury Lane Theater in Oak Brook. This is a fun way to support the Brain Injury Association of Illinois. Call 800.699.6443 if you need more information.


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Happenings at the BIA of Illinois in 2010

Please visit our website, http://www.biail.org/, to sign up for our free e-mail distribution list. This is a new communication system that we set up at the end of December to use in keeping everyone updated and informed with BIA of Illinois programs, services and events. If you have previously been on our e-mail lists, it is still important for you to sign up on this new list just to make sure we have updated e-mail addresses. This e-mail list is open to anyone. If you work in the field of brain injury rehabilitation, please consider sharing this with your patients, families and staff.

Camp dates have been set!
Camp FunZone -  June 27- July 1, 2010
Wilderness Endeavor - June 27 - July 3, 2010
This will be the first time that we have been able to schedule both camps at the same time! We are very excited to be able to do this. It will allow us more opportunities to share some of our new programs that have been developed. It also gives increased programming options for our teens and young adults. We are still working with some college programs around the state who want to participate in our camp program and learn about brain injury. If you and your rehabilitation team would like to volunteer at camp, please contact me for more details. Hopefully, we will be able to put the "Ropes" course in the camp program. Campers have been wanting to do this for awhile, and it looks like we have a tentative program in place.

Fashion Show and Luncheon
The annual fashion show and luncheon will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2010. It will be at the Drury Lane Theater in Oak Brook. Please watch the website for more details.

2010 Golf Outings
June 17, 2010  - Highland Park Country Club
September 4, 2010  -  Harrison Park, Danville

Annual Educational Conference
October 22 - 23, 2010
Drury Lane Conference Center
We have already begun confirming speakers and topics for the 2010 conference. This is sure to be a conference you will want to attend.

Follow the BIA of Illinois...
on Facebook, www.facebook.com/BIAofIL
on Twitter, www.twitter.com/BrainInjuryAssn
on YouTube, www.youtube.com/BrainInjuryHelp

Visit our newest website, http://www.braininjurytoolbox.com/, to view our most recent educational films and the updated "You Are Not Alone" film.

Some Ways to be Involved with the Brain Injury Association of Illinois

There are many ways to be involved and supportive of the BIA of Illinois.

One of the best ways is to become a member of the organization. Visit the website, http://www.biail.org/ and download a membership form. Your membership provides support for our many programs and services, and helps us from a legislative focus. As we meet with legislators in Illinois and in Washington, DC, it is important to share the membership figures and legislative districts represented by our members.

Show your support of the BIA of Illinois by attending and supporting our fundraising events. Our next event is February 27th at the Drury Lane Theater. It is our annual Fashion Show and Luncheon. Watch the website for more details.

Consider becoming a Camp sponsor. A camp sponsorship and/or contribution helps ensure everyone who wants to attend camp is able to do so. The camp raffle is another way to show support of the camp program.

You can make an online contribution to the Brain Injury Association of Illinois by visiting http://www.causes.com/BIAofIL

You can support the Brain Injury Association of Illinois by sharing our information and links with your friends and family. We want to raise the community's level of awareness regarding brain injury and the Brain Injury Association of Illinois.

Educational Conference - October 30-31, 2009

The Annual Educational Conference will be October 30-31, 2009 at the Drury Lane Conference Center in Oak Brook. We have conference lodging rates set up for the adjacent hotels, Hilton Suites and the Hilton Garden Inn. You can visit the website, www.biail.org for additional information and registration forms. The deadline for receiving the conference lodging rate is October 8, 22009. Make your reservations soon.

Bob Love of the Chicago Bulls will be the opening presenter for this year's conference. Our keynote speakers this year include: Dr. Mark Ashley of Centre for Neuro Skills, Joseph Richert of Special Tree Rehabilitation, Dr. James Young of Rush University Medical Center, and Dr. Tina Trudel of Lakeview Healthcare Systems. This year's conference will address such topics as: Role Changes and Coping after Brain Injury, Acupuncture as an Alternative Treatment, Brain Injury Research, Current Neurorehabilitation Tools and Technology, Principles of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Aging and Brain Injury, Feasibility of Swallowing Assessments of the Brain Injury Patient, PTSD and TBI, Neuropharmacology, Functional Cognitive Treatments, Advocacy and the IEP, Sexuality after Brain Injury, and Preparing a TBI Case. Many of you may be familiar with Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Joseph Richert of Special Tree is a certified facilitator of this course, and he has adapted the course to provide it within the setting of rehabilitation.

CEUs will be awarded at this conference for Social Work, Educators and Speech Language Pathologists. CE applications will be submitted for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy continuing education. Certificates of Attendance will also be awarded for Nurses and Other Disciplines. A CLE application will be submitted for Attorney continuing education.

Exhibitors have already begun registering for the conference and we look to have a full Exhibitor Hall again this year. I'm sure many of our Exhibitors will be sharing Halloween treats with conference attendees as well as program literature and resources. We will also be showcasing some of our own Illinois authors in the Exhibitor Hall.Please consider being an Exhibitor and/or a Sponsor at the conference. This is a great opportunity to network with others in the rehabilitation field, generate referrals, and share resources. Conference sponsorships allow us to keep costs to a minimum for consumers and family members to attend. Please show your support of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois by becoming a sponsor.

Equip for Equality will be manning a Voter's Registration table this year during the conference. It is important that we all be registered to vote and make the voice of brain injury strong in local government, Springfield and Washington DC. We have a variety of research opportunities that will be available at the Research table this year. Please be sure to stop by and see if there is something you may be able to participate in.

The Pool session is making a return to the conference this year due to the generosity of Diana Nawrocki! This session requires pre-registration, and the size is limited to 12 participants. The session will be 10:30am - 12noon on Friday. Please register as soon as possible. Participants must be able to transfer in and out of the pool independently. Appropriate swimwear is required, and you must bring your own towel. Our pool session will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn pool. There is a restroom/room to change in near the pool for those of you who aren't staying at the Hilton Garden Inn. Swimmers will be picked up at the front entrance of the Drury Lane and transported to and from the Garden Inn.

In the Resource and Relaxation Room, we will be showing a selection of films during the conference. Of course, we will be showing our new version of "You Are Not Alone" and our initial set of Brain Injury Education films. We will also be showing the HBO presentations "Coma" and "Smashed", as well as the Brain Fit program. These will be running throughout the day on Friday so that people can drop in and watch all of them or portions of the films.The BIA of Illinois will also have merchandise to purchase in the Exhibitor Hall. We are currently working to be able to provide additional audio recordings of the conference. Last year, we recorded the keynote presentations. This year we are hoping to record the breakout sessions as well.

We will have a fun time at the conference this year listening to the speakers, visiting the exhibitor booths, and checking out the resource/relaxation center......as well as celebrating Halloween during the "Fall Harvest" dinner and awards on Friday night. This is a dinner you won't want to miss. Dinner attendees (and you must be present to win) will be eligible to win a 2010 conference package (including 2 night hotel stay and conference registration for two) and an iPod Nano. In addition, those attendees who are dressed in costume at the dinner will be eligible to win a Wii System and other prizes. There will be time for those of you who need to change in to your costume during the dinner...just in case you don't want to arrive for the dinner in your costume.

The conference will also be the setting for the Brain Injury Association of Illinois to highlight new educational films being developed for the www.braininjurytoolbox.com multi-media website. We will also be filming at the conference for the next set of films to be included on the site. We have been partnering with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago who was awarded a TBI Model System Grant from NIDRR (National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. This grant has allowed us to develop and expand our educational film series, as well as address new program development. Information about the Midwest Regional TBI Model System will be available at the conference.

Brain Injury Association's YouTube Channel

Visit the Brain Injury Association of Illinois channel on YouTube. You can find our channel at www.youtube.com/braininjuryhelp

You can view our educational film, "You Are Not Alone". This film is directed to the person who has been recently injured and to his family.

You can also view our camp film, "Making Headway with Brain Injury". This film features the song, "It's My Brain" written by Martin Bautista with input from all of our campers and support group members.

Our public service announcements, "The Bully" and "Crying Mia" can be seen on the channel.

Brain Injury Association on Facebook

Look for the Brain Injury Association of Illinois on Facebook! Go to www.facebook.com, and search for Brain Injury Association of Illinois. We are there waiting to meet you!

We have two groups. One is a general group open to anyone who is interested. The second group is for our camp, Brain Injury Association of Illinois - Wilderness Endeavor. This group is open to past and current campers of Wilderness Endeavor.