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2009 Consumer and Family Conference

Consumer and Family Conference 2009
Journey to Wellness: Body. Balance. Being.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Maplewood Community Center, Maplewood, Minnesota

Brain injury affects the whole person - including changes in the physical, emotional and cognitive areas of their body. These changes can impact how a person reacts to his/her daily life including school and work and how he/she manages his/her finances. Relationships and a person's well being are determined by how well he/she can manage these challenges. The road can seem long and insurmountable.

Join us on Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Consumer and Family Conference at the Maplewood Community Center in Maplewood, Minnesota.

Event Schedule

  • 7-8 a.m. – Vendor set-up
  • 8-9 a.m. – Attendee Registration; continental breakfast; time with vendors
  • 9-10 a.m. – Keynote Presentation: Acknowledging Grief, Loss and Change; Tim Ellis; Center for Grief, Loss and Transition
    Tom will address the ambiguous losses which families experience following brain injury. Personal grief and loss will be explored as well as the resulting grief reactions. In addition, Tim will discuss how brain injury affects family dynamics and will provide helpful strategies for self-care and coping.
  • 10-10:45 a.m. – Presentation #1: Erika Frake; Education Manager; Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
    There are many Assistive Technology (AT) tools and resources to enhance one's skills in reading, writing, executive function (memory and organization), educational needs, and life skills. Erika will provide a basic overview of what AT is and how AT can enhance the life of individuals who have sustained brain injury. AT resources will be identified.
  • 10:45-11: a.m. – Break
  • 11-11:45 a.m. – Presentation #2: Preparation for Obtaining and Retaining a Job after Brain Injury; Wade Majewski; Director of Brain Injury Services; TBI Metro Services, a service of Opportunity Partners
    This presentation identifies details to consider when preparing to enter or return to the workforce after brain injury. Other topics will include job search and job retention after employment.
  • 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – Parade of Vendors
  • 12:15-1:15 p.m. – Lunch; time with vendors
  • 1:15-1:45 p.m. – Presentation #3: Jeff Nachbar; Public Policy Director; Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
    Advocacy plays an important role in recovery and securing necessary services and supports for individuals, families and communities affected by brain injury. Jeff will discuss advocacy, both from an individual perspective, as well as a policy change perspective; and share strategies for how you can become a more effective advocate. Recent legislative activity and key public policy priories also will be discussed.
  • 1:45-2:30 p.m. – Presentation #4: Scott Nelson and Kate Westad; Lommen Abdo, P.A.
    Scott and Kate will provide and overview of financial planning strategies and the legal issues addressing the financial impact of serious health challenges. They will discuss the use of trusts, estate planning alternatives and issues frequently encountered with Medicaid/Medicare claims and planning. In addition, they will provide suggestions for coordinating your financial and legal matters with your trusted advisors.
  • 2:30-3 p.m. – Break/time with vendors
  • 3-3:34 p.m. – Presentation #5 Laurie Ellis-Young, founding director; Breathe The Change
    Laurie has been helping individuals on their journey to wellness by teaching about the power of breathing for many years. She will share simple but powerful tools for: optimal physical, mental and emotional well-being, remaining calm and centered in any circumstances; and strengthening the immune system.
  • 3:45-4 p.m. – Closing Remarks

Registration
To register for the Consumer and Family Conference, please call the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota at 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442.

Directions
The Maplewood Community Center is located at 2100 White Bear Avenue in Maplewood.

From Highway 36:

  • Take Highway 36 to the White Bear Avenue exit.
  • Head South on White Bear Avenue.
  • Once past County Road B-E, the Maplewood Community Center will be on the East side of White Bear Avenue.

From Interstate 694/94/35E:

  • Take Highway 35E to the Highway 36 Exit.
  • Take Highway 36 East to the White Bear Avenue exit(unless you're exiting on the North-South side of 694, then head West).
  • Head South on White Bear Avenue.
  • Once past County Road B-E, the Maplewood Community Center will be on the East side of White Bear Avenue.

Contact the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota at 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442 for more information or to register. We hope to see you there!