Brain Injury Voices
Brain Injury Voices
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    • Home
    • Who We Are
    • Our Accomplishments
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    • Books We Like
    • Links We Like
    • Good Press
    • HAVE Award
    • Books By Voices Members

  • Home
  • Who We Are
  • Our Accomplishments
  • Videos
  • Books We Like
  • Links We Like
  • Good Press
  • HAVE Award
  • Books By Voices Members

2010-2019

Annual Accomplishments

 From 2010 to 2019, Brain Injury Voices members have volunteered approximately 21,200 hours, completed 2051 individual peer mentoring sessions and organized and delivered 203 presentations, workshops and keynotes. 

2019 Summary

 Brain Injury Voices’ ten members volunteered approximately 2800 hours 

2019 Education Workshops/Presentations

 

  • Going the Distance Movie Showing and Discussion at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Keynote at the North Dakota Brain Injury Conference
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology Brain Trust
  • Rumford Brain Injury Support Group
  • Krempels Center in Portsmouth, NH
  • NeuroRestorative Support Group in Standish
  • Social Work students at the University of Southern Maine (2 presentations)
  • Mask Class at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Keynote at the Pennsylvania Brain Injury Association Conference
  • CNA & EMT students at the Brunswick Regional Technical High School
  • Workshop at the Stroke Conference 
  • Keynote at the State of Connecticut Brain Injury Conference
  • Mask Class for Rumford Brain injury Support Group
  • Workshop Moderator & Keynote Introduction at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Occupational Therapy Students at USM Lewiston
  • Mask Class at the Aphasia Retreat
  • Maine Support Group Leader Retreat
  • Volunteer Training for Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation (2 Presentations)
  • Speech Therapists at Lingraphica

2019 Advocacy

 

  • Facilitated New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Groups (2 meetings per month)
  • Taught weekly outpatient art class at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for participants with stroke and TBI 
  • Purchased $289 of art supplies for classes & displays at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Participated in music activities at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Participated as members of the following committees:  
    • Brain Injury Association of America-Maine Chapter Advisory Board
    • Maine Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council
    • Brain Injury Association of America Advisory Council 
    • Portland Disability Advisory Committee
    • National Center on Advancing Person Centered Practices Faculty
  • Published an article about Voices in The Challenge, the national magazine of the Brain injury Association of America
  • Named a Brain Injury Hope hero in Brain Injury Hope Magazine
  • Displayed brain injury masks at Encompass Health headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama
  • Created a Voices bookmark to increase awareness about Voices and spread the Voices model of survivor groups making a difference.  Distributed bookmark at conferences and at Brain Injury Awareness Day in DC
  • Discussed the Voices model with interested survivors and professionals from North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Florida, Oklahoma, Illinois and Michigan
  • Attended Administration for Community Living Brain Injury Stakeholder Conference in Washington, DC
  • Attended Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC
  • Visited the DC offices of Senator Angus King, Senator Susan Collins, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Congressman Jared Golden
  • Organized a raffle as part of the Going the Distance movie showing
  • Staffed Voices table at the Brain Injury Association of America—Maine Chapter Resource Fair
  • Gathered testimonials from WINGS and Voices members about the value of support groups and sent them to the Maine Committee on Health & Human Services, in support of a bill funding brain injury services
  • Interviewed on internet radio show Moving Forward 
  • Staffed Voices table at the Maine Stroke Conference
  • Displayed art during Rehab Week at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Staffed Voices table at the Kat-Karo Brain Aneurysm Walk
  • Participated in Kat-Karo Brain Aneurysm Walk
  • Created a flyer for the WINGS Brain Injury Support Group that is posted at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland 
  • Participated in organizing the Maine Support Group Leader Retreat
  • Awarded 18 scholarships, at a cost of $900, for survivors & family members from the WINGS Brain Injury Support Group at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland to attend the 2019 Maine Brain Injury Conference 
  • Raised money for and participated in the Brain Injury Association of America—Maine Chapter’s “Bowling for Brain Injury” event
  • Wrote a recurring column about the WINGS Brain Injury Support Group in the Rehab Roundup Newsletter at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland

2019 Support

 

  • Held 211 one-on-one peer mentoring sessions with brain injury and stroke survivors and family members
  • Held 288 one-on-one brain injury awareness building conversations with medical professionals and members of the community
  • Delivered approximately 300 hours of peer mentoring within WINGS Brain Injury Support Group meetings at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Moderated a Facebook page for Brain Injury Voices
  • Moderated a Facebook group for the WINGS Brain Injury Support Group
  • Arranged guest speakers for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group  
  • Created and gave a “welcome packet” to new members of New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group
  • Revised “Peer Perspectives” Brochure

2018 Summary

Brain Injury Voices’ ten members volunteered approximately 2500 hours as educators, advocates and mentors in 2018.  

2018 Education Workshops/Presentations

  • Silver Linings at Camden Brain Injury Support Group 
  • Resilience at Camden Public Library 
  • Disability Studies Class at the University of New England 
  • Occupational Therapy class at the University of Southern Maine 
  • Westbrook Regional Vocational Center (2 presentations) 
  • Speech at Road Race organized by All Things Become New 
  • Social Work students at the University of Southern Maine (2 presentations) 
  • Weasilience: Handling Life’s Wild Moments keynote at the New Hampshire Brain Injury Association Conference 
  • Artist talk at the Wells Library  
  • CNA & EMT students in Brunswick 
  • Artist Talk at the Sanford Library 
  • Outpatient staff at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland 
  • Service dog presentation at the University of Southern Maine 
  • Lewiston Brain Injury Support Group 
  • Weasilience: Handling Life’s Wild Moments keynote at the Head Injury Community Services conference in Dorchester, MA 
  • To Be Inspired & Returning to Life workshops at the Maine Brain Injury Conference 
  • Volunteer Training for Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation 

2018 Advocacy

  • Facilitated New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Groups (2 meetings per month) 
  • Taught weekly outpatient art class at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for participants with stroke and TBI 
  • Purchased $106.35 of art supplies for classes & displays at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland 
  • Participated in music activities at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland 
  • Participated as members of the following committees: Maine Brain Injury Conference Planning Committee, Brain Injury Association-Maine Chapter Advisory Board, Maine Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council, Brain Injury Association of America Advisory Council 
  • Shared stroke experience with staff from Med Rhythms 
  • Published Resolutions for Brain Injury Survivors & Why Am I So Tired? articles in Brain Injury Hope Magazine  
  • Created and displayed wall of Voices pictures 2010-2018 at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland 
  • Attended Administration for Community Living Brain Injury Stakeholder Conference in Washington, DC 
  • Attended Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC 
  • Visited the DC offices of Senator Angus King, Senator Susan Collins and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree 
  • Met with staff members from Senator Susan Collins’ Portland Office 
  • Staffed Voices table at the Brain Injury Bake-Off at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland 
  • Staffed Voices table at the Brain Injury Association of America—Maine Chapter Resource Fair 
  • Profiled in Brain Injury Association of America’s Challenge Magazine 
  • Profiled in the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire’s Headway Newspaper 
  • Participated in Administration for Community Living Conference Calls 
  • Published Crafting a Life after Brain Injury article on Lash & Associates Brain Injury Blog 
  • Featured on the Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog 
  • Interviewed on internet radio show Another Fork in the Road (2 interviews) 
  • Staffed Voices table at the Maine Stroke Conference 
  • Featured on the My New Normal Blog 
  • Organized a Voices group retreat to begin brainstorming how to spread the Voices model to other states 
  • Staffed Voices table at the Kat-Karo Brain Aneurysm Walk 
  • Participated on Administration for Community Living Technical Expert Panel 
  • Staffed Voices table at the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland Resource Fair  
  • Awarded 11 scholarships, at a cost of $570, for survivors & family members from the WINGS Brain Injury Support Group at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland to attend the 2018 Maine Brain Injury Conference 
  • Raised money for and participated in the Brain Injury Association of America—Maine Chapter’s “Bowling for Brain Injury” event 

2018 Support

  • Held 223 one-on-one peer mentoring sessions with brain injury and stroke survivors and family members 
  • Held 181 one-on-one brain injury awareness building conversations with medical professionals and members of the community 
  • Delivered approximately 300 hours of peer mentoring within WINGS Brain Injury Support Group meetings at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland 
  • Moderated a Facebook page for Brain Injury Voices 
  • Moderated a Facebook group for the WINGS Brain Injury Support Group 
  • Arranged guest speakers for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group 
  • Created and gave a “welcome packet” to new members of New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group 
  • Interviewed by Disability Studies Students from the University of New England (3 interviews) 
  • Invited WINGS members to give presentations as part of the Developing New Voices Members project 
  • Donated $500 to Veterans No Boundaries

2017

Summary

 Brain Injury Voices’ ten members volunteered approximately  2300 hours. 

Education Workshops/Presentations

  •  Weasilience:  Handling Life’s Wild Moments keynote at the Maryland Brain Injury Association Conference
  • Returning to Life after Brain Injury workshop at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Grand Rounds at RiverRidge Brain Injury Center, Kennebunk, Maine
  • Mask Making Classes (2) at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Brain Injury Bingo at Northeast Rehab Hospital, Portsmouth, NH
  • To Root & To Rise:  Accepting Brain Injury Book Launch at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Resilience:  Moving Forward after Adversity webinar for the Brain Injury Association of America
  • Service Dog Presentation at the University of Southern Maine  
  • Celebrating Creativity Talks and Displays during Rehab Week at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland  
  • Brain Injury Association of America—Maine Chapter Advisory Board Meeting
  • Weasilience:  Handling Life’s Wild Moments keynote at the Vermont Brain Injury Association Conference
  • Mask Workshop:  Making the Invisible Visible at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Family Group at Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church
  • Support group at NeuroRestorative in Standish, ME
  • Crafting a Life after Brain Injury for support group at Project Genesis in Manchester, CT

Advocacy

 

  • Facilitated New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Groups (2 meetings per month)
  • Taught weekly outpatient art class at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for participants with stroke and TBI.  
  • Purchased $343 of art supplies for classes & displays at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland  
  • Displayed art at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland  
  • Participated in music jam sessions for inpatients at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland  
  • Participated as members of the following committees: Maine Brain Injury Conference Planning Committee, Brain Injury Association-Maine Chapter Advisory Board, Maine Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council, Brain Injury Association of America Advisory Council
  • Met with staff members from Senator Susan Collins’ Portland Office  
  • Solicited donations for and held a raffle during Returning to Life after Brain Injury workshop—earned $242  
  • Created an exhibit of masks made by members of the WINGS Brain Injury Support Group and displayed it at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland and the Maine Brain Injury Conference  
  • Interviewed by students from the University of New England  
  • Staffed Voices table at the Brain Injury Association of America—Maine Chapter Resource Fair  
  • Testified for the Maine House of Representative about the Brain Injury Waiver  
  • Interviewed on Life Simplified Radio (2 interviews)  
  • Interviewed on Diane Atwood’s Catching Health Podcast  
  • Featured in an article in The Forecaster newspaper  
  • Created and displayed wall of Voices pictures 2010-2017 at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland  
  • Donated book sales to Voices from launch of To Root & To Rise:  Accepting Brain Injury.  Received $716  
  • Interviewed on Amy Zellmer’s podcast, Faces of TBI 
  • Participated in Statewide Disability Fair in Augusta, ME  
  • Awarded 14 scholarships, at a cost of $700, for survivors, family members & students from the WINGS Brain Injury Support Group at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland to attend the 2017 Maine Brain Injury Conference  
  • Attended open house for the Clubhouse at NeuroRestorative in Standish, ME  
  • Solicited $3500+ worth of donations from 46 individuals and businesses for a calendar raffle fundraiser.  Earned $3100.  
  • Organized a showing and discussion of the movie Offset:  Seeing Beauty Through a Brain Injury at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of PortlandRaised money for and participated in the Brain Injury Association of America—Maine Chapter’s “Bowling for Brain Injury” event.

Support

 

  • Held  348 one-on-one peer mentoring sessions with brain injury and stroke survivors and family members
  • Held  124 one-on-one brain injury awareness building conversations with medical professionals and members of the community
  • Delivered approximately 350 hours of peer mentoring within WINGS Brain Injury Support Group meetings at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Ran weekend inpatient bingo games at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland  
  • Moderated a Facebook page for Brain Injury Voices
  • Moderated a Facebook group for the WINGS Brain Injury Support Group
  • Organized social activities for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group
  • Arranged guest speakers for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group 
  • Created and gave a “welcome packet” to new members of New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group
  • Listened to and gave feedback on PT student presentation  
  • Met with a WINGS member and assisted him in preparing for a presentation about brain injury.

2016

Summary

Brain Injury Voices’ eleven members volunteered approximately 2500 hours.

Education Workshops/Presentations

  •  Disability Studies students at the University of New England (2 classes)
  • Telephonic Caregiver Support Group
  • “Resilience:  Moving Forward after Adversity” Photography Exhibit and Talk for participants at NeuroRestorative in Standish, Maine
  • Social Work students at the University of Southern Maine
  • “You CAN Get There From Here” Workshop & Displays at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • “Reinventing Oneself” keynote for service at Sanford Unitarian Church
  • “Working after Brain Injury” panel for employees at United Healthcare as part of their “Disability Awareness Day”
  • “Recovery is More Than Just a Salvage Operation:  Redefining Success after Stroke” Closing Talk at the Maine Stroke Conference
  • “Resilience:  Moving Forward after Adversity” Photography Exhibit and Talk for participants at RiverRidge Brain Injury Center in Kennebunk, Maine
  • Reinventing Oneself:  An Artful Insight Book Talk at the Springvale Library
  • “Weasilience:  Handling Life’s Wild Moments” speech for Grand Rounds at RiverRidge Brain Injury Center in Kennebunk, Maine
  • “Coping with Grief & Loss” for the Ellsworth, Maine Brain Injury Support Group
  • “Art as a Therapeutic Activity for those with Acquired Brain Injuries” talk at the Artist’s Tea during Rehab Week at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • “You CAN Get There from Here” Workshop at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • “Returning to Work after Disability” panel discussion at UNUM
  • Occupational Therapy students at the University of New England
  • “Staying Positive after Brain Injury” for NeuroRestorative Brain Injury Support Group in Standish, Maine
  • “Creativity after Brain Injury” for Camden, Maine Brain Injury Support Group
  • Brain Injury Bingo at the Camden Public Library

Advocacy

  •  Facilitated New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Groups (2 meetings per month).
  • Taught weekly outpatient art class at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for participants with stroke and TBI
  • Purchased $196 of art supplies for classes at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Displayed art at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Participated in music jam sessions for inpatients at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Participated as members of the following committees:  Maine Brain Injury Conference Planning Committee, Brain Injury Association-Maine Chapter Advisory Board, Maine Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council, Brain Injury Association of America Survivor Advisory Council, Maine Statewide Independent Living Council Advisory Board
  • Designed “Driving Card” for brain injury survivors printed by New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Attended Brain Injury Awareness Day in Washington, D.C.  Events included a movie premiere, resource fair and Congressional briefing
  • Met with staff members from Senator Susan Collins’ and Representative Chellie Pingree’s offices in Washington, D.C.
  • Interviewed by students from the University of New England
  • Interviewed by local television station during Brain Injury Awareness Month
  • Gave feedback on a new TBI & Memory handout developed by the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center
  • Participated in a focus group for the Statewide Independent Living Council
  • Staffed Voices tables during the Maine Stroke Conference, Kat-Karo Brain Aneurysm Walk & Rehab Week at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Featured in an article about art in the HealthSouth Connect Magazine
  • Organized screening and discussion of the film Beyond Laughter & Tears, A Journey of Hope
  • Solicited donations for and held a raffle during Beyond Laughter & Tears screening—earned $300
  • Redesigned the Brain Injury Voices website
  • Filmed videos for the Statewide Independent Living Council
  • Interviewed on “Recovery Now” Brain Injury Radio Show
  • Awarded 17 scholarships, at a cost of $690, for survivors & family members from the WINGS Brain Injury Support Group at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland to attend the 2016 Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Raised money for and participated in the Brain Injury Association of America—Maine Chapter’s “Bowling for Brain Injury” event.

Support

  •  Held 265 one-on-one peer mentoring sessions with brain injury and stroke survivors and family members
  • Held 193 one-on-one brain injury awareness building conversations with medical professionals and members of the community
  • Delivered approximately 350 hours of peer mentoring within WINGS Brain Injury Support Group meetings at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Ran inpatient weekend bingo games at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Organized social activities for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group.
  • Arranged guest speakers for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group 
  • Created and gave a “welcome packet” to new members of New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group
  • Created WINGS Brain Injury Support Group Manual for Leaders.

2015

Summary

Brain Injury Voices’ twelve members volunteered approximately 2500 hours.

Education Workshops/Presentations

  •  Physical Therapy Students at the University of New England
  • Inpatient Staff at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland (2 Sessions)
  • Social Work Students at the University of Southern Maine
  • Student Nurses at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland (5 Sessions)
  • “Crafting a Life after Brain Injury” Project at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland (7 “make & take” craft classes for brain injury survivors)
  • Health Students at Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut
  • “Building Resilience:  The Art of Bouncing Forward” Workshop at the New Hampshire Brain Injury Association Annual Conference
  • Presentation for brain injury/stroke support group at Northeast Rehab Hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
  • “Never Give up on Happiness” keynote speech at survivor/family conference organized by Community Bridges in Concord, New Hampshire
  • “Reinventing Oneself:  An Artful Insight” keynote for service at Sanford Unitarian Church
  • “Never Give up on Happiness” keynote for Maine Recreation Therapy Association Conference
  • “On the Road Again” & “Filling One’s Toolbox” Workshops at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • “Weasilience:  Handling Life’s Wild Moments” keynote at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Volunteer Training at Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation
  • Therapeutic Recreation Students at the University of Southern Maine
  • Staff at Shalom House in Portland, Maine

Advocacy

  •  Facilitated New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Groups
  • Taught weekly outpatient art class at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for participants with stroke, brain injury & multiple sclerosis
  • Purchased $188 of art supplies for classes at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Displayed art at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Participated in music jam sessions for inpatients at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Member of the Maine Brain Injury Conference Planning Committee
  • Member of the Brain Injury Association-Maine Chapter Advisory Board
  • Member of the Maine Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council
  • Visited the Portland offices of Senator Susan Collins, Senator Angus King and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree to increase brain injury awareness and to advocate for repealing the Medicare Therapy Cap
  • Interviewed on WMPG Radio about Simplifying Life after Brain Injury
  • “After the Crash”  article published in TBI Hope & Inspiration Magazine
  • Dinner with Concussion Awareness & Support Organization at Trinity College
  • Received publicity about the “Crafting a Life after Brain Injury Project” in Diane Atwood’s blog “Catching Health” and Cheryl Green’s blog “Who am I to Stop it?”
  • Artwork & writing published in TBI Hope & Inspiration Magazine
  • Dinner with concussion awareness advocate Ray Ciancaglini
  • Featured in the Brain Injury Association-Maine Chapter June Newsletter
  • Created a video of highlights of Voices activities from 2010-2015
  • Bev Bryant “Pearls of Wisdom” published in TBI Hope & Inspiration Magazine
  • Staffed a Voices table at the Maine Stroke Conference
  • Staffed Brain Injury Voices table as part of the “National Rehab Week” Community Fair at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Taught patients, staff & community members how to make earrings at the Artist Tea during “National Rehab Week” at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Created a marketing brochure for Brain Injury Voices
  • Awarded 18 scholarships, at a cost of $740, for survivors & family members from the WINGS Brain Injury Support Group at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland to attend the 2015 Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Participated in a focus group discussing needs of brain injury survivors in Maine
  • Raised money for and participated in the Brain Injury Association of America—Maine Chapter’s “Bowling for Brain Injury” event.

Support

  •  Held 400 one-on-one peer mentoring sessions with brain injury and stroke survivors and family members
  • Held 115 one-on-one brain injury awareness building conversations with medical professionals and members of the community
  • Delivered approximately 350 hours of peer mentoring within WINGS Brain Injury Support Group meetings at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Ran inpatient weekend bingo games at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Organized social activities for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group
  • Arranged guest speakers for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group  
  • Created and gave a “welcome packet” to new members of New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group
  • Mentored a high school student doing her senior project on brain injury
  • Began the “Sharing the Load” project to distribute Voices workload
  • Created Voices “Magic Space”—a Google Site to enhance group communication.

2014

Summary

Brain Injury Voices’ twelve members volunteered approximately 2700 hours.

Education Workshops/Presentations

  •  Physical Therapy Students at the University of New England
  • Therapeutic Recreation Students at the University of Southern Maine
  • Inpatient Staff at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland (2 Presentations)
  • Occupational Therapy Students at the University of New England (2 Presentations)
  • Social Work Students at the University of New England
  • Social Work Students at the University of Southern Maine (2 Presentations)
  • Student Nurses at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland (4 Presentations)
  • Discussion of “The Crash Reel” movie with students at the University of New England
  • Hospital Award for Volunteer Excellence (HAVE Award) Acceptance Speech in Washington, DC at the American Hospital Association national conference
  • Alumnae at Mount Holyoke College—Presentation during reunion on the theme of transformation
  • Conference for Health Professionals on “Person-Centeredness and Shared-Decision Making”
  • “Laughing & Learning:  The Wisdom of Bev Bryant”, a free evening workshop for survivors and families at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland to honor Bev Bryant.  Activities included the humorous tribute speech “Weasilience” and a bingo game using “pearls of wisdom” from Bev’s books & speeches.
  • Participation in panel discussion “Traveling with a Disability” as part of “National Rehab Week” at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • “Reinventing Oneself”—Keynote Speech at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • “Finding One’s Voice: Moving from Standing up to Standing out” and “Laughing while Learning:  The Wisdom of Bev Bryant”—workshops at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Participation in the “Dog Days of Rehab” workshop at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Volunteer training for Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation
  • High School Students at the Merriconeag Waldorf School—panel as part of a student’s senior project on brain injury

Advocacy

  •  Facilitated New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Groups
  • Taught weekly outpatient art class at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for participants with stroke, brain injury & multiple sclerosis
  • Purchased $234 of art supplies for classes at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Displayed art at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Participated in music jam sessions for inpatients at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Member of the Maine Brain Injury Conference Planning Committee
  • Visited inpatients at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland with therapy dog
  • Wrote a tribute to Bev Bryant that appeared in the national brain injury magazine “Brain Injury Journey”
  • Received publicity about the HAVE Award from a story in Diane Atwood’s Blog, “Catching Health”, an article in the South Portland Sentry, a television news story on WMTW Channel 8 and a blurb in the Portland Press Herald newspaper
  • Raised $6700 to pay travel expenses for Voices members to go to Washington, DC from May 4th-7th for the HAVE Award.  Monies raised paid for flight and hotel costs, two group meals and a $125 per person stipend for other meals. Fundraising activities included a benefit show by Sparks Ark, bake sale, two raffles and a silent auction.  Donations were also received through a link on the Voices website and a GoFundMe page. (Total Voices cost of the trip was $8200. Balance was paid from funds raised in 2013.)
  • Met with the CEO and the Director of Government Affairs from the Brain Injury Association of America while in Washington, DC for the HAVE Award
  • Met with Maine Senator Angus King and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree while in Washington, DC for the HAVE Award.
  • Toured Walter Reed National Military Hospital while in Washington, DC for the HAVE Award
  • Created a video of the HAVE Award Ceremony
  • Staffed a Brain Injury Voices table at the Maine Stroke Conference
  • Interviewed on the Brain Injury Radio Network
  • Sponsored a veteran with a brain injury to attend the Veterans No Boundaries Program ($500) and greeted that veteran at the airport when he arrived
  • Staffed Brain Injury Voices tables as part of the “National Rehab Week” Community Fair and Open House at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Awarded 20 scholarships, at a cost of $1000, for survivors & family members from the WINGS Brain Injury Support Group at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland to attend the 2014 Maine Brain Injury Conference.

Support

  •  Held 214 one-on-one peer mentoring sessions with brain injury and stroke survivors and family members
  • Held 149 one-on-one brain injury awareness building conversations with medical professionals and members of the community
  • Delivered approximately 400 hours of peer mentoring within WINGS Brain Injury Support Group meetings at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Ran an every other month inpatient bingo game at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland impacting 46 patients and 19 family members
  • Organized social activities for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group
  • Arranged guest speakers for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group  
  • Created and gave a “welcome packet” to new members of New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS Brain Injury Support Group
  • Mentored a high school student doing her senior project on brain injury
  • Offered “technical support” to the new teen/young adult brain injury support group at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Opened the WINGS Lending Library at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland with 100+ books on brain injury & stroke.

2013

Summary

Brain Injury Voices’ eleven members volunteered approximately 2000 hours.

Education Workshops/Presentations

  •  Physical Therapy, Social Work & Nursing Students at the University of New England
  • Inpatient Staff at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Occupational Therapy Students at the University of New England
  • Epilepsy Foundation Conference Workshop
  • Social Work Students at the University of Southern Maine
  • Entire student body at Fort Kent Community High School
  • Clients & staff at Aroostook Mental Health Services Center for Integrated Rehab
  • Student Nurses at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Outpatient Staff at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • “From Surviving to Thriving”, a day-long conference organized by Brain Injury Voices at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for brain injury & stroke survivors and families with keynote “Reinventing Oneself” and two tracks of workshops.  Workshops included “Survivor Strategies”, “A Family Affair”, “Resilience for Survivors” and “Resilience for Families”.
  • Maine Music Teachers Association Conference panel discussion on “The Brain and Music”
  • Maine Housing Authority Staff—“Communicating with People with Brain Injuries”
  • “Reinventing Oneself”, “Resilience—The Art of Bouncing Forward” and “The Road to Self-Advocacy—Training your own Service Dog” workshops at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Case study for nursing & medical students at the University of New England
  • New Volunteer Training at Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation

Advocacy

  • Facilitated New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s Brain Injury Support Groups
  • Taught weekly outpatient art class at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for participants with stroke, brain injury & multiple sclerosis
  • Participated in music jam sessions for inpatients at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Visited inpatients at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland with therapy dog
  • Featured in Diane Atwood’s Blog, “Catching Health”
  • Featured in blog “Who am I to Stop it?”
  • Solicited donations for a raffle which included a Red Sox package and a Kennebunkport package (combined value $1000) to raise funds to purchase books on brain injury/stroke for lending library for support group, to offer scholarships for survivors to attend Maine Brain Injury Conference, to purchase supplies for survivor art classes and instruments for music at New England Rehab and to sponsor a soldier with a brain injury to attend Veterans No Boundaries, a program of Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation.  Raised $4800.
  • Presented an $800 check to Veterans No Boundaries to sponsor two soldiers
  • Member of the Maine Brain Injury Conference Planning Committee
  • Staffed a Brain Injury Voices table as part of “National Rehab Week” at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Purchased $100 of art supplies for classes at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Displayed art at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Awarded 24 scholarships, at a cost of $1000, for survivors & family members from the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland Brain Injury Support Group to attend the 2013 Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Staffed a Brain Injury Voices table at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Interviewed by Maine Public Radio for a two-part series on the challenges of living with a brain injury
  • Ran a 50/50 “Cash for the Holidays” raffle to raise money for survivor scholarships to the 2014 Maine Brain Injury Conference. Raised $3200, enough for 3+ years of scholarships.
  • Received the Lewis & Clara Lamont Brain Injury Advocacy Award
  • Nominated for national volunteer award, the HAVE (Hospital Award for Volunteer Excellence).

Support

  •  Held 153 one-on-one peer mentoring sessions with brain injury survivors and family members
  • Delivered approximately 300 hours of peer mentoring within brain injury support group meetings
  • Ran a monthly inpatient bingo game at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland impacting 73 patients and 24 family members
  • Organized social activities for the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland Brain Injury Support Groups
  • Arranged guest speakers for the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland Brain Injury Support Groups  
  • Organized a systematic “mentor of the month” to welcome new members to New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s Brain Injury Support Group
  • Created and gave a “welcome packet” to new members of New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s Brain Injury Support Group
  • Stocked the “go-cart”—a tool used to help inpatients relearn basic skills
  • Mentored a high school student doing her senior project on brain injury
  • Used donations received in memory of a support group member to create a gift packet for family caregivers at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland.  Packet included a notebook, brochures on caregiving, inspirational quotes and a local café gift certificate
  • Received donations of and purchased ($560) nearly 100 books on brain injury & stroke for a lending library for the New England Rehab Brain Injury Support Group.

2012

Summary

Brain Injury Voices’ eleven members volunteered approximately 1700 hours.

Education Workshops/Presentations

  •  Social Work Students at the University of Southern Maine
  • Student Nurses at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland (5 presentations)
  • Certified Nursing Assistants at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Physical Therapy, Social Work & Nursing Students at the University of New England
  • Organized “Finding Happiness after Brain Injury”, a free evening workshop at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for brain injury survivors & family members, which included a panel discussion and closing keynote.
  • Designed and delivered “Healing from Within—Using Survivor-Run Support Groups to Enhance Brain Injury Recovery” workshop at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Participated in “Community Re-entry” workshop at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Panel discussion for clients & family members at Bayside NeuroRehab Services
  • New Volunteer Training at Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation

Advocacy

  •  Facilitated New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s brain injury support groups
  • Taught weekly outpatient art class at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for participants with stroke, brain injury & multiple sclerosis
  • Wrote letters to Congressional Representatives regarding the Medicare Therapy Cap
  • Met with a representative from Senator Susan Collins’ office regarding the Medicare Therapy Cap
  • Created signs and organized a group to welcome and thank a Maine soldier coming home from her service treating soldiers with brain injuries in Afghanistan
  • Subject of a poster presentation at the National CRRN Conference in Tennessee
  • Interviewed by Maine Public Broadcasting Network regarding brain injury needs in Maine
  • Presented at the Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council open forum on brain injury needs in Maine
  • Member of the Maine Brain Injury Conference Planning Committee
  • Participated in National Rehab Week Activities at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland—table with Voices materials, speech at “Artist Tea”
  • Solicited donations and organized a silent auction/raffle with 50 items to raise funds to offer survivors scholarships to attend the Maine Brain Injury Conference.  
  • Created a website for Brain Injury Voices
  • Created two bulletin boards at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland to inform patients & staff about Brain Injury Voices
  • Designed a logo for Brain Injury Voices
  • Article about Voices in Diane Atwood’s Blog, Catching Health
  • Participated in several music jam sessions for inpatients at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Therapy dog visits at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Attended Brain Injury Information Network (BIIN) Partner Meeting, offered feedback on their newsletter.

Support

  • Held 115 peer mentoring sessions with brain injury survivors and family members
  • Delivered approximately 300 hours of peer mentoring in New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland Brain Injury Support Group meetings
  • Ran a monthly Inpatient Bingo Game at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland impacting 75 patients and 35 family members
  • Organized social activities for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s Brain Injury Support Groups
  • Arranged guest speakers for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s Brain Injury Support Groups  
  • Created a rotating “mentor of the month” to welcome new members to New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s Brain Injury Support Groups
  • Developed a welcome packet for new members of New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s Brain Injury Support Groups
  • Stocked the “go-cart”—a tool used to help inpatients relearn basic skills
  • Solicited donations of books on brain injury & stroke to begin a lending library for the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland Brain Injury Support Groups
  • Awarded 15 $50 scholarships for survivors to attend the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • Offered advice & shared resources with PACT—Portland Amputees Coming Together, a new volunteer education/advocacy group.

2011

Summary

Brain Injury Voices nine members volunteered approximately 1200 hours.

Education Workshops/Presentations

  •  Social Work Students at the University of Southern Maine (2 Presentations)
  • Student Nurses at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland (2 Presentations)
  • Certified Nursing Assistants at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Inpatient Therapists at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland (2 Presentations)
  • Physical Therapy, Social Work & Nursing Students at the University of New England
  • “Grief & Loss” and “Work & Travel” workshops at the Maine Brain Injury Conference
  • “Brain Injury Perspectives”, a free evening workshop at New England Rehabilitation Hospital for brain injury survivors & family members. 
  • Occupational Therapy Students at the University of New England
  • Pulmonary Support Group at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Volunteer Training at Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation

Advocacy

  •  Facilitated New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s WINGS brain injury support groups
  • Taught weekly outpatient art class at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for participants with stroke, brain injury & multiple sclerosis
  • Purchased supplies for art classes at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Displayed art work at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Participated in music jam sessions for inpatients at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Visited inpatients at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland with therapy dog
  • Member of Maine Professional Brain Injury Conference Planning Committee
  • Created Voices Poster for the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland Safety Fair
  • Wrote letters to U.S. Senators/Representatives in support of brain injury rehabilitation services
  • Arranged for Girl Scouts to visit New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Nominated for national volunteer award, the HAVE Award (Hospital Award for Volunteer Excellence & a local volunteer award, Healthcare Heroes
  • Attended “Brain Injury Advocacy” training at Central Maine Community College
  • Interviewed by WCSH Channel 6 Television for Brain Injury Awareness Month
  • Partnered with the Brain Injury Information Network of Maine
  • Participated in New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Support

  • Held 106 one-on-one peer mentoring sessions with brain injury and stroke survivors and family members
  • Delivered approximately 300 hours of peer mentoring in the brain injury support group at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Ran monthly inpatient Bingo Game at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland impacting 91 patients and 61 family members
  • Organized social activities for the New England Rehab Brain Injury Support Groups
  • Arranged guest speakers for the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland brain injury support groups 
  • Created welcome packet for new members of the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s brain injury support group
  • Created lap quilts for New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland inpatients
  • Received award as New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland Volunteers of the Year
  • Participated in a “Jazzy Jonny” Fashion Show at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Sent a package of art, crafts & writing to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
  • Solicited musical instrument donations for a music therapy program at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland.

2010

Summary

Brain Injury Voices nine members volunteered approximately 1000 hours.

Education Workshops/Presentations

  • Student Nurses at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Inpatient Therapists at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • An entire track of 4 workshops and the closing keynote at the Maine Brain Injury Conference.  Workshops titled “From Recreation to Re-Creation—Crafting a Life after Brain Injury”, “Making it Together—Spousal Issues after Brain Injury”, Resetting the Tone—Using Music to Express Oneself & Enhance Recovery”, “Managing the Flood—Life after Stroke”.  Closing keynote titled “We are Voices”.
  • Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Music & Wellness Symposium
  • Keynote address for the Maine Occupational Therapy Conference—“Never Give up on Happiness”
  • Maine Stroke Conference
  • Volunteer Training at Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation

Advocacy

  •  Facilitated New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland’s brain injury support group
  • Taught weekly outpatient art class at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for participants with stroke, brain injury & multiple sclerosis
  • Displayed art work at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Participated in music jam sessions for inpatients at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland
  • Visited inpatients at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland with therapy dog
  • Member of Maine Professional Brain Injury Conference Planning Committee
  • Created a Brain Injury Voices mission statement
  • Presented to the Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council about needs for brain injury survivors in Maine
  • Designed biographical forms for use by inpatient & outpatient staff at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland.

Support

  • Held 16 one-on-one peer mentoring sessions with survivors & family members
  • Delivered approximately 100 hours of peer mentoring in brain injury support group meetings
  • Ran a monthly inpatient Bingo Game at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland impacting 38 patients and 26 family members Organized social activities for the New England Rehab Brain Injury Support Groups
  • Arranged guest speakers for the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland brain injury support groups.

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