Because our family is effected by brain injury and epilepsy, we understand the complications and feelings of isolation. Associating with others in similar circumstances inspires and encourages us in our journey. For this reason I’ve gathered information on this month’s support groups and therapy services offered in the Salt Lake Valley. I also included notes from last month’s meetings in case you missed it. Please check out the upcoming events and mark your calendar for the BIAU Annual Conference. Also included are links to useful websites. If you have an activity, announcements or other information you’d like to share in this newsletter, please email Barbara@UnitingCaregivers.com.
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS AVAILABLE IN THE SALT LAKE VALLEY
October 10, 2017– Brain Injury Alliance Support Group for Adults, 6-8 p.m., meet the 2nd Tuesday monthly at Sanderson Community Deaf Center, 5709 South 1500 West, SLC, UT 84123. Join us for a chili dinner. Bring your favorite chili toppings, a side dish, or dessert to share with the group if you would like. A spooky craft will follow dinner. For more information contact Jennifer (801) 386-2195 or Beth (801) 585-5511.
October 19, 2017 – IMC Caregivers and Survivors Education Group, 7pm., meet the 3rd Thursday monthly at Intermountain Medical Center (IMC) 5171 S., Cottonwood St., Bldg. 1 Murray, UT 84107.
Caregivers meet in the conference room on the 7th Floor. This month’s topic: Tricks to Getting Things Done and the Treat of Accomplishment presented by Mark Fox, Director of Neuro Rehab. Timely information to get us through the holiday season.
Survivors meet in the conference room on the 9thFloor. This month’s topic: Exercise, Vitality and Well-being presented by Stephanie Obradovich, Physical Therapist. Please wear comfortable clothing. We will be participating in yoga, Tai Chi and simple exercises.
October 24, 2017 – University of Utah Brain Injury Support Group, 7 p.m., meet the 4th Tuesday monthly at U of U Sugarhouse Health Center, 1138 E. Wilmington Avenue, SLC, UT 84106. Chris Benda, whose son is a TBI survivor, will be presenting Access to Community Resources. For more information contact, Ryan Pello at (801) 581-2221.
FREE WEEKLY GROUPS
INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE NEURO THERAPY SERVICES
Aphasia Talking Practice Group – Meets every Tuesday Noon-1 p.m. 5770 South 250 East #G50
Meditation Group – Meets every Wednesday 3 p.m. 5770 South 250 East Cafeteria Conference Room
Cognitive Skills Group – Meets every Thursday Noon-1 p.m. 5770 South 250 East #G50
Contact: Dr. Russo at antonietta.russo@imail.org
Epilepsy Groups for those affected by seizures.
Together they share coping strategies, provide encouragement, comfort and advice from people with common experiences. For more information contact Margo at (801)455-6089 or Utah@efa.org
October 5, 2017 – Epilepsy Group for Parents 7:00 p.m.-8:15 p.m., meets the 1st Thursday monthly at Riverton Library Auditorium 12877 S. 1830 W., Riverton, UT.
October 12, 2017 – Epilepsy Group for All Effected by Seizures 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., meets the 2nd Thursday monthly at Intermountain Medical Center (IMC) 5171 S. Cottonwood St., Bldg. 1, Ninth Floor, Murray, UT.
October 18, 2017 – Epilepsy Group for All Effected by Seizures 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., meets the 3rd Wednesday monthly at SLC Main Library 200 E. 400 S., SLC, UT (2nd floor conference room).
October 25, 2017 – Epilepsy Group for Teens, 7 p.m., meets the 4th Wednesday monthly at West Jordan Library, 8030 So. 1825 W., West Jordan, UT. There will be two teachers overseeing this group. Come to enjoy an activity and meet other teens with epilepsy.
October 26, 2017 – Epilepsy Group for Women Only 7:00 – 8:15 p.m., meets the 4th Thursday monthly at SLC Main Library 200 E. 400 S. (3rd floor conference room)
THE BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE SUPPORT GROUP for ADULTS MEETING NOTES
Sanderson Community Deaf Center, 5709 South 1500 West, Murray, UT 84107
On Tuesday, September 12, 2017, a meal was enjoyed and a fun, friendly game of Family Feud. Thank you, Jennifer Gee and Beth Cardell for doing a great job directing this group. For more information call Jennifer (801) 468-0027 or Beth (801) 585-5511.
Intermountain Medical Center, 5171 S, Cottonwood St., Bldg. 1, Murray, UT 84107
On September 21, 2017, the Caregivers met in the conference room on the 7th Floor for a great presentation on Strategies for Facilitating a Good Night’s Sleep. Presented by Neuropsychologist, Jon L. Pertab, PhD who gave pertinent information on the importance of sleep and tips on how to improve our rest. The Survivors met in the conference room on the 9th Floor. Trisha Beck shared her own story of Brian Injury and relatable Journey to Live.
University of Utah, Sugarhouse Health Center 1138 E. Wilmington Avenue, SLC, UT 84106. On Tuesday, September 26, 2017, Kellie Linarez with the State of Utah Department of Workforce Services shared information on the Vocational Rehab process and where to go for help. She also gave a workshop schedule for the Work Ability Job Fair on October 3, 2017. Another one will be held in the Spring on April 10, 2018.
BIAU FAMILY & PROFESSIONALS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Building Connections for a Brighter Tomorrow
Date: Friday, October 13, 2017
Time: 8am – 5pm
Place: Davis Conference Center, 1651 No. 700 W. Layton, UT 84041
Registration: $40 for members/ $50 for nonmembers and includes lunch. Scholarships available.
See https://biau.org/events/ for conference details and registration information. “Attendees will learn how individuals with brain injury build connections. Topics will include: Social Skills, Rehabilitation Process, Cognitive Strategies, Technology/App use, Caregiver/Survivor Lessons, ADA, Social Security & Patient Rights, Classroom Executive Functioning, Concussion and Return to Activity/School”
UTAH GRIZZLIES EPILEPSY AWARENESS HOCKEY GAME
Date: October 21, 2017
Time: 7 pm
Place: Maverik Center – West Valley City
Tickets: $10 – $20
You can get your tickets at www.epilepsy.com/utah . “The attendees will be receiving epilepsy information throughout the evening, and the team will be wearing and auctioning the jerseys specially made for this game. Mark your calendar and bring your friends.”
HELPFUL WEBSITES:
http://www.caregiver.org (online webinars for caregivers)
http://www.tbicommunity.org (online educational programs)
http://www.braininjury.com (medical, legal, information resource)
http://www.abta.org (brain tumor education and information)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/tbi (brain injury facts, programs, education)
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/all-disorders (education for brain injury, stroke and other neurological disorders)
http://www.msktc.org/tbi (TBI Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center) national leaders in TBI research and patient care.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support (resource for those with MS)
http://www.epilepsy.com/utah and/or http://www.epilepsy.com (seizure education and support by state or national)
https://biau.org (resource for those with brain injury)
http://www.brainline.org (preventing, treating and living with TBI)
ACTIVITIES TO DO WEBSITES:
https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass (free pass to National Parks & Federal Land Agency areas)
https://wildlife.utah.gov/watchable-wildlife-for-disabled.html (watchable wildlife for disabled persons)
http://slco.org/adaptive/plus-one-pass (Salt Lake County Disability Plus One Pass)
https://twilightinsight.wordpress.com/hobbies/hobbies-for-healing-the-brain/tbi-and-selecting-a-hobby (select a hobby – ideas especially for TBI survivors)
http://www.discovernac.org (National Ability Center)
http://wanderookie.com/blog/2015/07/27/12-beautiful-wheelchair-accessible-trails-in-utah
(wheelchair accessible trails in Utah)
https://www.visitutah.com/Media/Default/One%20Sheeters/Accessible_Utah_web.pdf (list of accessible resources)
wasatchadaptivesports.org (Wasatch Adaptive Sports)
http://www.discovernac.org (National Ability Center)
https://www.meetup.com (meet up groups)
SHARING WEBSITES:
Laptops http://www.brainline.org/abbymaslin (blog about loving and learning after TBI)
http://www.unitingcaregivers.wordpress.com (caregivers sharing stories, tips and thoughts)
http://www.facebook.com/UTteensupportgroup (social interaction and the exchange useful resources)
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