Regular Bird Rate

Regular Bird Rate

Presented by: Jeremy P. McGhee?

With a compelling, richly illustrated tale, Pro Athlete Jeremy P. McGhee invites his audience to join him by taking an honest look in the mirror. In 2012, Jeremy became the first paraplegic to climb and descend Bloody Couloir, a major backcountry ski route in the Eastern Sierras, all with only the use of his arms. Jeremy explains how his greatest obstacles were not physical, but of his own mind. The question that lies at the heart of how to accomplish what we want in life, he proclaims is, ‘How uncomfortable are you willing to get?’ Through his journey of pitfalls, triumphs, and obsession, Jeremy inspires others to take the reins and live the adventure themselves!

Presented by: Christina Dadswell, LMSW

Many clients who have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) subsequently experience feelings related to grief and loss due to the various changes in their own functioning, as well as the secondary changes in their lives and relationships after an injury. This session is designed for clinicians and case managers to better understand the specific type of grief that many TBI survivors experience: ambiguous grief. The feelings of loss and mourning after these changes can be significant enough to impact psychosocial recovery, complicated by the nature of the loss being unclear or lacking closure. Similarly, families may experience a deep and confusing sadness from missing the way their loved one was before their injury, even though they are still alive. In this presentation, Worden's four tasks of mourning will be covered specific to this type of loss after TBI, and how clinicians can support survivors and families to work through the four tasks of grief towards acceptance and recovery.

Presented by: Dr. Nicole Eddy

Cognitive deficits are prevalent following brain injury and contribute to fall risk and other limitations in functional mobility. This presentation reviews current evidence related to dual-task assessment and intervention in individuals with brain injury. The evidence regarding Cognitive- Motor and Motor-Motor dual tasking will be translated into clinical physical therapy practice through discussion of safe, progressive dual-task interventions designed to improve functional performance, mobility, and participation in daily activities as well as appropriate outcome measure selection to assess progress.

Presented by: Dr. Tiffany Wood & Dr. Percival Pangilinan

While preclinical data for nutritional supplements in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is robust, clinical validation and real-world application can be confusing. This session explores the evidence-based role of supplements in neuroprotection and recovery, including omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and probiotics. Attendees of all backgrounds will gain an understanding that goes beyond marketing hype to focus on safety and functional recovery. Participants will leave with practical insights for navigating nutritional supplements in the recovery process. 

Presented by: Shanna Thelen, MS, OTRL, CBIS & Sharon Verheek, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIST

The INCOG 2.0 guidelines and the recommendations from BI-ISIG provide evidence-based frameworks for cognitive rehabilitation following a TBI. While these guidelines synthesize best practices, clinicians often face challenges translating recommendations into functional, occupation-based interventions. This session will bridge the gap between guideline level evidence and every day clinical implementation of OT and SLP treatment to enhance clinical efficiency, improve generalization of skills, and strengthen functional independence to TBI survivors. 

Presented by: Emma Leeburg, BA

Clinical rehabilitation provides a foundation, but thriving in high-stakes professional roles requires specialized engineering. As a severe TBI survivor, Data Scientist at Ford and a mom of two, I will share the specific systems and strategies I developed to move from "scraping by" to professional success. Moving beyond theory, this session provides actionable, tech-forward strategies for managing cognitive load and productivity. Take away a survivor-led blueprint for using technology to bridge the gap between recovery and a flourishing professional life. 

Presented by: Dr. Brittany Wittry

Winter conditions in Michigan significantly increase fall risk for adults living with brain injury. At baseline, this population often experiences impairments in the necessary balance, sensation, and strength needed to prevent falls in warm, dry conditions. This session explores the prevalence of winter-related balance decline and falls in adults with brain injury and identifies key environmental and physiological risk factors. Practical, evidence-based prevention strategies will be shared including mobility adaptations, footwear considerations, environmental modifications, and patient education to support safer participation during Michigan’s winter months.

Presented by: Dr. Abigail Johnson

HOMES is a collection of informational supports and intervention tools designed to support community providers who serve children with brain injury in their home community and at school. Our presentation will focus on reviewing the HOMES catalog of low-tech, easy to download materials developed to address the unique cognitive, social and emotional changes experienced by children and adolescents after BI. Our goal is to empower providers to feel able to address the needs of children continuing rehabilitation at home.

Presented by: Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL, CBIST

This presentation provides clinicians with a practical, compliance-minded introduction to using AI in brain injury rehabilitation. Attendees will learn how AI can support daily clinical documentation, defensible Letters of Medical Necessity, and precise prompt writing aligned with auto insurance requirements. The session also reviews AI as a treatment support tool for client education and care planning. Sample auto-specific prompts will be provided to enable immediate application for stronger documentation and medical necessity justification.

Presented by: Anne Gillingham, OTR/L, CBIS, NCPT & Angie McCalla, MS, CCC-SLP

Families supporting adults with brain injury often need to plan ahead as caregiving roles change. This session offers a practical, clinically grounded framework for determining fit for semi-independent living and the supports that drive success. Attendees will learn how OT and SLP interventions are applied in real-world settings to support executive functioning, communication, safety, and daily routines, while also exploring how to balance independence, safety, and support needs, reflecting the chronic nature of brain injury.

Presented by: Miranda Grunwell, BS

The Disability Rights Movement is left out of most history classes. Join us for an overview of the movements led by disabled activists. We will highlight important historical figures and key moments in disability history. Participants will begin to understand how the Disability Rights Movement fits into civil rights history and how the Disability Justice Movement is changing the conversation around disability. 

Presented by: Renee Roederer

This presentation provides an accessible overview of seizure recognition, response, and support, with special attention to individuals affected by brain injury and epilepsy. Participants will learn practical seizure first aid skills, explore psychosocial impacts of seizures, and better understand how community support and informed care improve quality of life. The session includes educational videos featuring individuals with lived experience with epilepsy, helping participants connect clinical information with real-world perspectives and personal stories. 

Presented by: Jennifer Niec, LMSW, CBIS & Stephanie Wilson, CCC-SLP, CBIS

Patients with sensory integration and modulation impairments often present with agitation, reduced arousal, and/or limited engagement in therapeutic activities. These deficits can impede active participation, creating barriers to providing and appropriately billing for skilled rehabilitation services. Sensory interventions offer a structured, ethical approach to support patient readiness and engagement in therapy.

Individuals with diagnoses such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, encephalopathy, or developmental disorders may be appropriate candidates when treatment goals are guided by a standardized program aimed at optimizing quality of life and supporting return to prior functional levels.

This presentation will provide a clear program layout for implementing sensory based interventions to support functional recovery, even when cognitive or psychological limitations are present. 

Presented by: Nicholas Andrews, JD & Meagan O'Donnell, JD

Michigan's no-fault auto insurance system promises lifelong benefits to most survivors, yet insurers routinely use Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) to challenge and deny necessary care. This session equips survivors and case managers to recognize insurer bullying tactics, understand their legal rights under the No-Fault Act, and prepare effectively for the IME process. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, participants will leave ready to advocate confidently and protect access to the care survivors deserve. 

Presented by: Dr. Diane Powers-Dirette & Jaimie Farrington, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS

This session examines self-awareness after acquired brain injury through an integrated framework grounded in contemporary neurology, psychology, and learning theory. Participants will be introduced to the Self- awareness Enhancement through Learning and Function (SELF) framework and the SELFI, a semi-structured interview that assesses both self-awareness and mindset. The presentation offers practical, interdisciplinary guidelines to support clinicians in addressing impaired self-awareness and strengthening engagement and outcomes throughout rehabilitation.

Presented by: Stephanie Huhn

Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) present unique ethical challenges that extend beyond traditional clinical practice. This session explores common ethical dilemmas involving decision-making capacity, informed consent, autonomy versus safety, confidentiality, family involvement, and interdisciplinary care. Through practical frameworks and examples, participants will strengthen their ability to recognize, analyze, and confidently navigate complex ethical situations while promoting client rights, safety, and ethical, person-centered care. 

Presented by: Calley Lonier, PT, DPT, CBIS & Sarah Miller, MS, OTRL, CBIS

This presentation highlights a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach through two case studies spanning the lifespan—from age 7 to 70 -- each involving acquired brain injury. Participants will engage in an in-depth exploration of coordinated physical and occupational therapy interventions, including co-treatment models that emphasize collaborative clinical reasoning and shared functional goals. Both cases illustrate meaningful neuroplastic change and functional recovery occurring beyond the traditionally emphasized early recovery window, demonstrating measurable gains beyond 6 months to 1-year post-injury. This session underscores the continued potential for neurologic adaptation and functional improvement across age groups when evidence-informed, interdisciplinary strategies are implemented. 

Presented by: Nicholas Andrews, JD & Meagan O'Donnell, JD

Michigan's no-fault auto insurance system promises lifelong benefits to most survivors, yet insurers routinely use Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) to challenge and deny necessary care. This session equips survivors and case managers to recognize insurer bullying tactics, understand their legal rights under the No-Fault Act, and prepare effectively for the IME process. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, participants will leave ready to advocate confidently and protect access to the care survivors deserve. 

Presented by: Amber Foster

This presentation will explore the clinical integration of EyeHarp, an innovative and publicly available eye-gaze music technology, within neurorehabilitation for individuals following Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke. Attendees will learn how EyeHarp can be incorporated into vision and cognitive interventions targeting oculomotor skills, visual scanning, visual neglect and field cut, attention, memory, and executive functioning. The presentation will include clinical examples, integration with traditional vision therapy equipment, and discussion surrounding client engagement, accessibility, and innovative applications within neurorehabilitation practice. 

Presented by: Dr. Michele White

This session will delve into the importance of the caregiver as a member of the treatment team. Often caregivers may feel that their input is an afterthought. This session will highlight why the caregiver should have an equal seat at the table with creating the treatment plan with the treatment team. This session will empower the entire treatment team to work collaboratively to focus on the client goals that will have a lasting impact on the road to recovery.