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Research Study: The Experiences of Self-Identity, Self-Awareness, and Occupational Engagement in Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury

Dr. Julia Schmidt, PhD, BSC (OT) is the Principal Investigator of a new research study on the experiences of self-identity, self-awareness, and occupational engagement in individuals with traumatic brain injury.

Are you interested in sharing your experiences of life after traumatic brain injury? If so, your involvement includes completing five questionnaires and an intereview. Click here to view a larger image.

The questionnaires will take approximately 45 minutes and will ask you about:

demographic data (example: age)
issues related to your injury
how you perceive yourself
your abilities
your daily activities

The intereview will take approximately 40 to 60 minutes and will ask you about:

your injury
how you perceive yourself
your […]

Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors – (Part 6 of 6)

This is the sixth post in Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors. If you missed the beginning of Tony’s Journey, click here to read it.

It’s been eleven years since Tony’s first stroke. In that time, he’s had his share of ups and downs–and learned some pretty big life lessons. “It’s all part of the process,” Tony says. In his view, recovery is a continuous, lifelong journey.

Throughout Between The Lines, Tony has shared his experiences and […]

Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors – (Part 5 of 6)

This is the fifth post in Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors. If you missed the beginning of Tony’s Journey, click here to read it.

Before his first stroke, Tony was a busy guy. As a husband and father of two, Tony spent his days driving his kids to sports practice, cooking for the family, and in general being a pretty involved family man–on top of working a fast-paced full-time job.

When the stroke happened, all of that came to a […]

Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors – (Part 4 of 6)

This is the fourth post in Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors. If you missed the beginning of Tony’s Journey, click here to read it.

Ask Tony (or any stroke survivor) and he’ll tell you that the toughest part of having a stroke isn’t surviving–it’s recovering.

After an intensive week in the hospital, Tony returned home to continue his recovery. It was frustrating, grappling with his new reality; he was limited physically, so he couldn’t do many […]

Tony’s Journey: Introduction (Part 1 of 6)

Here’s the thing about acquired brain injuries: everyone’s experience is different. For some, recovery might be fairly quick, and for others, it might be a lifelong process. That’s why we created Between the Lines–to give brain injury survivors a platform to share their unique story.

In this series, brain injury survivor Tony Mok shares his experience with an acquired brain injury, and all that he’s learned from the recovery process. But first, let’s paint a picture of him for you: Tony is a congenial, loving husband […]

The Compassionate Voice

A little compassion and kindness go a long way in life. This is especially true with brain injury. The aftermath of brain injury impacts everyone. It affects the individual in significant ways. It brings change to a family on many levels, and it has extraordinary consequences for the spouse or partner.

Brain injury shrouds the entire family with a cloak of uncertainty and aloneness. Everyone is met with the challenge of rebuilding life, often from ground zero. This is incredibly difficult when the outside world’s perception is “you look like the same family, so behave like the same family.” It takes courage, resiliency, stick-to-itiveness, and most of all, self-compassion to keep putting one […]

Update on the BC Recovery Benefit and people receiving Ministry assistance

FEBRUARY 18, 2021 by DABC

DABC has been informed that clients currently receiving Ministry assistance (PWD, Income Assistance, Hardship Assistance), will automatically receive the BC Recovery Benefit – there is now no need to apply for the BC Recovery Benefit separately.

The following information comes directly from the Ministry:

“As of February 2021, the BC Recovery Benefit will be automatically paid to people on income, disability or hardship assistance and people receiving the senior’s supplement who were receiving assistance by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR) in December 2020 or January 2021.

• SDPR clients will receive the full BC Recovery Benefit amounts of $500 for single people an $1,000 for single-parent families and two-parent families.

• SDPR clients will […]

Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors – (Part 3 of 6)

This is the third post in Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors. If you missed the beginning of Tony’s Journey, click here to read it.

In 2009, Tony Mok had his first stroke. Luckily, his wife recognized the signs, called 911, and he was rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

But let’s back up for a second: why was it so important for Tony to get to the hospital as soon as possible?

A stroke is what happens

Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors – (Part 2 of 6)

This is the second post in Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors. If you missed the beginning of Tony’s Journey, click here to read it.

lighting striking Every year, there are over 62,000 new strokes in Canada. And every year, 14,000 Canadians die from stroke. Tony is one of the survivors–and it’s thanks to his wife, Ann-Marie, for taking action.

One Friday night in 2009, Tony and his wife were going through their regular routine, chatting with each other while getting ready for bed. […]

Time to Talk Traumatic Brain Injury Podcast

Time To Talk Podcast Logo

Time to Talk Traumatic Brain injury is a podcast created by survivors of brain injury. It is dedicated to traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors who are doing their best to live a healthy and productive life post injury. In this podcast you will hear from survivors, caregivers, medical professionals, and others!

Several of the Time to Talk Traumatic Brain Injury podcasts are currently and will continue to feature interviews with doctors and physiotherapists working in the field of brain injury, as well as others in the medical field including occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other rehabilitation experts. Most importantly, the voices of actual survivors will talk about how they […]

What is MyGuide Concussion?

MyGuide Concussion website provides current best practice knowledge to help adults with concussion manage symptoms, develop skills and confidence to take action in their recovery and feel empowered to get back to their life after a concussion.

Click on image to view it larger

Developed by a team of experienced clinicians and content experts, MyGuide Concussion provides a personalized guide for each user on:

Introduction to common symptoms and concussion recovery basics
Guidance for gradually returning to activities
Strategies for becoming a self-manager
Tips for navigating the health care system

How is MyGuide Concussion unique?

While there are a number of websites […]

We want to hear from you!

If you sustained a brain injury in a car crash after April 1, 2019, we are keen to hear your experiences, thoughts, feelings and advice.

We invite you to please use this new online survey to tell us your story.

Our intent is to collect meaningful stories that reflect survivors’ experiences in navigating the new ICBC Accident Benefits Coverage. We will collate the information and identify common themes, share a summary of it with ICBC, and use it to inform next steps.

We want to identify opportunities for improvement and hear your thoughts about additional information or activities that can support survivors in navigating […]

Recovering from a Car Crash? Explore your Treatment, Benefit and Settlement Options.

Have you been injured in a crash and you are recovering but things aren’t going as planned? Changes to ICBC’s Accident Benefits Coverage has shifted focus from financially compensating injuries to a care-based system. There’s now more money available for your medical care, treatment and rehabilitation expenses, as well as wage loss if you’re unable to work.

Effective April 1st, 2019: Find all of the changes to the ICBC Accident Benefits coverage by clicking the link.

If you are a BC resident and were injured in a car crash after April 1st, 2019, this final blog post in our series […]

Brain Injury Recovery Resource List: Tutorial Video

Searching for services to support recovery from a brain injury can be overwhelming. We created an online list of resources to help people recovering from brain injury access the supports they need. You can find this list of services (we call it a “Repository” for short) by clicking on the Resources menu item above.

Watch our tutorial to learn how to navigate through our list of brain injury recovery resources

And now…we’ve created a short tutorial video that shows you some of the ways you can search the 300+ services we have listed.

Watch the video to learn how to:

Find a Brain Injury Organization in your local area. This is a good first step, […]

ICBC’s New Accident Benefits Coverage: Your Step-by-Step Guide.

Have you been injured in a crash and think you might have a concussion or brain injury? Are you wondering what to do next?

ICBC recognizes that receiving medical treatment as soon as practically possible is critically important in these cases. They have therefore improved Accident Benefits, as well as changed the insurance process to ensure their top priority — you, their customer — get the care and support needed.

Effective April 1st, 2019: Find all of the changes to the ICBC Accident Benefits coverage by clicking the link.

If you are a BC resident and were injured in a car crash after April 1st, […]

ICBC’s New Accident Benefits Coverage: What you Need to Know.

In 2017, there were 350,000 motor vehicle crashes in British Columbia that were reported to ICBC. Of those, 95,000 resulted in injuries to a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist.

ICBC identified that accessing medical treatment as soon as practically possible is crucial in these instances. Thus, they have improved Accident Benefits. They also changed the insurance process to ensure their top priority — you, their customer — get the care and support you need.

Effective April 1st, 2019: Find all of the changes to the ICBC Accident Benefits coverage by clicking the link.

Click on the plus symbols beside the questions below to learn […]

What is a concussion?

Concussion, a form of traumatic brain injury, is the most common type of brain injury. Concussions are caused by a direct blow or jolt to the head, face or neck. Most well known for taking place in sporting activities, concussions can take many forms and happen for a variety of reasons, such as falls, crashes, assaults, motor vehicle accidents etc. It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion as soon as possible. Taking the right precautions to heal from a brain injury is key to the success of one’s recovery. Often described as ‘mild […]

Jeff’s Journey: How a family survives a stroke

Jeff Palmer was affected by a stroke at age 37. As a husband, father of two boys, working a job he loved and coaching baseball for his kids, the impacts the stroke had on his life were numerous. Three years after the stroke, Jeff is still adjusting to physical mobility challenges, working on regaining verbal communication, nourishing his personal relationships and trying to keep his spirits up. The Palmers have experienced a challenging road with all the changes but they are committed to working through Jeff’s stroke recovery together. Thanks to programs like Hope After Stroke offered by Langley Community Support Groups Society, Jeff continues to improve his mobility with group physical exercise and activities. He […]

Brain injury recovery resource list: new services have been added

Searching for services to support recovery from a brain injury can be overwhelming. We’ve created an online list of resources to help people recovering from brain injury access the supports they need. You can find this list of 300+ services (we call it a “Repository” for short) by clicking on the Resources menu item. You can search for information on a wide variety of helpful services ranging from support groups to rehab services, to housing options and financial assistance. We have also included services that help individuals return to life, such as […]

Spice up your holidays with brain-healthy seasonings

Many of the flavorings that add a special touch to our favorite holiday foods confer the gift of brain health at the same time. Researchers have discovered that cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices that we mix into baked goods and savory dishes contain nutrients that sharpen memory, reduce stress, or improve sleep, among other benefits.

Load More Posts

Research Study: The Experiences of Self-Identity, Self-Awareness, and Occupational Engagement in Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury

Finding Purpose in What You Love

Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors – (Part 6 of 6)

Slowing Down and Getting Back to Basics

Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors – (Part 5 of 6)

How Counselling Holds Families Together

Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors – (Part 4 of 6)

Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors

Tony’s Journey: Introduction (Part 1 of 6)

The Compassionate Voice

Update on the BC Recovery Benefit and people receiving Ministry assistance

Facing Real Fears is the Key to Recovery

Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors – (Part 3 of 6)

Stroke Awareness Saves Lives

Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors – (Part 2 of 6)

Time to Talk Traumatic Brain Injury Podcast

MyGuide Concussion

What is MyGuide Concussion?

How is MyGuide Concussion unique?

Online Survey: We want to hear from you if a car crash resulted in brain injury

We want to hear from you!

Recovering from a Car Crash? Explore your Treatment, Benefit and Settlement Options.

Brain Injury Recovery Resource List: Tutorial Video

Watch our tutorial to learn how to navigate through our list of brain injury recovery resources

ICBC’s New Accident Benefits Coverage: Your Step-by-Step Guide.

ICBC’s New Accident Benefits Coverage: What you Need to Know.

Click on the plus symbols beside the questions below to learn […]

Greta Cooper’s Story: Coping with Concussion Symptoms

What is a concussion?

Jeff’s Journey: How a family survives a stroke

Spice up your holidays with brain-healthy seasonings