The 18th Annual Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference

Each year the Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference Steering Committee hears the following comment, "This conference just keeps getting better and better!"  It is no wonder given the quality of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and entertainment! 

Jason Stevens of Victoria wowed the crowd with a slide show and presentation that outlined his climb of Mt. McKinley and his story of how he sustained a brain injury and how it delayed his climb for a number of years.  Jason's photos, great sense of humour, and personal story captivated the audience like none other.  We applaud his dedication and perseverance!

Humorist and dynamic speaker, Carol Boothroyd had the audience in stitches with jokes and stories.  As a mother of a young man who sustained a serious brain injury in 1996, Carol brought an added dimension to her talk.  Carol's presentation not only taught us about reducing tension, stress and anxiety through humour, but it really lightened up the conference and sent participants out the door with a glowing smile.

One of the most profound presentations took place on the Pre-Conference Day during the lunch break.  The Kids on the Block is a troupe of near life-size puppets who look and act like real kids (some have disabilities and some are able-bodied).   The troupe's puppeteers are dressed in black so that they "vanish" in the background and the puppets appear to "come alive".  For more than two decades, these delightful puppets have taught children what it is like to be a person with a disability or a difference. A puppet living with the outcome of a brain injury is currently in development. Olive Ndungutse at the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities coordinates the Vancouver-based program.  For more information, or to book The Kids, contact Olive at 604-875-0188 or be email at kob@bccpd.bc.ca