Conference Opening - Thursday, October 20, 2005

Welcome Reception - 5 to 7 pm - Tiffany Ballroom
Conference attendees are welcome to join our dedicated volunteers, presenters and sponsors at a Welcome Reception from 5 to 7 pm hosted by the our Conference Exhibitors and Conference Steering Committee. Join us at this informal and festive gathering to celebrate the opening of Canada ’s Premier National Conference on Brain Injury. This is your opportunity to start the conference in a positive way...renewing old and meeting new acquaintances before joining us at the Opening Keynote session.

NEW - Opening Keynote: A Global Vision 7 – 8 pm - Baccarat
Jerome Bickenbach speaks on "A Global Vision". As a consultant with the World Health Organization since 1995, Dr. Bickenbach has been working on the International Classification on Function and developing this international disability social policy. He has extensive research in disability studies including the relationship between disability and health and the implications for health measures. He will review the ethics and policy implications of the ICF and provide an overview of various studies and research focusing on the nature of disability and disability law.

Conference Exhibits - Tiffany Ballroom
Thursday, October 20 to Saturday October 22, 2005
We have invited exhibitors to the conference who support the conference goals to increase awareness of services, programs and new approaches in research. As co-hosts of the Welcome Reception and Refreshment Breaks, please support our exhibitors by visiting their booths during the conference hours.

Limited exhibit space is available.  Please direct your inquiries to the conference organizer at 604-944-2652 or email info@pcbic.org.

Poster Presentations - Crystal Foyer
Friday, October 21 & Saturday, October 22, 2005
As part of our objective to provide attendees with an interactive learning experience we have scheduled poster presentations accessible for viewing daily during the conference hours. Poster presenters are available to discuss their presentations at specified times. We invite you to take the time to view each poster.

Opening Act – Kids On The Block - Crystal Ballroom
Friday, October 21, 2005 – 8:30 am
The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities is proud to be able to bring the Kids on the Block program to Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference. Introducing Justin Campbell a new “Kid” on the block!  Meet 14 year old Justin Campbell, high school student and talented artist from “Woodburn Junior High School”.  Justin sustained a brain injury in a serious automobile accident three months ago.  Immediately following the accident he was admitted to hospital and later transferred to a rehabilitation facility. After a month Justin was able to return home where he continued receiving his various therapies on an outpatient basis. Justin was also able to return to school and now attends for a shortened day.  In school Justin is learning several compensatory strategies which enable him to do most of the things he enjoyed doing before like painting!
The Kids on the Block program on Brain Injury was designed to educate children about brain Injury and brain Injury prevention.  Justin Campbell was first introduced to the world at the Brain Injury Association of America’s Annual Public Policy Conference in March 2002.
Through Justin, elementary students have been learning some of the emotional and cognitive changes frequently experienced by people living with brain injuries. Students have also been learning how Justin’s brain injury affects his life and his friendships. The prevention part of the program teaches children about brain health and brain injury prevention techniques. 
About the "Kids":  The Kids on the Block are a troupe of near life-size puppets who look and act like real kids. These likeable and imaginative puppet characters - some with disabilities, some without disabilities - playact together in an open and humorous manner. The "Kids" explore what makes them different and what makes them alike and they become friends.
The Kids on the Block style of puppetry is adapted from the Japanese theatre form called Bunraku (pronounced Boon-rah-koo). The Puppeteers dress in black, so that they "seem to vanish" and the large, colorful hand and rod puppets "virtually come alive."

Social Events
Two social events are planned for the 2005.  Open to all conference attendees is the Welcome Reception on Thursday, October 20 from 5 to 7 pm in Tiffany Ballroom. Then on Friday, October 21 from 6 to 8 pm in the Crystal Ballroom and Foyer, conference attendees may join us at an informal and social gathering to celebrate Canada’s premier conference on brain injury. A perfect way to begin your evening before you dine out at one of Vancouver & area 3000 plus restaurants. 

All conference attendees and presenters are encouraged to attend the social functions as it is an informal opportunity to meet and socialize. Please note that both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available.  We encourage attendees to make the right decision for themselves and, for those choosing to drink alcohol, to please drink responsibly.