“I realized I’m not alone.”

That sentiment was a unifying theme among participants at the 2006 TBI Rights and Resources Conference, “Navigating the TBI Service System – A Compass for You and Your Family.”

The April conference brought together 240 individuals with TBI, their family members, and professionals for two days of learning and sharing.

The event took place at the Black Canyon Conference Center in Phoenix.
Participants came from all over Arizona as well as from California and Texas.

“One of the unique aspects of this conference is that it is aimed at consumers,” says Martha Dennler, Public Awareness Manager for the Arizona Governor’s Council on Spinal and Head Injuries. “Our goal is to empower individuals with TBI and their families and to help build community.”

The conference’s growth is evidence of the development of that community. “We began in 2003 with a modest half-day event,” says Ms. Dennler. “The conference’s expansion has been driven by the community’s enthusiasm. It means a lot to people to have an opportunity to come together, to tell their stories, and to realize that they’re not alone.”

Highlighting this year’s conference was a plenary session led by Governor’s Council member Dr. Tina Kwasnica, Medical Director of Brain Injury Neuro-rehabilitation at Barrow Neurological Institute. The two-part session focused on “Traumatic Brain Injury, Society, and You.”

Seventeen workshop sessions addressed topics ranging from Medicare Part D, to assistive technology, self-advocacy, assisted living, community development and more.

“Topics were driven by consumer interest,” says Ms. Dennler. “Our focus was on hands-on skills and practical information that individuals and families can use everyday.”

This year’s conference was enhanced by a strong representation from the Navajo Nation. Along with other representatives of the Nation, Council member Paula Seanez presented an overview of services provided by the Navajo Nation’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services.

This year's conference was sponsored jointly by the Arizona Governor’s Council on Spinal and Head Injuries, the Arizona Center for Disability Law, and the Arizona Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. Fulcrum Human Development assisted with planning and coordination.

Planning is already underway for next year’s event. “We’re analyzing the evaluations to see what consumers are telling us,” says Ms. Dennler. “We’re always looking for something different to do. We know this conference is an important part of building a TBI community, so we want to keep it interesting, keep it fresh.”