Best Acquired Brain Injury Podcasts (2024)

1
We all Need a Little Help Sometimes 27:09

2h ago27:09

27:09

Think about a brain injury as a family event. Both the survivor and their family need resources and support to find their new normal. Our guest, Karol Falci, a neuro case manager for Baylor Scott and White in Frisco, is a brain injury survivor herself. Her background began in acute short-term care but is currently part of the day neuro team. She ex…

1
Recast: Talking with Tech Roundtable: Early Intervention & AAC 34:42

2h ago34:42

34:42

This week, we present a Recast of a previous “roundtable discussion” between Rachel, Chris, and previous host Lucas Stuber on early intervention and AAC! (Note: Recast episodes are episodes from the early days of TWT that Chris and Rachel want to highlight again). In this episode, Rachel shares her experiences with using AAC with very young childre…

1
How do you survive as a caregiver? 30:02

4h ago30:02

30:02

Being positive and fighting goes a long way! Listen to John Hoffman tell an inspirational story about his wife, Judy’s battle with an inoperable brain tumor and how she lives a full life now. His story tells us how they chose to go to Oregon to do an experimental treatment. Judy is a hero: not only did she win her battle with cancer, she went on to…

1
Recast: Kathy Howery: Understanding the Lived Experiences of AAC Users 47:53

1d ago47:53

47:53

This week, we share a “Recast” of Chris’s interview with Kathy Howery! “Recast” episodes are episodes from the early days of Talking with Tech (with improved audio) that share important ideas Chris and Rachel want to highlight! Kathy is an AAC specialist, researcher, and educational consultant from Alberta, Canada who emphasizes the importance of u…

1
Are you financially prepared for life after a brain injury? 24:25

2d ago24:25

24:25

Let’s face it: life after brain injury is expensive. From loss of employment to additional medical bills, building a relationship with a trusted professional is key to planning your future. Lori Vejii, a financial planner from Edward Jones, shares tips and tricks for a successful financial planning session after a brain injury. She advises us on wa…

1
Acquire In-Depth Knowledge on a New SCI Personal Caregiver Course 31:52

17d ago31:52

31:52

Subject matter experts discuss how and why a new, online education class, “Understanding Spinal Cord Injury: A Course for Personal Care Assistants,” was created. The course introduces learners to the physical and emotional experience of individuals living with SCI and offers suggestions for building positive working relationships. Course content wa…

1
Caroline Woeber: Supporting AAC Users with Angelman Syndrome 1:13:02

15d ago1:13:02

1:13:02

This week, Chris interviews Caroline Woeber! Caroline is an SLP specializing in AAC at Children’s Hospital Colorado, including working at their Angelman/Chromosome 15 Disorder clinic. Caroline shares all about supporting communication and AAC in the hospital environment, training parents and caregivers about AAC, identifying next steps when teachin…

1
S5E21-Lori Vejil Do You Know Your Credit Score? 25:22

16d ago25:22

25:22

And, do you know how to build your credit score? After a brain injury, in addition to being faced with additional medical costs, many survivors must relearn how to manage their finances. In today's episode with Lori Vejil, financial planner at Edward Jones, will give you a starting point. She will tell you how to create a budget beginning with your…

1
Benjamin Gibbs: Interviewing Chris Bugaj for a Master's AT Program 1:46:20

21d ago1:46:20

1:46:20

This week, Chris is interviewed by Benjamin Gibbs! Benjamin is a student at George Mason University studying Assistive Technology who is completing a school project interviewing Chris, and Chris asked if the conversation could go on the podcast! Ben has cerebral palsy that affects his walking gait and verbal speech. He uses a combination of verbal …

1
The Heart of Caregiving 31:32

1M ago31:32

31:32

In this episode, Mike Stedham, an ordained minister and professional counselor with over 40 years of experience, shares his experiences leading a support group for TBI caregivers and emphasizes the importance of communication, realistic expectations, and self-care. He shares the significance of humor, and the value of peer support in the TBI recove…

1
Amy Mayer: Engaging Students and Driving Inclusivity with EdTech Tools 1:21:02

28d ago1:21:02

1:21:02

This week, we share Chris’s interview with Amy Mayer! Amy is the founder and CEO of friEdTech (https://friedtechnology.com/), a company that provides educational technology (EdTech) professional development for educators. Amy talks about her recent book, Beyond Worksheets, which provides resources for teachers to utilize EdTech tools and to inclusi…

1
Finding Community After Brain Injury 17:13

1M ago17:13

17:13

In this episode, Rick Yates discusses his experience with brain injury, the support group he helped to establish in 2004 and the benefits of being part of such a community. Rick describes the support group's impact on his recovery, including improved communication skills, a sense of purpose, and coping with depression. He highlights the importance …

1
Karina Carter & Nicole Young: Teaching Language to AAC Users with Horses 59:02

1M ago59:02

59:02

This week, we share Rachel's interview with Karina Carter and Nicole Young! Karina Carter is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) at Children’s TheraPlay, where horses are used therapeutically to support children with disabilities and/or unique needs, including complex communicators! Nicole is the mother of TY, an AAC User who is one of Karina’s cli…

1
Coping Skills are for Everyone 30:22

2M ago30:22

30:22

We know it is easier said than done. In Part Two, Willa talks about emotions after a brain injury from her experience as a neuropsychologist and assistant professor at UTSouthwestern. Many survivors have a negative outlook for their future, but Willa asks them to focus on what they can control, utilizing coping skills: including writing a journal, …

1
Elisa Wern - The Importance of Including OTs During AAC Consideration & Implementation 1:01:25

1M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

This week, we share Rachel’s interview with the amazing Occupational Therapist (OT) Elisa Wern! Along with being a school-based OT, Elisa speaks and writes about issues related to AAC and OT, including that OTs can have a critical role in the AAC consideration and implementation process! Elisa shares ideas for supporting students with sensory proce…

1
Time is the Best Cure 29:02

2M ago29:02

29:02

We know it is easier said than done. In Part Two, Willa talks about emotions after a brain injury from her experience as a neuropsychologist and assistant professor at UTSouthwestern. Many survivors have a negative outlook for their future, but Willa asks them to focus on what they can control, utilizing coping skills: including writing a journal, …

1
You Need to Understand that Life is Different 26:06

2M ago26:06

26:06

After a stroke, look for ways to be happy! That is the advice from Silas Allen, who survived a stroke and is a reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram covering educational news for Tarrant County. He found several tools to assist in writing for work, e.g. GoogleDocs, Otter.ai, etc. Silas felt mentally challenged with fatigue, relearning how to dr…

1
Fairfax County Public Schools AT Team: Celebrating the Life of AAC Specialist Jeff Powers 1:21:13

2M ago1:21:13

1:21:13

This week, we present Chris’s interview with some of the Fairfax County Public Schools AT Team: Jeff Sisk, Meaghan Tracy, Jennifer Carr, Ashley Kiley, and Colleen Kalamajka! They gather to share about the life of AAC/AT Specialist Jeff Powers, who passed away in 2023. They celebrate some of the many things he brought to his work with AAC, including…

1
Tamsin Keyes on Research and Publications within the Charitable Sector 42:56

2M ago42:56

42:56

Cliodhna and Ingram talk to Tamsin Keyes, Publications and Research Manager at Headway UK about her work in supporting the development of evidence in the field and promoting an understanding of brain injury.By Ingram Wright

1
Yoosun Chung: Honoring an AAC User's Chosen Form of Communication 42:17

2M ago42:17

42:17

This week, we share Chris’s interview with Dr. Yoosun Chung, former president of USSAAC, activist, professor at George Mason University, and AAC user! Dr. Chung shares about her journey from South Korea to the United States to learn English and pursue higher learning, her first introduction to high-tech AAC as a doctoral student in assistive techno…

1
Strengthening Your Spiritual Health 26:51

2M ago26:51

26:51

After brain injury, have you ever felt that you may need help in maintaining or strengthening your spiritual life? Talking with somebody like Chaplain Johnny Taylor may be the help you need. He has helped many with that process throughout his 28 year career as a chaplain and continues till this day as he now serves at UT Southwestern Hospital. Supp…

1
Chantelle Hutchinson: Supporting Adult AAC Users with Acquired Brain Injuries 1:08:07

2M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

This week, we share Rachel’s interview with Chantelle Hutchinson (@dysphagiacommunity)! Chantelle is a Speech-Language Pathologist who works with adults with acquired brain injury and progressive neurological conditions. She shares about some of the factors that make working with clients with acquired brain injuries, like traumatic brain injury (TB…

1
Brain Injuries Don’t Take a Day Off 26:55

3M ago26:55

26:55

Everyday is a challenge after a brain injury! Welcome bindwaves co-hosts Carrie & Kezia as they discuss common obstacles faced by brain injury survivors. The limitations each survivor faces vary due to the affected area. It is highly unlikely that two survivors would face the exact same challenges, e.g. relearning swallowing, speaking, walking, bat…

1
Lisa Ottomanelli, PhD: Combining Vocational Rehabilitation with Clinical Care for SCI Survivors 47:18

2M ago47:18

47:18

Welcome to this 2024 Kessler Foundation Baird Visiting Educational Professorship Lecture podcast.Lisa Ottomanelli, PhD, a prominent researcher in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) and disabilities, was a featured speaker at the 2023 Kessler Foundation Baird Visiting Educational Professorship. Her work primarily revolves around implementing and …

1
Tiffany Joseph (Part 2): The Use of Gestalts in Acquiring Language as a Part-Time AAC User 1:11:01

2M ago1:11:01

1:11:01

This week, we share part two of Rachel’s interview with Tiffany Joseph! Tiffany is an autistic mother of three neurodivergent teens, as well as an educator, advocate, and a part-time AAC User with inconsistent verbal speech. She shares about her experience as a gestalt language processor, how she thinks AAC could help students mitigate their gestal…

1
Not Everyone Should be Driving After a Brain Injury 18:37

3M ago18:37

18:37

There are reasons why the Department of Public Safety (DPS) may deny your request to resume driving. Listen to Christine Nelson who is a licensed rehab specialist and a manager at PATE. Several reasons why a person may not pass a driving test are memory lapses, anger issues, spatial issues between cars, and the failure to execute certain strategies…

1
Tiffany Joseph (Part 1): Educating and Supporting AAC Users as a Part-Time AAC User 1:00:44

3M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

This week, we present Part 1 of Rachel’s interview with the amazing Tiffany Joseph (@nigh.functioning.autism)! Tiffany is an autistic mother of three neurodivergent teens, as well as an educator, advocate, and a part-time AAC User with inconsistent verbal speech. She explains more about situations when verbal speech becomes difficult, the ways that…

1
Driving Again is Not Easy 26:07

3M ago26:07

26:07

There is no substitute for real-life driving! Our guest today is Alice Petranek, an Occupational Therapist, who works at Rehab Without walls. She is a founding member of BIN board of Directors. She believes that resume driving is a set of sense skills in perception, vision, and coordination… all at the same time. Alice is clear that safety is the m…

1
Getting Back on the Road… Safely! 25:25

3M ago25:25

25:25

Be patient and take time to get your confidence back to drive. Welcome back Mr. Brandon Higgs, co-owner of H & T Driver Rehabilitation, which is a driving-specific occupational therapy business. They do clinical testing and behind-the-wheel evaluations designed to give survivors an idea if it would be safe to return to driving. They can do all of t…

1
Bob Sagoo: Empowering an AAC User as a Parent 1:03:14

3M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

This week, Chris and Rachel interview Bob Sagoo! Bob is the father of Harchie, an 18-year-old young man with cerebral palsy who uses an AAC device with eye tracking to communicate (along with other modalities). Bob shares about Harchie’s AAC journey, Bob’s work to get Harchie mainstreamed in school, Harchie going to college, and more! Before the in…

1
Who Decides When It Is Time to Resume Driving? 24:53

4M ago24:53

24:53

There is no right answer to this question, but Brandon Higgs will shed light on some of the issues in today’s program. He is a co-owner of H&T Driver Rehabilitation Specialists and is certified for comprehensive rehabilitation services (CRS). Brandon believes that occupational therapists are well suited to contribute to the decision to regain the i…

1
Beth Moulam & Joanna Holmes: Recognizing AAC Users as Multimodal Communicators 1:19:55

3M ago1:19:55

1:19:55

This week, we hear Chris’s interview with Beth Moulam and Joanna Holmes! Beth is a master student, former Paraolympian, a Trustee of Communication Matters (a branch of ISSAC), and patron of a charity called One Voice. She is a multi modal communicator who often uses AAC devices to communicate. Joanna (@mummyvsaac on Instagram) is the mother of Lucy…

1
Dr Alex Lehn, Neurologist talks brain injury. 25:24

4M ago25:24

25:24

Doctor Alex Lehn, Neurologist talks through cognitive pattens and how the brain works after a brain injury.By Synapse, Australia’s Brain Injury Organisation

1
Beyond brain injury recovery 23:11

4M ago23:11

23:11

Tess specialises in working with people with brain injury. She addresses the common impacts of brain injury, and the various ways in which speech pathology can help. She also talks about not limiting yourself in terms of expectations of recovery.By Synapse, Australia’s Brain Injury Organisation

1
Mental and emotional impacts of brain injury 19:00

4M ago19:00

19:00

Cheryl was diagnosed with a brain tumour in her twenties - it has had significant impacts throughout her life, both ongoing physical and in terms of her mental and emotional wellbeing. She talks about the impact of a 'hidden' illness, and the need to grieve the things she's lost.By Synapse, Australia’s Brain Injury Organisation

1
BI rehabilitation and understanding your own capacity. 19:48

4M ago19:48

19:48

Carlo specialises in working with people with brain injury. He talks about how OT can help, the need to understand and work with the engagement issues intrinsic to ABI, and how it's essential that people are encouraged to understand their own capacity, rather than telling them what is possible.By Synapse, Australia’s Brain Injury Organisation

1
Adjusting after a brain injury 20:09

4M ago20:09

20:09

Terry was very depressed after sustaining a brain injury, but gained a great deal from volunteering. He originally couldn't find his way around his own home, but now takes the bus and, when he gets lost, has developed strategies to relax and give himself the time and space to regroup.By Synapse, Australia’s Brain Injury Organisation

1
Drive Well, Not for Yourself, but for Your Family 25:56

4M ago25:56

25:56

Listen to Chris B, who advises listeners to go slow when restarting driving after a brain injury. Chris is a member of BIND and volunteers at Heritage Farms in Plano. He has a supportive family, who encouraged him to start driving. Chris remembers the feeling of waking up and recognizing that his hands worked properly so that he could drive. It too…

1
Daniel O'Connor & Bradley Heaven: Creators of All Access Life, an Adaptive Product Nonprofit 1:01:15

4M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

This week, Chris interviews Daniel O’Conner and Bradley Haven of All Access Life! All Access Life is a nonprofit that showcases the latest trends and movements in adaptive products and assistive technologies on their website allaccesslife.org. Daniel & Bradley share about how they met when Daniel was Bradley's Aide in high school (Bradley has nonve…

1
Re-Release: What Happens Next After Brain Injury 19:38

4M ago19:38

19:38

As we dive into Brain Injury Awareness Month, we're re-releasing the most watched and listened-to episodes, packed with a highlight of hope, inspiration, and resilience. On today's episode, we are re-releasing “What happens Next After Brain Injury” with Bernard, a great example of willingness to relearn even with all the the frustrations. You will …

1
Re-Release: Independence is Key 19:57

4M ago19:57

19:57

As we dive into Brain Injury Awareness Month, we're Re-releasing the most watched and listened-to episodes, packed with a highlight of hope, inspiration, and resilience. On today's episode, we are re-releasing “Independence is Key” with Livia, a great example of determination and independence in the face of difficulties. You will be hearing her ear…

1
Re-Release: No Limits to Therapy 19:53

5M ago19:53

19:53

In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month we are re-releasing our most popular episodes. On this episode, we talked with Amber Richarson who is an Occupational therapist and Community Relations Manager with Pate & Rehab without walls. We discuss all the many different options for brain injury rehabilitation therapy such as within a hospital, outpati…

1
Breea Rosas: Neurodivergent Affirming Practices for School-Based Practitioners 1:20:29

4M ago1:20:29

1:20:29

This week, we share Rachel’s interview with Breea Rosas! Breea is a school psychologist who works with educators on how they can implement neurodiversity affirming practices and neurodiversity affirming psychoeducation! Breea shares about the neurodiversity affirming approach and three key areas she works with educators and practitioners to address…

1
Kelley Coleman - Pushing Back Against an Incorrect AAC Evaluation 1:14:40

4M ago1:14:40

1:14:40

This week, Rachel interviews Kelley Coleman, speaker, author, and advocate! Kelley talks about her family’s AAC journey and her role as the mother of Aaron, a complex communicator in the 4th grade who uses AAC to communicate. She shares about her new book, Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child, as well as some of the high- an…

1
Re-Release: What Is A Brain Injury? 21:05

5M ago21:05

21:05

In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, we are re-releasing our most popular episodes. Today you will be hearing our very first episode that was published on March 25th, 2021 “What is a Brain Injury?” You will re-meet Karl H. as a founding member of BIN and his knowledge on brain injury through 15 years of recovery 💚 🎙️ Do you want to support us?…

1
RealTalk MS Interview: Cognitive Rehabilitation and MS with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD 9:55

5M ago9:55

9:55

Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here are excerpts from her 2023 interview with Jon Strum, RealTalk MS.For more information about Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20ChiaravallotiC…

1
What is cognitive rehabilitation? 2:24

5M ago2:24

2:24

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/What%20is%20cognitive%20rehabilitation-TRANSCRIPT.pdfExpertly Explained: Insights with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhDNancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. H…

1
What is the modified Story Memory Technique (KF-mSMT) protocol? 1:06

5M ago1:06

1:06

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/What%20is%20the%20modified%20Story%20Memory%20Technique%20%28KF-mSMT%29%20protocol-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Expertly Explained: Insights with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhDNancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and tr…

1
Which cognitive functions are commonly affected by MS? 1:19

5M ago1:19

1:19

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/Which%20cognitive%20functions%20are%20commonly%20affected%20by%20MS-TRANSCRIPT.pdfExpertly Explained: Insights with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhDNancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain in…

1
Heidi Rabe - Supporting Switch Use for Clients with Complex Physical Needs 55:33

5M ago55:33

55:33

This week, Rachel interviews Heidi Rabe, an SLP who specializes in supporting AAC users with complex bodies who use switches and scanning to communicate! Heidi shares a wealth of information about scanning and switches, including how to evaluate if a student needs a switch, working with PT/OT to find the right switch spot, using partner-assisted sc…

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Acquired Brain Injury Podcasts

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