Civilian Traumatic Brain Injury: The Other Story
On Tuesday, June 19, 2007, ASHA hosted Civilian Traumatic Brain
Injury: The Other Story at the National Press Club, Washington, DC.
The event resulted in major media coverage for the Association and
the issue of TBI. Using the occasion to release poll results about
TBI, the event featured TBI experts and patients, and called on
insurance companies to provide more comprehensive coverage for
cognitive rehabilitation services.
ASHA President Noma Anderson welcomes press
conference attendees.
Dr. Lyn Turkstra discusses evidence that
cognitive rehabilitation makes a meaningful difference in academic,
employment, and social community outcomes for TBI patients.
Speech-language pathologist Kathy Manning
informs attendees that insurance companies frequently deny or
restrict outpatient treatment, particularly for cognitive
rehabilitation which can cause devastating financial issues for the
TBI patient.
TBI patient Carolyn McCormack discusses
personal financial and emotional impact she endured because her
insurance company denied coverage of her cognitive rehab
therapy.
Jon Weiss, who suffered a TBI after a car
accident in March, states, "There is little awareness and
education about TBI, and there is also a lack of financial support
on a sustained basis for TBI survivors."
Yvonne Hoffman states, "Many of my
friends think that I look great and try to reassure me. However,
they don't know what this feels like, nor do they understand
what a brain injury means. And now my treatment sessions have ended
and I am so scared."
Speech-language pathologist John DaVanzo
discusses injured armed service members suffering from TBI.
(from left to right) seated: Janet McCarty,
ASHA's Private Health Plan Advisor; Kathy Manning, Neuro Rehab
Associates; Carolyn McCormack. Middle Row: Susan Connors, BIA
President/CEO; Noma Anderson, ASHA President; Yvonne Hoffman. Back
Row: John DaVanzo, Clinical Director at Laurel Highlands
Neuro-Rehabilitation Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Lyn
Turkstra, Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin, Madison;
Jon Weiss