Q.0: Are there specific programs that BIRC offers?
A.0: The following is a list of programs / activities offered by BIRC:
1) Comprehensive Cognitive Rehabilitation Program (CCR)
- designed for adults
- individual and group cognitive, functional skills and psychosocial sessions
- community based work experience
- 5 days per week
2) Cognitive/Social Development Program
- similar to the CCR program but slower paced
- emphasis on functional skill development and activities of daily living
3) Post Concussion Syndrome Program
- individual program for people with mild brain trauma
- focus on pain management and educational/vocational goals
- short-term: 32 weeks maximum
4)Family Psyco-Educational Group
- designed for adult family members of survivors of acquired brain injury
- group program
5) Youth Education and Support Group
- designed for children of survivors of acquired brain injury
- group program
- availability varies based on participant demographics
6) Drop-In Centre
- designed for individuals with acquired brain injury
- group program for purpose of socialization
- Friday afternoons from 1:30 - 3:30 pm
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Q.1: What kinds of people come to BIRC and what can they expect?
A.1: BIRC has been in operation since 1989. Between then and the year 2000 we have helped over 300 people who have had a brain injury. The following information about the BIRC program and its participants is from the years 1997-1999 inclusive.
* 67 people successfully completed the program since 1997.
* 21 female participants successfully completed the program since 1997.
* 46 male participants successfully completed the program since 1997.
* Although there was a wide range, the average age of participants at the time of injury or illness was 32.
* About half of the participants were admitted to BIRC within 1 year and 6 months after their injury or illness, the remainder were admitted later.
* After applying to BIRC, about half of the participants waited up to 5 months before they were admitted, the remainder waited longer.
* About 57% of the participants who were admitted to BIRC since 1997 were injured as a result of trauma such as motor vehicle accident, assault or fall. The remaining 43% were injured in non-traumatic ways such as heart attack, stroke, tumor, or aneurysm.
* The severity of the average brain injury was in the moderate range.
* 90% of participants were unemployed at the time of admission.
* About half of the participants were successfully discharged after one year of treatment. The maximum number of treatment hours a day is 5.
* In terms of status at discharge, 31% were employed, 8% were in education, 17% were doing volunteer work, and 44% were unemployed.
* Most people who were discharged from BIRC were able to live independently.
* On average participants completed or partly completed 81% of their long term goals.
* On average participants completed 71% of their short term objectives.
* At discharge participants reported a significant increase in their quality of life.
* At discharge all participants were very satisfied with their rehabilitation at BIRC.
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