By Tammy Dumas, Community Association Liaison, OBIA

The OAC met on March 26, 2011 in Toronto at the Miles Nadel Jewish Community Centre.

Ruth Wilcock provided an OBIA Executive Director’s report. Her report was distributed to each association with the OAC Meeting Minutes. A few points:

• Ruth reported on OBIA’s Branding Survey. Survey responses indicated that the majority of respondents feel that OBIA DOES need a new logo, but that OBIA’s name should NOT change.
• Ruth also informed the group that OBIA and some local associations have received information about “A Run to Remember” – a cross country run being organized by Brain Trust Canada, from British Columbia. This event was discussed at length. In summary, OBIA is exploring the possibility of participating on the Strategy Committee (for the event) and the National Fund Allocation Committee (for the legacy fund) to ensure that the interests of community brain injury associations across Ontario are well represented.

Carla Thoms and Dianne Radunsky then spoke to the group about the services provided through OBIA’s Support Services Department. Carla Thoms reviewed the types of referrals (calls/emails) that OBIA receives from survivors, caregivers and professionals; the tools that OBIA uses to facilitate and coordinate follow up (log entry forms, intake forms, consent form, etc.); OBIA’s purchase and lending library; and OBIA’s Provincial Adult and/or Child/ Youth Survey.

Dianne Radunsky discussed various cases where OBIA has increased the level of support to include advocacy on behalf of an individual or family. These have included cases related, but not limited to, survivor employment, housing (landlord/tenant) and educational issues. Dianne also explained the importance of existing legislation and how OBIA uses legislation, as appropriate, when advocating on behalf of individuals/families living with the effects of an acquired brain injury. There was also a roundtable discussion on the support/advocacy services offered by the local associations across the province.

Donna Thomson, Co-Chair, presented the results of the Provincial Event Survey that was sent to members of the OAC. This survey inquired about the possibility of organizing a provincial awareness event for brain injury in Ontario. The survey is being redistributed, to ensure that the OAC receives feedback from as many local associations as possible.

Show and Tell provided an opportunity for local associations to discuss local events with the group.

The next OAC meeting will held in conjunction with OBIA’s AGM on June 25, 2011.