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Registration Brochure Registration Brochure20262026 AnnualAnnual FALL CONFERENCEFALL CONFERENCE 2026 Annual FALL CONFERENCE Friday, September 11Friday, September 11 || Lansing CenterLansing CenterFriday, September 11 | Lansing Center
Discover the latest breakthroughs in brain injury rehabilitation at one of the nation's premier educational conferences! Gain cutting-edge knowledge, evidence-based strategies, and practical tools to improve care, maximize recovery, and enhance quality of life. Connect with leading experts through inspiring keynote presentations, interactive sessions, real-world case studies, hands-on learning, and a dynamic exhibit hall. Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, brain injury survivor, or advocate, you'll leave with valuable insights, meaningful connections, and ideas you can put into practice immediately. Register today and help advance recovery, innovation, and hope! (All times are Eastern Standard Time) Friday, September 11 7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. Registration & Exhibits in Exhibit Hall 8:30 a.m - 9:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Break with Exhibitors in Exhibit Hall 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Session 1 Breakouts 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Break with Exhibitors in Exhibit Hall 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Session 2 Breakouts 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Lunch Break 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Session 3 Breakouts 2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Break with Exhibitors in Exhibit Hall 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Session 4 Breakouts Join BIAMI for our 2026 Annual Fall Conference!20262026 AnnualAnnual FALL CONFERENCEFALL CONFERENCE 2026 Annual FALL CONFERENCE Friday, September 11Friday, September 11 Lansing Center |Lansing Center | Lansing, MILansing, MI Friday, September 11 Lansing Center | Lansing, MIQuestions? Contact Nichole Shotwell at nshotwell@biami.org
With a compelling, richly illustrated tale, Pro Athlete Jeremy P. McGhee invites his audience to join him by taking an honest look in the mirror. In 2012, Jeremy became the first paraplegic to climb and descend Bloody Couloir, a major backcountry ski route in the Eastern Sierras, all with only the use of his arms. Jeremy explains how his greatest obstacles were not physical, but of his own mind. The question that lies at the heart of how to accomplish what we want in life, he proclaims is, ‘How uncomfortable are you willing to get?’ Through his journey of pitfalls, triumphs, and obsession, Jeremy inspires others to take the reins and live the adventure themselves! How Uncomfortable Are You Willing to Get? Jeremy P. McGhee20262026 AnnualAnnual FALL CONFERENCEFALL CONFERENCE 2026 Annual FALL CONFERENCE Keynote Speaker 8:30 am - 9:30 am 7:30 am - 8:15 am Registration & Exhibitors in Exhibit Hall
1A Grief and Loss after TBI: Tasks to Recovery from Ambiguous and Disenfranchised Grief Presented by Christina Dadswell, LMSW Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often experience ambiguous grief due to changes in functioning, relationships, and daily life, while families may grieve the loss of who their loved one was before the injury. This session helps clinicians and case managers understand its impact on psychosocial recovery and applies Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning to TBI. Participants will gain practical strategies to support survivors and families toward acceptance and recovery. 1B Brains in Motion: Exploring Dual-Task Training in Individuals with Brain Injury Presented by Dr. Nicole Eddy, PT, DPT Cognitive deficits following brain injury contribute to fall risk and limitations in functional mobility. This presentation reviews current evidence on cognitive-motor and motor-motor dual-task assessment and intervention and translates the research into practical physical therapy strategies. Participants will learn safe, progressive dual-task interventions designed to improve functional performance, mobility, and participation in everyday activities. 1C Brain Injury & Over the Counter Supplements: Sorting Fact from Fiction Presented by Dr. Tiffany Wood & Dr. Percival Pangilinan Evidence for nutritional supplements after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is growing, but clinical application can be challenging. This session reviews the evidence for omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, probiotics, and other supplements in neuroprotection and recovery while separating science from marketing claims. Attendees will gain practical, evidence- based guidance for safely navigating nutritional supplements during recovery. 1D Cognitive Rehabilitation and Daily Living Skills Presented by Shanna Thelen, MS, OTRL, CBIS & Sharon Verheek, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIST INCOG 2.0 and BI-ISIG guidelines offer evidence-based frameworks for cognitive rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet applying them in functional, occupation-based care can be challenging. This session provides practical strategies to translate these guidelines into everyday OT and SLP practice, enhancing clinical efficiency, skill generalization, and functional independence for TBI survivors. 1E SURVIVOR TRACK | Engineering Resilience: Tech Systems & Strategies from a TBI Survivor Presented by Emma Leeburg, BA Clinical rehabilitation builds a foundation, but thriving in a demanding professional career often requires additional strategies. In this survivor-led session, a severe TBI survivor, Data Scientist at Ford, and mother of two shares practical, technology-driven tools for managing cognitive load, boosting productivity, and achieving professional success. Participants will leave with an actionable blueprint for using technology to bridge the gap between recovery and a thriving career.20262026 AnnualAnnual FALL CONFERENCEFALL CONFERENCE 2026 Annual FALL CONFERENCE 9:30 am - 10:15 am Break with Exhibitors in Exhibit Hall 10:15 am - 11:15 am SESSION 1 BREAKOUTS
2A On Thin Ice: Prevalence & Prevention of Winter-Related Falls in Adults with Brain Injury Presented by Dr. Brittany Wittry Winter conditions can greatly increase fall risk for adults living with brain injury. This session examines winter-related balance challenges, key environmental and physical risk factors, and evidence-based strategies—including mobility adaptations, footwear, environmental modifications, and patient education—to help reduce falls and promote safer community participation. 2B Introducing HOMES: Practical Supports for Community Based Providers After Pediatric Brain Injury Presented by Dr. Abigail Johnson HOMES is a collection of free, low-tech resources designed to help community providers support children with brain injury at home and in school. This session highlights easy-to-use materials that address the cognitive, social, and emotional challenges experienced by children and adolescents after brain injury. Participants will gain practical tools to better support children as they continue rehabilitation in their home communities. 2C What Happens When AI Joins the Treatment Team? Presented by Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL, CBIST Discover how AI can enhance brain injury rehabilitation while supporting compliant, high-quality clinical practice. This session explores practical applications for clinical documentation, defensible Letters of Medical Necessity, client education, care planning, and prompt writing aligned with auto insurance requirements. Participants will leave with sample prompts and practical strategies they can immediately apply to strengthen documentation and medical necessity justification. 2D When Care Needs Change at Home: Determining Fit and Clinical Supports in Semi-Independent Living After Brain Injury Presented by Caroline Shanks, MSOT, OTRL & Angie McCalla, MS, CCC-SLP As caregiving roles evolve, families supporting adults with brain injury must plan for future living arrangements. This session provides a practical framework for assessing readiness for semi-independent living and applying OT and SLP interventions to support executive functioning, communication, safety, and daily routines. Participants will learn strategies to balance independence, safety, and long-term support needs. 2E SURVIVOR TRACK | Disability 101 Presented by Miranda Grunwell, BS The Disability Rights Movement is left out of most history classes. Join us for an overview of the movements led by disabled activists. We will highlight important historical figures and key moments in disability history. Participants will begin to understand how the Disability Rights Movement fits into civil rights history and how the Disability Justice Movement is changing the conversation around disability.20262026 AnnualAnnual FALL CONFERENCEFALL CONFERENCE 2026 Annual FALL CONFERENCE 11:15 am - 11:45 am Break with Exhibitors in Exhibit Hall 11:45 am - 12:45 am SESSION 2 BREAKOUTS
3A Seizures and Brain Injury: Recognition, Response, and Community Care Presented by Renee Roederer This session provides an accessible overview of seizure recognition, response, and support for individuals affected by brain injury and epilepsy. Participants will learn practical seizure first aid, explore the psychosocial impact of seizures, and discover how informed care and community support improve quality of life. Educational videos featuring individuals with lived experience bring real-world perspective to the clinical information. 3B Sensory-Based Interventions as a Foundation for Engagement in Patients with Cognitive and Behavioral Challenges Presented byJennifer Niec, LMSW, CBIS & Stephanie Wilson, CCC-SLP, CBIS Patients with sensory integration and modulation impairments often experience agitation, reduced arousal, or limited engagement that can hinder rehabilitation. This session introduces a standardized, sensory-based intervention program to improve therapy participation, support functional recovery, and enhance quality of life for individuals with traumatic brain injury, dementia, encephalopathy, and developmental disorders. 3C Navigating the Independent Medical Examination: Protecting Survivors Under Michigan No-Fault Presented by Nicholas Andrews, JD & Meagan O'Donnell, JD Michigan's no-fault auto insurance system provides lifelong benefits to many brain injury survivors, yet Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) are often used to challenge needed care. This session helps survivors and case managers understand their rights, recognize common insurer tactics, and prepare effectively for the IME process. Participants will gain practical strategies to confidently advocate for and protect access to essential benefits and care. 3D The Self-Awareness Enhancement through Learning and Function (SELF): A Comprehensive Approach to the Evaluation and Treatment of Impaired Self-Awareness following Brain Injury Presented by Dr. Diane Powers-Dirette & Jaimie Farrington, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS This session explores self-awareness after acquired brain injury through the Self-Awareness Enhancement through Learning and Function (SELF) framework. Participants will be introduced to the SELFI, a semi-structured interview that assesses self-awareness and mindset, along with practical interdisciplinary strategies for improving engagement and rehabilitation outcomes. 3E SURVIVOR TRACK | Meeting of Members (No CEs)20262026 AnnualAnnual FALL CONFERENCEFALL CONFERENCE 2026 Annual FALL CONFERENCE 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm Lunch Break in Exhibit Hall 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm SESSION 3 BREAKOUTS
4A Ethical Dilemmas in Traumatic Brain Injury: Recognizing, Navigating, and Resolving Complex Clinical Challenges Presented by Stephanie Huhn, MA LLP , CAADC, ACCTS, CBIS, CCM Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) present unique ethical challenges that extend beyond traditional clinical practice. This session explores ethical dilemmas involving decision-making capacity, informed consent, autonomy, safety, confidentiality, and family involvement while providing practical strategies to navigate complex situations and promote ethical, person-centered care. 4B Stronger Together: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Neuroplastic Recovery After Acquired Brain Injury Case-Based, Multidisciplinary Strategies to Drive Functional Recovery Across the Lifespan Presented by Calley Lonier, PT, DPT, CBIS & Sarah Miller, MS, OTRL, CBIS Through two case studies spanning ages 7 to 70, this session highlights a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach to acquired brain injury. Participants will explore collaborative physical and occupational therapy interventions that demonstrate meaningful neuroplasticity and functional recovery beyond the traditional early recovery period, reinforcing the value of evidence-informed, interdisciplinary care across the lifespan. 4C Navigating the Independent Medical Examination: Protecting Survivors Under Michigan No-Fault Presented by Nicholas Andrews, JD, & Meagan O'Donnell, JD Michigan's no-fault auto insurance system provides lifelong benefits to many brain injury survivors, yet Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) are often used to challenge needed care. This session will help survivors and case managers understand their legal rights, prepare for the IME process, recognize common insurer tactics, and confidently advocate for continued access to essential services. 4D EyeHarp in Neurorehabilitation: Innovative Applications of Eye-Gaze Music Technology for Vision and Cognitive Therapy Presented by Dr. Amber Foster Discover how EyeHarp, a free eye-gaze music technology, can enhance neurorehabilitation for individuals with traumatic brain injury and stroke. This session explores its integration into vision and cognitive interventions targeting oculomotor skills, visual scanning, neglect, field cuts, attention, memory, and executive functioning. Participants will see clinical applications, integration with traditional vision therapy, and innovative strategies to improve engagement and accessibility. 4E SURVIVOR TRACK | Having a Seat at the Interdisciplinary Table: A Caregiver's Valuable Contribution to Treatment Goal Outcomes Presented by Dr. Michele White Caregivers play a vital role in successful brain injury rehabilitation and should be active members of the treatment team. This session explores strategies for meaningful caregiver involvement in developing collaborative, goal-centered treatment plans. Participants will learn how partnering with caregivers can strengthen outcomes and support lasting recovery.20262026 AnnualAnnual FALL CONFERENCEFALL CONFERENCE 2026 Annual FALL CONFERENCE 2:45 pm - 3:15 pm Break with Exhibitors in Exhibit Hall 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm SESSION 4 BREAKOUTS
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION REGULAR BIRD REGISTRATION NIGHT OWL REGISTRATION July 7 to August 7 August 8 to August 28 August 29 to September 4 Attendee Rate $200 Attendee Rate $235 Attendee Rate $270 Survivor and Family Rate $25 Survivor and Family Rate $25 Survivor and Family Rate $2520262026 AnnualAnnual FALL CONFERENCEFALL CONFERENCE 2026 Annual FALL CONFERENCE CONFERENCE PRICING REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS POLICY All requests for cancellations must be made in writing on or before August 14, 2026, and can be emailed to: sschannault@biami.org. Only those requests received by August 14, 2026 may receive a refund, less a 25% administrative fee. Refunds will be processed post-conference. No refund for cancellations made after August 14, 2026.
REGISTRATION To register, scan QR code or follow this link: https://www.eventsquid.com/event.cfm?id=3242520262026 AnnualAnnual FALL CONFERENCEFALL CONFERENCE 2026 Annual FALL CONFERENCE CONFERENCE APP Register today using the BIAMI Annual Fall Conference website or conference app! Through this site, you can: Register and pay Choose your sessions Learn about the session presenters Check out our exhibitors and sponsors Then once you are registered, you can view your schedule and make changes Receive notifications and reminders When we get closer to conference, you will use the site to: Download your session handouts (if available) Find your session locations After conference you will use the site to: Complete session evaluations Receive your CE certificate
20262026 AnnualAnnual FALL CONFERENCEFALL CONFERENCE 2026 Annual FALL CONFERENCECE CREDITS HOW TO OBTAIN CREDITS All attendees will have a QR code on their conference name badge. Attendees will be scanned in and out of sessions and all CE records will be kept electronically. PLEASE NOTE: In order to earn CE credit, you MUST: Get scanned in and out of each session. (You must be registered for the session you are scanning in and out of.) Attend one or more sessions. Complete/submit an evaluation form for each session attended. Evaluations and certificates will be emailed to you post- conference. Up to FIVE Continuing Education (CE) credits/contact hours are available. We apply to the following accreditation agencies: National Association of Social Work (NASW) Michigan Chapter This continuing education activity has been submitted to the Ohio Nurses Association to award contact hours. The Ohio Nurses Association is an Ohio Board of Nursing approver of continuing education. CDMSC/CCMC Certificates available for: CBIS ASHA RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS: No one with the ability to control content of this activity has a relevant financial relationship with an ineligible company.
Double Tree by Hilton 111 N. Grand Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48933 (517) 482-0188 To make a room reservation, please click on DoubleTree By Hilton Lansing or scan QR code (bottom left). Once you select the room type, complete the Hotel Booking Form. For date adjustment needs, please change Check-In and Check-Out date box at the top of site. The booking form will ask for the guest details and email address. Secure payment option is the section of the booking form that holds your credit card details. Input your credit card information. Once you have completed this step click the “Make Reservation” button, and your reservation will be sent immediately to the Hotel. To make room reservation by phone, call 1-833-904-2206, and reservations can assist with securing rooms. PLEASE NOTE: It is important that identify yourself as part of the BIAMI ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE 2026. Give Reservations the code “92L” to receive the discounted group rate. Please ensure your reservations are made before the cutoff date of 8/10/26.20262026 AnnualAnnual FALL CONFERENCEFALL CONFERENCE 2026 Annual FALL CONFERENCE HOTEL RESERVATIONS