08: A System-Level Response to TBIs Among the Incarcerated Population with Risa Klemme and Mark Harniss

09/13/21 • 88 min

Until now, people who are incarcerated have not been screened for TBIs. We know that TBIs can cause changes in behavior and personality that can lead to incarceration, and once inside, make it more difficult to fully heal and functionally return to the community. The Washington Department of Corrections is one of the first, if not the first, state correctional agencies in the U.S. to implement a system-level response to TBIs among the incarcerated population. How did this happen? Through a persistent effort to build relationships, foster inter-agency collaboration, and a strong commitment to sustaining the mental health resources necessary to build and grow a program that supports a TBI screening program, cognitive skills training program, and peer mentoring program. This is a fascinating and deeply inspiring conversation with Risa Klemme, ADA compliance manager for the Department of Corrections, and Dr. Mark Harniss, Associate Professor in Rehabilitation Medicine, Director of the Center for Technology and Disability Studies, and Director of the UW Disability Studies Program. When people come together to change massive systems bit by bit, we all get collectively closer to our shared humanity. A heartfelt thank you to Risa and Dr. Harniss for their time and devotion, not only to this podcast episode, but to their legacy of collaboratively building the TBI program in the state of Washington.

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07: TBI is a Marathon, Not a Sprint with Dennis Zgaljardic

Neuropsychologist Dr. Dennis J. Zgaljardic dissects 7 quotes (published on brainline.org) written by people who have survived brain injuries. From pace of progress, family dynamics, feelings of worthlessness, behavior plans, identity transformations, functional goals, anosognosia, confabulation, and "non-compliance," this episode has it all. Dr. Zgaljardic's experience in the realm of rehabilitation medicine offers wonderful insight into how speech, occupational, and physical therapists can fully engage within the complex dance of a therapist-client relationship within the context of traumatic brain injury.

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09: Doesn’t Want to Stay Here, Not Safe to Go Home with Emily LoPiccolo

In this episode, we explore the following (fictional) case study: Alejandro is a 55 yo male who was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 48. He was taken to the emergency room due to a fall in his home that resulted in mild head trauma as well as a broken wrist. A friend hadn’t heard from him in a couple of days and found him on the floor. After his acute stay in the hospital, he was taken to a post-acute care facility. While working with a team of speech, occupational, and physical therapists, the therapy team learns that he has no running water at home and that he uses a bucket for a toilet. He has a dog that he has been unable to get outside recently and so urine and feces has been collecting in the house. Alejandro is also worried about his dog and is wondering if anyone is taking care of him. When asked what he eats at home, it’s unclear if he has consistent access to food. He is quite private and is wary of others entering his home and is not willing to do a home eval. He wants to go home as soon as possible.