January 2011
On behalf of our board of directors I would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and good New Year! The board is currently looking at establishing our work priorities for 2011. We would like you to know that we are co-sponsoring a conference with MI-Job Placement Division a division of Michigan Rehabilitation Association this spring. Please refer to the update included below.
We will be inviting all members to join us in a telephone Annual Meeting; the date will be announced later in the year.
Please feel free to provide us with your ideas for speakers and workshop topics. We would like to offer relevant topics and need your input on your learning priorities.
Please contact one of the board members with questions, comments and concerns and visit our new website at: www.rehabpro.org/chapters/michigan.
Joanne Pfeffer, President, MiARP
Fall Forensic Section Conference overview provided by Laura Frailey, Past President of MiARP:
The Forensic Section of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals held their annual Forensic Conference in New Orleans, LA on November 4th to the 6th at the Astor Crowne Plaza. The Forensic Conference started a new tradition by designating a “Day of Service” prior to the conference. We had two groups volunteering at a local church cleaning up their gym and volunteering at the local Goodwill facility providing career counseling. The attendance by both participants and volunteers was extraordinary and all participants and volunteers learned a bit more about themselves. The conference started with a keynote address by John Ciciliano, Actor, Athlete and Advocate. He talked about how he overcame adversity, being hit by a drunk driver, loosing part of his left leg and starting his life over. His speech was very motivating and impressive. Sessions for the Forensic Conference included an update on the DOT by the Social Security Administration. Social Security updates, expert testimony and life care planning were some of the other topics discussed. Additionally, the use of new technology with TBI patients and finding a job in the worst labor market was also discussed. The next Forensic Conference is scheduled for November 3rd to the 5th, 2011 in Las Vegas, NV. More information from the conference committee and IARP will be posted.
Have a Happy New Year!
Laura Frailey MRC, CRC, Past President of MiARP