MAY 2021
Last Day Lagniappe
BROUGHT TO YOU BY ...
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THANK YOU TO OUR LEGACY / PRESENTING SPONSORS...
Gulf States Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
AND
Neuro RehabCare
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THANK YOU TO OUR COMMITTED
PLATINUM,GOLD, SILVER, AND BRONZE SPONSORS!
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW BOARD MEMBER... YVETTE PACICCIO |
The Board of Directors and staff are thrilled to welcome Yvette David Pacaccio as a new BIALA Board Member. Yvette brings a wealth of experience with her financial background, currently Vice President of Louisiana Banking/Virtual Business Banking at Capitol One. Most importantly, Yvette also brings first hand knowledge to our organization as a caretaker to a family member with a traumatic brain injury. Thank you, Yvette, for your passion and dedication in helping to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. |
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ANNOUNCING THE OSCAR J. TOLMAS BACKPACK PROGRAM GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY:
THE OSCAR J. TOLMAS CHARITABLE TRUST
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We extend our THANKFULNESS and GRATITUDE to THE OSCAR J. TOLMAS CHARITABLE TRUST for a generous donation to fund resource backpacks to be provided to rehabilitation hospitals around the state. These backpacks will be offered to newly injured individuals with traumatic brain and/or spinal cord injuries and/or caregivers to provide resources at their fingertips, in hopes to ease the burden of beginning to navigate life with a disability. During this stressful and emotional time, we want them to know they are not alone, provide a sense of hope, and easily connect them with pertinent programs and services available to them.
Mr. Oscar J. Tolmas was an attorney, World War II veteran and a real estate developer. Upon his death he created the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust to help other tax-exempt organizations with their mission of helping others. The Brain Injury Association of LA/LA Chapter of United Spinal Association is the statewide resource for those impacted by brain and/or spinal cord injuries. Trustees Lisa Romano and Vincent Giardina stated, “We decided to support the association because of their proven efforts in advocacy, awareness, education, prevention, and services to individuals and families affected by brain and/or spinal cord injuries. That falls in line with Mr. Tolmas’ mission of helping others.”
To learn more about the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust,
click on the logo above.
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United Spinal Association offers numerous virtual events throughout the month including Social Hours, Lunch and Learns on Nutrition, Support for Newly Injured, Pathways to Employment and so much more. Anyone is welcome to participate.
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August 13th -14th: 13th Annual Conference, Kenner, LA
October 22nd - 23rd: Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana Competition, Baton Rouge, LA
November 6th: Survivor Saturday Event / Waddill Wildlife Refuge, Baton Rouge
January 15th, 2022: Mardi Gras Dance Brawl, New Orleans, LA
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FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH
BRAIN INJURY
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FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH
SPINAL CORD INJURY
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As the Louisiana Chapter of United Spinal Association, we are joining in the celebration of our national organization's 75th anniversary... and working to Build an Inclusive World. One goal we have set is to increase our membership (free) base by 75 people this year. The old saying, "there is strength in numbers", is true especially in ADVOCACY. The larger advocacy base we have, the more impactful our organizations can be. Anyone can become a member of United Spinal Association, and this free membership automatically makes you a member of OUR STATE organization. In celebration, MEMBERS can enter to win wonderful prizes throughout the year. Membership is FREE, and you will receive a copy of New Mobility Magazine. Be sure to choose Louisiana as your state!
Building An Inclusive World Means:
- Offering people with ALL disabilities opportunities to become leaders, advocates, and innovators
- Welcoming wheelchair users and all people with disabilities in the workplace and community spheres
- Embracing accessibility as the bridge to inclusion
- Using technology to unleash the talents of people with disabilities
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Meet Craig Phillips... and Learning Opportunities
My name is Craig J. Phillips and I sustained an open skull fracture in 1967, at the age of 10, with right frontal lobe damage, a severe brain bruise with brain stem involvement. I remained in a coma for three weeks.
Although I was not expected to succeed beyond high school academically, I went on to obtain both my undergraduate degree (in 10 years) and my masters degree — rehabilitation counseling (in 3 1/2 years).
Nevertheless, after 20 years of getting and losing jobs, I applied for SSDI 2 times and after going through 2 State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (s) I was declared unemployable. After being reported as being unemployable, my 3rd application for SSDI was approved and I began receiving SSDI. As a result, I felt like someone “all dressed up with no where to go”.
Nevertheless, l still had a desire to use my gifts, talents and abilities to be of service. After 7 more years of searching I found a way that worked for me. On February 6, 2007 I created Second Chance to Live. Over the course of the past 14 years I have created resources to share what I learned to enhance my ongoing brain Injury recovery process.
CLICK HERE for shared resources and to view a variety of Craig's presentations.
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Are You Interested in being the 2022 Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana? |
Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana (MWLA) is a competition that provides an opportunity for women who utilize wheelchairs to educate and advocate for individuals with disabilities around the state. The winner represents Louisiana at the Ms. Wheelchair America competition. Interested in becoming a contestant?
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Are you an individual or know an individual who sustained a traumatic brain and/or spinal cord injury? The Louisiana Department of Health through the Office of Aging and Adult Services offers assistance through the Traumatic Head and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund Program.
View video below for details.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS |
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EXTRA SHOUT OUT TO OUR
LEGACY & PLATINUM SPONSORS
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