On Tuesday, June 19, 2007, ASHA hosted Civilian Traumatic Brain Injury: The Other Story at the National Press Club, Washington, DC. The event resulted in major media coverage for the Association and the issue of TBI. Using the occasion to release poll results about TBI, the event featured TBI experts and patients, and called on insurance companies to provide more comprehensive coverage for cognitive rehabilitation services.
ASHA President Noma Anderson welcomes press conference attendees.
Dr. Lyn Turkstra discusses evidence that cognitive rehabilitation makes a meaningful difference in academic, employment, and social community outcomes for TBI patients.
Speech-language pathologist Kathy Manning informs attendees that insurance companies frequently deny or restrict outpatient treatment, particularly for cognitive rehabilitation which can cause devastating financial issues for the TBI patient.
TBI patient Carolyn McCormack discusses personal financial and emotional impact she endured because her insurance company denied coverage of her cognitive rehab therapy.
Jon Weiss, who suffered a TBI after a car accident in March, states, "There is little awareness and education about TBI, and there is also a lack of financial support on a sustained basis for TBI survivors."
Yvonne Hoffman states, "Many of my friends think that I look great and try to reassure me. However, they don't know what this feels like, nor do they understand what a brain injury means. And now my treatment sessions have ended and I am so scared."
Speech-language pathologist John DaVanzo discusses injured armed service members suffering from TBI.
(from left to right) seated: Janet McCarty, ASHA's Private Health Plan Advisor; Kathy Manning, Neuro Rehab Associates; Carolyn McCormack. Middle Row: Susan Connors, BIA President/CEO; Noma Anderson, ASHA President; Yvonne Hoffman. Back Row: John DaVanzo, Clinical Director at Laurel Highlands Neuro-Rehabilitation Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Lyn Turkstra, Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Jon Weiss