The Value of Peer Support and Online Connections:  TBI Survivors Network

Presenters Craig Sicilia – Penny Condoll -

Peer Support Networks are incredibly valuable to individuals dealing with new realities after a Traumatic Brain Injury.  The Internet now offers many opportunities for Survivors and Caregivers of TBI to learn, share and create important friendships through Social Networking Sites such as the TBI Survivors Network site on NING.  Hear the history of this site and the difference that this and other forms of peer support networks has had to enhance the lives of survivors.  After a TBI and the hospital and rehabilitation is over, many survivors have felt on their own to navigate their new lives, resources and systems that rarely are easy to access or understand. 

Outline Value of peer support networks Types of peer support networks for TBI TBI Survivors Network Website in Action Connecting and Creating TBI leaders Opportunities and Linking of TBI sites TBISN NING – Statistics Peer Support Story

Value of Peer Support for Individuals and Families of People with TBI Common experiences People find it helpful to know that they are not alone. Installation of hope. Knowing that others have been through a similar experience, and knowing that they coped or survived, brings hope. Quality of empathy & interaction. People often feel that only those in the same situation can understand. Peers understand because they have been there; they do not give ‘textbook’ answers that might be given by a healthcare professional who does not have the experience of being a survivor.

Types of Peer Support Networks Support Groups Social Groups Social Network Sites Online Chat

TBI Survivors Network Website in Action http://tbisn.org

Connecting and Creating TBI leaders Bi-monthly chat nights on the internet 10 high school clubs through out the state 4 community college clubs 30 Support Groups 6 Advocacy groups Legislative opportunities

Opportunities and Linking of TBI sites www.tbiwa.org www.tbisn.org www.tbiwashington.org www.tbi.me www.peoplefirstofwashinton.org

TBISN NING – Statistics Currently the network is involved in the development of 8 tbi specific Sites in the state of Washington During the past year we have developed and partnered with 16 other States and 4 countries From here I am going to show you some of the information and data available

Ways the network is enhanced Self development and leadership training Reaching my own greatness Self development identifying our strengths and dreams Mixed Voices Leadership training on inclusion, developing the skills to run a meeting and ways to be effective on community boards Moving On Personal futures planning

Stephanie’s Story Value of Peer Support in Action