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

2. Presenters
Craig Sicilia –
Penny Condoll -

3. 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. 

4. 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

5. 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.

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

7. TBI Survivors Network Website in Action

8. 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

9. Opportunities and Linking of TBI sites

10. 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

11. 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

12. Stephanie’s Story
Value of Peer Support in Action