(Minneapolis) The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota offers many services, including educational opportunities. These opportunities include weekly workshops, held on Wednesdays, as well as special classes on Brain Injury Basics.

The classes are held at the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota, in the Education Center located at 34 13th Avenue Northeast in Minneapolis. The Education Manager of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota can be reached by calling 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442.

The Association begins its new round of Wednesday workshops in July. A schedule is as follows.

July 23, 2008

“Socio-Sexuality Issues for Persons with Disabilities such as Brain Injury”

Presenter: Geoff Garwick, Therapist, Ramsey County Mental Health

Persons living with acquired disabilities such as brain injury often have significant issues related to appropriate sexual behavior and feelings associated with their sexuality and new status as a person with a disability.

August 27, 2008

“Ethics for the Human Service Professional”

Presenter: Janet Schank, PhD, LP

Human Service professionals encounter a wide array of ethical dilemmas in the various settings where they work.  Communication, boundaries, rules and Q & A will be covered in this workshop to assist professionals in managing situations of an ethics nature when they arise.

Many of the adults that are served in various settings (e.g. residential, mental health, chemical dependency, corrections) sustained brain injuries as children.  Sustaining a brain injury as a child has a unique set of issues and impacts life long development.

The Association also offers education on Brain Injury Basics, with three different levels of classes.

Brain Injury Basics I:  An Introduction

Brain Injury Basics I is the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota's cornerstone class.  The instructors of this program define brain injury, discuss common symptoms of brain injury, suggest ways for persons with brain injury to compensate for their injuries, and give tips about how to relate to a person who has sustained a brain injury.  This introductory class is useful for both people living with brain injury and the people who support them.

The class is held on May 20 and July 15, from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

The class is free to persons with brain injury and their family members.  The registration fee for professionals is $20.  To register for a class call 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442.

Brain Injury Basics II:  Adjustment to Disability

This class addresses the life change that occurs with brain injury, including major stages and challenges of emotional adjustment.  Adjustment to disability is a life-long process.  It may be described as a series of stages or major tasks, which may not always flow in a neat and orderly fashion.  Individuals progress through the stages at different rates.  Emotional aspects of disability can be a major factor in future outcomes.

This class will be held on June 17, from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

This class is also free to persons with brain injury and their family members.  The registration fee for professionals is $20.  To register for a class please call 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442.

Brain Injury Basics III:  Caregiving

Brain injury not only impacts the person who sustained the injury, but also all individuals in their lives.  These individuals play an important role in enhancing quality of life and promoting adjustment to life after a loved one's brain injury through their caregiving.  Learn how brain injury impacts the caregiver and their efforts at caregiving.

The class will be held on July 22 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.