The Brain Injury Association of Louisiana / United Spinal Association of Louisiana is proud to present our 17th annual conference... "LINKING MINDS. LEAVING MARKS." This two-day conference brings together healthcare professionals, individuals living with brain and/or spinal cord injury, caregivers, and community partners to explore innovative, evidence-based approaches to brain and spinal cord injury care. Attendees will hear dynamic presentations from leading experts across Louisiana and the nation while expanding clinical knowledge, earning CEUs, and networking with vendors and like-minded professionals.
We have applied for 12 pre-approved CEUs with the following boards: LPTA*, LOTA*, CCMC, SW*, CRCC*, LPC*, and LBESPA** (ST). All other attendees will receive a CEU certificate for self-submission to their respective boards.
Individuals living with brain and/or spinal cord injuries and their caregivers are invited to attend the medical presentations and participate in Survivor Day on Saturday, March 28th, which will feature tailored sessions designed specifically for survivors and families.
Our exhibit hall will showcase organizations, companies, and programs offering the latest resources, technologies, products, and services supporting people with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and mobility impairments.
At the conclusion of the first day, we invite all attendees to join us for a complimentary Networking Social in the exhibit hall, an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and continue conversations sparked throughout the day.
*12 CEUs approved for PT, LPC, CRCC, OT, SW
**9 hours 30 mins. approved for Speech Hours / 3 hours 45 minutes approved for Related Hours
CMCC pending approval
EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS MARCH 1ST! REGISTER TODAY!
We have applied for 12 pre-approved CEUs with the following boards: LPTA*, LOTA*, CCMC, SW*, CRCC*, LPC*, and LBESPA** (ST). All other attendees will receive a CEU certificate for self-submission to their respective boards.
Individuals living with brain and/or spinal cord injuries and their caregivers are invited to attend the medical presentations and participate in Survivor Day on Saturday, March 28th, which will feature tailored sessions designed specifically for survivors and families.
Our exhibit hall will showcase organizations, companies, and programs offering the latest resources, technologies, products, and services supporting people with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and mobility impairments.
At the conclusion of the first day, we invite all attendees to join us for a complimentary Networking Social in the exhibit hall, an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and continue conversations sparked throughout the day.
*12 CEUs approved for PT, LPC, CRCC, OT, SW
**9 hours 30 mins. approved for Speech Hours / 3 hours 45 minutes approved for Related Hours
CMCC pending approval
EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS MARCH 1ST! REGISTER TODAY!
Location
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Orleans Airport
2150 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062
2150 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062
Date & Time
March 27, 2026
7:30 am- 4:15 pm
March 28, 2026
7:30 am - 4:15pm
7:30 am- 4:15 pm
March 28, 2026
7:30 am - 4:15pm
Location
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Orleans Airport
2150 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062
2150 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062
To Reserve a Hotel Room:
CLICK HERE
or Call (504) 467-3111 (and mention BIALA Conference)
For Hotel Guests: Complimentary hot breakfast for two & complimentary parking
Conference Rate: $152.00 plus tax/night
Hotel will sell out so book early.
Accessible rooms available until sold out.
Rate Cutoff: 2/25/26
CLICK HERE
or Call (504) 467-3111 (and mention BIALA Conference)
For Hotel Guests: Complimentary hot breakfast for two & complimentary parking
Conference Rate: $152.00 plus tax/night
Hotel will sell out so book early.
Accessible rooms available until sold out.
Rate Cutoff: 2/25/26
Schedule for Friday, March 27th
7:30-8:00 am
Registration / Exhibit Hall Open
8:00-8:15 am
Welcome / Brief Comments
8:15-9:15 am
Concurrent Sessions:
Changing the Discharge Trajectory: How Behavior Rounds Improve Community Outcomes in Inpatient Rehab
Presenter: Hannah Gresham, CCC/SLP, CBIS
Home Access: No Contractor Needed
Presenter: Antoinette M. Verdone, MSBME, ATP, RET
Changing the Discharge Trajectory: How Behavior Rounds Improve Community Outcomes in Inpatient Rehab
Presenter: Hannah Gresham, CCC/SLP, CBIS
Home Access: No Contractor Needed
Presenter: Antoinette M. Verdone, MSBME, ATP, RET
9:15-10:15 am
Concurrent Sessions:
Neural Plasticity in Neurotrauma and Neurorehabilitation: Concepts, Advances, and Clinical Considerations
Presenter: Keith E. Tansey, MD, PhD, FASNR, FASIA
Home Access: Advanced Strategies in the Brain Injury Referral Process
Presenter: Lindsay McGregor, CBIS
Neural Plasticity in Neurotrauma and Neurorehabilitation: Concepts, Advances, and Clinical Considerations
Presenter: Keith E. Tansey, MD, PhD, FASNR, FASIA
Home Access: Advanced Strategies in the Brain Injury Referral Process
Presenter: Lindsay McGregor, CBIS
10:15-10:45 am
Break / Exhibit Hall Open
10:45AM -
12:00 Pm
12:00 Pm
Concurrent Sessions:
Understanding Pressure Injuries: Traditional & Technological Solutions
Presenter: Timothy Balz, B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Executive Function Bootcamp: Practical Strategies for Brain Injury Rehab
Presenter: Taylor Magaw, M.A., L-SLP, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Understanding Pressure Injuries: Traditional & Technological Solutions
Presenter: Timothy Balz, B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Executive Function Bootcamp: Practical Strategies for Brain Injury Rehab
Presenter: Taylor Magaw, M.A., L-SLP, CCC-SLP, CBIS
12:00-1:00 pm
LUNCH / EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
1:00-2:30 pm
Concurrent Sessions:
Neuro Performance Enhancement Through Chess Applications and Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Presenter: Gregory Ward, MD
Cracking the Spinal Cord Injury Code: 10 Principles, One Incredible Journey
Presenter: Abigail Ruppel, PT, DPT, NCS
Neuro Performance Enhancement Through Chess Applications and Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Presenter: Gregory Ward, MD
Cracking the Spinal Cord Injury Code: 10 Principles, One Incredible Journey
Presenter: Abigail Ruppel, PT, DPT, NCS
2:30-3:00 pm
Break / Exhibit Hall Open
3:00-4:15 pm
Concurrent Sessions:
Low Hanging Fruit - mTBI Management
Presenter: Dana McKinney, MS CCC-SLP, CBIST-AP
The Evolution of Alternative Drive Controls
Presenter: Mark Scott
Low Hanging Fruit - mTBI Management
Presenter: Dana McKinney, MS CCC-SLP, CBIST-AP
The Evolution of Alternative Drive Controls
Presenter: Mark Scott
4:15 pm
Networking Social and Door Prizes Announced in
Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall
Schedule for Saturday, March 28th
7:30-8:00 am
Registration / Exhibit Hall Open
8:00-8:15 am
Welcome / Brief Comments
8:15-9:15 am
Empowering Independence: The Impact of AI and Assistive Technology
Presenter: Kimberly Pace, MS, BME, ATP, RET, CEAC
Presenter: Kimberly Pace, MS, BME, ATP, RET, CEAC
9:15-10:15 am
Aging with a Brain Injury and/or Spinal Cord Injury
Presenters: Howard T. Katz, MD, Virginia Gentry, AGNP-C, FNP-C, Regan Temple, FNP-C, CLCP
Presenters: Howard T. Katz, MD, Virginia Gentry, AGNP-C, FNP-C, Regan Temple, FNP-C, CLCP
10:15-10:45 am
Break / Exhibit Hall Open
10:45AM -
12:00 Pm
12:00 Pm
Chronic Mental Health Needs After TBI: Insights from Survivors and Caregivers / Caregiver’s Journey
Presenters: Matthew Calamia, Ph.D., Tammy A. Hall, Ed.D.
Presenters: Matthew Calamia, Ph.D., Tammy A. Hall, Ed.D.
12:00-12:45 pm
LUNCH / EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
12:45-1:30 pm
Unmasking Brain and Spinal Cord Injury: A Special Performance along with Q&A Session
Presented by: Tulane’s Department of Theatre & Dance Documentary Theatre Class
Presented by: Tulane’s Department of Theatre & Dance Documentary Theatre Class
1:30-2:30 pm
Smart Home as Assistive Technology
Presenter: Antoinette M. Verdone, MSBME, ATP, RET
Presenter: Antoinette M. Verdone, MSBME, ATP, RET
2:30-3:00 pm
Break / Exhibit Hall Open
3:00-4:15 pm
The Recovery Continuum: How Interdisciplinary Collaboration Shapes Long-Term Outcomes
Presenters: Nicole T. Williams, MA, CCC-SLP, Lisa C Bayhi DNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, FAANP,
Taylor Robertson OTR/L, CBIS, CNS, Casey Jaynes PT, DPT, Rich Green, Damion Dunbar and Wykeitha Dunbar
Presenters: Nicole T. Williams, MA, CCC-SLP, Lisa C Bayhi DNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, FAANP,
Taylor Robertson OTR/L, CBIS, CNS, Casey Jaynes PT, DPT, Rich Green, Damion Dunbar and Wykeitha Dunbar
Survivor Saturday Schedule
March 28th
March 28th
8:30-9:00 am
Registration / Welcome
9:00-10:15 am
Unmasking Brain and Spinal Cord Injury: ART- Adaptive Restoration Therapy
Presenters: BJ Smith and Kim Smith
Presenters: BJ Smith and Kim Smith
10:15-10:45 am
Break / Exhibit Hall Open
10:45am-
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Unique Medical Needs
Presenters: Captain Shayna Goldfine, MPH, CEM, NRP, Meredith McInturff, Holly Pellerito, LOTR & Kristen Perez, BSN, RN, CRRN
Presenters: Captain Shayna Goldfine, MPH, CEM, NRP, Meredith McInturff, Holly Pellerito, LOTR & Kristen Perez, BSN, RN, CRRN
12:00-12:45 PM
LUNCH / EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
12:45-1:30 pm
Unmasking Brain and Spinal Cord Injury: A Special Performance along with Q&A Session
Presented by: Tulane’s Department of Theatre & Dance Documentary Theatre Class
Presented by: Tulane’s Department of Theatre & Dance Documentary Theatre Class
1:30-2:30 pm
Designing My Path: Creating a Vision Board
Presenter: Chelsie Huval, MS, CCC-SLP
Presenter: Chelsie Huval, MS, CCC-SLP
2:30-3:15 pm
Connections Circle Social
Presenters: Dawn Vest and Chelsie Huval, MS, CCC-SLP
Presenters: Dawn Vest and Chelsie Huval, MS, CCC-SLP