PPITT 09/15/16 meeting minutes

2 Guest Speakers:
1.Carol Van Ness, A Cognitive ConnectionSpecializing in brain rehabilitation and behavior
intervention. Carol is certified in special education,
is a cognitive and behavior specialist, has
endorsements in severe cognitive and affective
needs, behavior analysis, memory support, is a
brain injury specialist, and is a facilitator for Love
and Logic. Carol has opened A Cognitive
Connection with the support of her family and Janis
Bickers- a certified counselor/ provider for The
Listening Program. This program was formerly at
Carmel; now an independent contractor. A
Cognitive Connection utilizes multiple modalities
including The Listening Program, music therapy,
and preferential specialized music to encourage
memory, Brain Builder Software system, Rhythm
Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive
Behavioral System, multisensory approaches, and
brain integration strategies to encourage learning
and cognitive success. A Cognitive Connection
utilizes talk therapy in conjunction with music and
technology and a multisensory approach to change
how the brain functions. This has been helpful for
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people who have had a brain injury as well as

those working to improve focus, skills, poor school
and work performance, etc. The program is
currently self-pay. However Carol is working on
becoming a Medicaid provider. For more
information call Carol at (719)464-7665, the office
at (719)233-1199, or
acognitiveconnection@gmail.com.
2.Carol Cochran with Brain Injury Alliance of
Colorado- Established to assist people with a brain
injury and their loved ones by accessing needed
supports to maximize recovery now and in the
future. The Brain Injury Alliance uses a team
approach to case management. All services are
free. For more information or to obtain a copy of
the Brain Injury Directory, call Carol at (719)3154824 or email at carol@BIAColorado.org.
PPITT Business: Hannah with the ARC states that
the fair budget is the same; will provide numbers
at next months PPITT meeting. The fair will be
4/20/17; 5:00-9:00 pm. The website will be similar
to last year; the table fee will increase to $50.
Upcoming Events and Services:
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1.Erin Tucker with Air Force Academy Skating School

(757)632-5818- teaching therapeutic skating
2.Building for Change luncheon hosted by the Arc
of the Pikes Peak Region. Thursday, 9/29/16; 11:301:00 at Hotel Elegante. Complimentary seating is
limited. Please RSVP by September 23 at (719)4714800 or rsvp@thearcppr.org.
3.Parenting with Love & Logic- adult only series
facilitated by Carol VanNess September 8, 15, 22,
29 October 6, 13 from 5:30-7:00 pm at A Cognitive
Connection (719)233-1199
4.Special Olympics- skiing, snowboarding,
snowshoeing, cross country. Those interested in
joining a team can find more information at
specialolympics.org or contact
jnesmith@specialolympicsco.org
5.Jaime Harrell: The Independence Center- new
satellite office in Monument. Call (719)471-8181 for
the address.
6.

Cindy Powell: Teaching Sign Language to People

with Disabilities; intensive four hour workshop at
United Providers: Friday 10/14; noon to 4 pm;
extremely limited seating: 331 7636 for more
information; or cindy.powell2013@gmail.com
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