Click here to see Brain Injury Assocation of America news page
ORIGAMI NEWS
February 25, 2008 - Origami donates to local charitiy organizations
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The Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, Mason, MI—As part of Origami’s mission to be active participants in the local community we hold several activities and events throughout the year, we are active members of the Mason Chamber of Commerce, Lansing Chamber of Commerce, and local Lansing Chapter of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, as well as many other community partnerships and involvements.
This past year, as part of the holiday season, we added another venture. We asked our staff to identify key organizations in the Lansing area that support a similar mission with consideration for other populations served. This year our staff chose to support Ele’s Place, the Capital Area Humane Society, and the Lansing City Rescue Mission. Donations were made in the staff’s name to each of these outstanding organizations. |
January 25, 2008 - Origami Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Parish Studio
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The Grand Opening of Origami's Parish Studio was held on Friday, January 25th at the Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center. The event featured a ribbon cutting ceremony with Origami staff, clients, & friends. The studio is named after Jim Parish who donated the addition to the original woodshop & arts & crafts studio. A big THANK YOU to Jim Parish and the Parish Corporation for making this possible.
For more information please contact Jennifer Pascoe at
517-455-0264 or jpascoe@origamirehab.org. Click here to see pictures from ribbon cutting ceremony |
December, 2007 - Origami receives 3 year accreditation from CARF
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Origami achieved 3 year accreditation in:
- Brain Injury Long Term Residential Services (Adults)
- Brain Injury Residential Rehabilitation Programs (Adults)
- Brain Injury Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs (Adults)
- Brain Injury Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs (Children and Adolescents)
- Brain Injury Home and Community-Based Programs (Adults)
- Brain Injury Vocational Services
Click here to see survey results. |
November 28, 2007 - Origami receives Employer of Choice Award
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The Capital Healthcare Employment council announced its Employer of Choice Award winners this afternoon at its general membership meeting. Operations Manager Nicole Murphy made the acceptance speech regarding the HR practices, benefits packages, and opportunities for continuing education and upward mobility within the company. Origami was recognized for their recognition programs (the number of programs at Origami far surpasses those of the other 6 area healthcare provider Employer of Choice winners). In fact, Origami was the only company awarded who was noted for 2 specialty areas for award: work/life balance and awards programs.
Once again, congratulations Origami!
For more information please contact Nicole Murphy at
517-455-0268 or nmurphy@origamirehab.org. |
October 12, 2007 - Origami Hosts Grand Opening of SIL
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The Grand Opening of Origami's 6th program, the Semi Independent Living Program (SIL) was held on Friday, October 12th at the Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center. The event featured an Open House and ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mason Chamber of Commerce. The ribbon cutting ceremony began at 3pm with beverages, snacks and tours of the entire campus immediately following.
From 5-8pm, we enjoyed carnival games, prizes, cake walk, food, cider, entertainment and a chance to win one of many raffle items from local businesses!!! All proceeds went go to the Origami Brain Injury Survivors Support Fund.
For more information please contact Jennifer Pascoe at
517-455-0264 or jpascoe@origamirehab.org.
Click here to see pictures from the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Click here to see pictures from the Fall Festival |
August 18th, 2007 - Origami 5K Run/Walk/Wheel
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The Fifth Annual 5K Run/Walk/Wheel was be held at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center on August 18th. Registration was at 8:00 a.m. and the race began at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds went to the Origami Brain Injury Survivor Support Fund.
Click here to see race results
A special thank you to our :
Gold Sponsors:
Peckham, Inc.
MSU Health Team
Parish Corporation
Universal Insurance
Kentwood Pharmacy
CompYouter Solutions
Summit Community Bank
Playmakers
The Governor’s Council
Analysts International
Larry Cushion & Trophies
Silver Sponsor:
Sparrow Hospital
Bronze Sponsors:
MSU Federal Credit Union
Meijer
Dean Transportation
Food Sponsors: Printing Sponsors:
Gordon Food Services Signs by Tomorrow
Great Harvest Bread Paper Image |
August 3rd & 4th, 2007 - Origami Yard Sale
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The first Origami yard sale was be held at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center on Friday, August 3rd and Saturday, August 4th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All proceeds went to the Origami Brain Injury Survivor Support Fund.
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June 25, 2007 - Origami is First Official Council Member
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Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation in Mason has became the first official member of the Capital Healthcare & Employment Council on Monday, June 25, 2007.
"The connections and relationships built through working with this council contribute to a greater healthcare system for Michigan and the greater Lansing area," says Nicole Murphy, operations manager for Origami.
On June 14, the health council board of directors officially adopted a dues structure to ensure the long-term future of CHEC, and of the local health care workforce. |
June 21, 2007 - Origami Announces New Specialty Services
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FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EVALUATIONS (FCEs)
What is an FCE? A standardized set of tests that evaluates an individual’s overall ability/disability and feasibility to return to employment; assesses “any” job and “typical” tasks of many jobs; primarily focuses on evaluating one’s physical abilities, however, a client's ability to follow directions, attend to a task, and manage frustration all impact the end of result of being employable. An FCE is not the same as a work capacity evaluation since those are not standardized and would incorporate elements of a specific job into the evaluation. It would be necessary to know some details of the target job in order to do that type of testing. If a client is not employable, then an FCE may assist in acquiring SSDI. This test can be positioned as part of a "return to work" program, or an injury prevention program. |
VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION (VR)
What is Vestibular Rehab? Vestibular (inner ear) disorders can cause dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, hearing changes, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and other symptoms, with potentially devastating effects on a person's day-to-day functioning, ability to work, relationships with family and friends, and quality of life. Addresses motion sensitivity, imbalance, techniques for BPPV and dizziness. In addition, such disorders are often "invisible," making it difficult for others to understand how disabling they can be. |
MAY 19th, 2007 - Head's Up For Safety
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Head's Up for Safety is a prevention event that offers free bike helmets for the first 500 kids in attendance. The focus is on helmet safety and prevention of brain injuries. Community partners including Sinas Dramis Law Firm, ABC53, WFMK 99.1FM, & Michigan Trial Lawyers Association contribute to the success of the event. To date Head's Up has distributed over 1,000 helmets to Lansing area kids.
This event is located at the Marshall St Fire Station on the corner of Oakland and Marshall St.
For more information please call Teri Lynne at 394-7500
Information Flyer |
April 13, 2007 - Origami Presents the Brain Injury Symposium of Mid-Michigan
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April 13th, 2007 Kellogg Center in East Lansing
Passing the Baton: Seamless Transitions through the
Continuum of Care
Featuring presenters from Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, Sparrow Health Systems, Peckham Inc, Michigan State University Health Team, Capital Area Michigan Works, and other community organizations, the Brain Injury Symposium of Mid-Michigan outlined the continuum of care for a brain injury survivor through the rehabilitation process including Acute Care, Sub-Acute Care, & Post-Acute Care; all leading to Community Re-Integration.
Attendee Brochure
Vendor/Sponsor Information - sold out |
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January 25, 2007 - Origami Annual Award Winners
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Origami held it's Annual Reception at the University Club of MSU. Over 140 staff, clients, families, and community members were in attendance. The evening was highlighted by the kick-off of the 10 Year Anniversary celebration and 2006 award winners.
Also annouced was the donation by Parish Corporation to expand the Origami Art & Woodworking building and materials to compete the pre-driving course.
Special thanks to everyone who helped make 2006 an amazing year!!! |
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Congratulations to the following individuals for their contributions and efforts:
Community Partner of the Year - Rhonda Russ
Professional Partner of the Year - Sue Maguire
"Charles Link Memorial Award" for Survivor of the Year - Jared P.
Support Staff of the Year - Joshua Gibson
Operations Team Member of the Year - Justin Warr
Madhav Kulkarni Award for Clinical Excellence - Tammy Westfall
Employee of the Year - Eric Hannah |
January 2, 2007 - Origami Event Calendar Release
October 21, 2006 - Adapted Sports Festival a Huge Success
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Over 125 participants arrived at Michigan State University for a full day of activities, sport, and recreation. Highlighted by the wheelchair rugby demonstration, this year's event was a huge success. Origami is proud to have participated with such an outstanding group of organizations in the development of this event. |
see the article in the Lansing State Journal
see the article in the MSU State News
October 12, 2006 - Origami featured on WLNS News 6
Click here to link to the report
October 5, 2006 - Peacock Road Tree Farm Donates Fall Decor
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Special thanks to Ed from Peacok Road Tree Farms in Laingsburg. Peacok Farms generously donated items to enhance the fall decor at Origami. Items included haybails, pumpkins, and corn stalk.
We appreciate the support. |
August 22, 2006 - Origami Announces Semi-Independent Living (SIL) Program
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Origami is excited to announce the development of its sixth program, a Semi-Independent Living Program. This program will include a new building equipped with 6, one bedroom apartment units located on the Origami grounds, a clubhouse, and an administrative wing. This program is designed to meet the needs of individuals who require daily support with advanced activities of daily living either as a transition back to the community or as an extended stay opportunity. The anticipated opening is Fall 2007. We are currently holding a waiting list for anyone who meets the admission criteria. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Pascoe at (517) 455-0264.
click here for more information |
August 15, 2006 - Adapted Sports Festival Dates Announced
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The Adapted Sports Festival is poised for another great day of events. It is scheduled for Saturday, October, 21st. Please look at the links below for more information:
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August 1, 2006 - Origami Director to Become CARF Surveyor
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Tammy Westfall, Origami's Director of Rehabilitation Services, was recently accepted as a CARF surveyor in the Clinical and Administrative areas within Medical Rehabilitation for brain injury programs. In addition to her duties at Origami, she will be traveling throughout the country surveying other providers. Congratulations Tammy!
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RONNIE GARDINER RHYTHM & MUSIC METHOD (RGRMM) July 5 - Aug 7
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Ronnie Gardiner has been active as a jazz musician in Sweden for more than 40 years. He has participated in over 75 recording sessions and has played with many of the most prominent Swedish artists as well as numerous internationally renowned jazz musicians. In 2001, Ronnie was honored with the illustrious St. Eriks Medal for his services as a musician, and for his dedication to helping patients with stroke. It was in 1980 that a personal tragedy was to transform Ronnie’s life and seriously awaken his interest in the workings of the brain and its functions. With his knowledge and prowess of playing the drums he began to develop the RGRM Method in order to stimulate the brain as much as possible. The method employs rhythm, music, and movement to promote natural, harmonic patterns of response in a person’s body and senses. The RGRM Method has been used since 1993 in Sweden and there are 91 therapists certified to teach it. Origami and Ronnie Gardiner have partnered for a 5 week participation opportunity and research study.
For more information: www.rgrm.com or click here for the press release
Also check out more on http://www.bluelake.org/datebook.html; scroll to the NOTES section |
June 3, 2006 - Origami Goes Electronic
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Origami has successful made the transition to Electronic Medical Records. The transition will help maximize efficiencies within the organization. We also have integrated various electronic components that will enhance the service continuum and bring technology into the rehab setting. |
May 20th, 2006 - ORIGAMI 5K Run/Walk/Wheel
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The Fourth Annual 5K Run/Walk/Wheel was held at Origami Brain Injury Center on May 20th. It was a beautiful day and an exceptional event. Over 180 people participated in the event. We'd like to thanks all of the sponsors, volunteers, and participants for the support. All proceeds went to the Origami Brain Injury Survivor Support Fund.
click here for the event results |
MAY 20th, 2006 - HEAD'S UP FOR SAFETY
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Head's Up for Safety is a brain injury prevention event that offers free bike helmets for the first 500 kids in attention. The focus is on helmet safety and prevention of brain injuries. Community partners including Sinas Dramis Law Firm, ABC53/UPN18, Michigan Trial Lawyers collaborate to contribute to the success of the event. This year we disctibuted all 500 helmets to Lansing area kids!!!
We appreciate the support of all who participated, especially the Marshall St. Fire Station. |
March 2006 - Cognitive Perceptual Motor Re-Training (CPM) at Origami is Published
The Journal of Cognitive Rehabilitation: Winter 2005 Volume 23, Issue 4 "Cognitive Perceptual Motor Retraining: Remediation of Deficits Following Brain Injury"
Authors:
Tammy Westfall, OTR, CBIS, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Madhav Kulkarni, PhD, OTR, LPC, Michigan State University Rehabilitation Clinic
Marita Bernardo de Leon, PhD, Michigan State University Rehabilitation Clinic
Edward Cook, PhD, Psychological and Neuropsychological Services
Kerri Moore, OTR, CBIS, Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation
January 19, 2006 - Origami Annual Awards
Congratulations to the following individuals for their contributions to the organization during 2005
Employee of the Year 2005: Lauren Garrisi, MA, CCC/SLP, CBIS
Support Staff of the Year 2005: Lisa Poor
"Madhav Kulkarni Clinical Excellence Award" 2005: Margaret Fankhauser, D.O.
Operations Team Member of the Year 2005: Tonia Erlenbeck, LPN, CBIS
"Charles Linck Memorial Award" Survivor of the Year 2005: Fawn Hallam
Community Partner of the Year 2005: Mike Foley - Gold's Gym
Professional Partner of the Year 2005: Edward Cook, Ph.D.
December 20, 2005 - Five computers donated to Origami click here for photos
CompYouter Solutions, a locally owned and operated computer support company, donated five new DELL computers (with estimated value of $3,000) to the Mason based, not-for-profit, Origami Brain Injury Rehabiliation Center. The donation ceremony was held on Tuesday, December 20th at Origami. Representing CompYouter Solutions were Jeremy Wagner, President and Michael Johnson, Vice President. Accepting for Origami were Eric Hannah, Director of Program Operations, Tammy Westfall, Director of Rehabilitation Services, Melani Roberts, Business Manager and Justin Warr, Business Assistant.
November, 2005 - Nine Origami staff become certified as brain injury specialists!
The American Academy for the Certification of Brain Injury Specialists (AACBIS) offers a certification program for both entry-level staff and experienced professionals working in brain injury services. AACBIS provides the opportunity to learn important information about brain injury.
Congratulations to the following staff who have recently passed the examination and can proudly add the credential CBIS to their name:
Lauren Garrisi: Speech/Language Pathologist
Kerri Moore: Registered Occupational Therapist
Tammy Westfall: Registered Occupational Therapist
Tonia Erlenbeck:
Licensed Practical Nurse
Michael Hagen: Care Coordinator
Matt Wohlfert: Admissions Coordinator
Sabreena Konsdorf: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Kathie Martin: Registered Occupational Therapist
Justin Warr: Business Assistant
November 8, 2005 - Origami Team Members Present at Michigan Rehab Conference
Presenters:
Dr. Brett VanTol, PhD; Lauren Garrisi, SLP-CCC; Sabreena Konsdorf, COTA; Tammy Westfall, OTR
Title:
Everyone on the Same Page: Working Together as a Holistic Team!
Description:
This presentation described the Hierarchy of Neuropsychological Functions developed by Yehuda Ben-Yishay, Ph.D., Rusk Institute Rehabilitation Medicine of New York University and how this approach unified the rehabilitation team at Origami. A real life case example was given to help further illustrate the principles.
October 28, 2005 - Dir. of Rehabilitation Presents at the 2nd Annual Barbara
A. Rider Colloquium
Presenter:
Tammy Westfall, OTR
Title:
Driver's Rehabilitation: Safe return to driving for persons with brain injury
Description:
To move independently through one's community is often times regarded as the ultimate attainment of independence so it comes as no surprise that person with brain injury often list this goal as "top priority". For the occupational therapist, there is a lot to be considered since the resumption of this instrumental activity of daily living not only affects the client or his/her significant others, but also the safety of society. Safely operating a moving vehicle (i.e. care, boat, motorcycle) requires a myriad of skills that need to be integrated in a very rapid, complex order. The presentation focused on the role of the occupational therapist amongst an interdisciplinary treatment team in the provision of driving rehabilitation. The comprehensive evaluation of an individual's cognitive, perceptual, sensorimotor, and psychosocial skills were discussed as well as therapeutic interventions that an occupational therapist can incorporate in to the treatment plan.
October 18, 2005 - Origami Fall Festival click here for photos
On November 11th Origami had the opportunity to invite the community out for our Annual Fall Festival. The weather was perfect for our Cake Walk, carnival games and bonfire. Thanks to those who purchased raffle tickets, we raised over $760 for the Origami Brain Injury Survivor Fund!
September 24, 2005 - MSU: Adapted Sports Festival
The Adapted Sports Festival was an innovative idea created by a group of Michigan State University and community representatives to promote awareness of recreational and leisure activities for persons with disabilities. The one-day event highlighted adapted sports such as Bocce Ball (Boccia), Wheelchair Hockey (Floor), Goalball, Hand-cycling, Power Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Weight Training and Wheelchair Basketball. Vendors also were present during the festival to inform the disability community and related audiences about products and services relevant to adapted sports and leisure activities.
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