On October 19,  G.F. Strong School Program Staff (affiliated with Eric Hamber Secondary) hosted a presentation titled, "Concussion in the Classroom".  This collaboration with G. F. Strong Rehab Centre Staff was well received by all who attended.  Attendees included doctors, teachers, administrators, counselors, support staff, and student teachers throughout the province. 

The G. F. Strong School Program is a Provincial Resource Program that responds to the learning needs of students with acquired and congenital disabilities. The program's mission is to integrate both the benefits of school and rehabilitation therapy, and to reintegrate students with newly acquired disabilities back to their home school communities.

The goal of this year's presentation was to educate staff working with youth in all capacities about the effects of a concussion, and its impact on a students' participation and performance at school.  Attendees also learned about the developing brain and its functions; symptoms of a concussion, the recovery process, and concussion management; and return to school and sport protocol.  Attendees left the presentation with a variety of up-to-date resources (including iPhone/iPad apps), relevant for working with and supporting students with concussion.  Multiple perspectives were shared by a teacher, high school counselor, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist.  Participants commented that the presentation was a "perfect balance of both research and real life case studies," which made the session "interesting and relevant".

"Concussion in the Classroom was by far, the best attended workshop we have ever arranged," said Robyn Littleford, Department Head at G. F. Strong School Program. "Concussion and its impact on classroom participation are important topics for all school staff to be aware of."  

Littleford was thrilled with the turnout, as over 150 people attended in-person. A webinar session was made available to accommodate an additional 30 people living outside of the lower mainland. 

"Awareness and education are key," said Littleford."The more people who are made aware of this topic, the better we can support and serve our students."