I was injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident on October 24, 2008. I was deemed “catastrophic”…… I was covered by the insurance benefits for my recovery before the changes made to the medical and rehabilitation benefits in 2010. My insurance company was very helpful and the monies NEEDED in my recovery were never denied. It was because of the available benefits, I have been able to move me forward and not be a victim! I want ALL survivors to have the same opportunities I did.
Most people live their lives not giving a thought about what they have accomplished. We plug along with day to day events or situations.
UNTIL …. Life stops the way you’re use to! Your abilities change, for example…..physical movement, memory, concentration, motivation, determination, planning (even hourly), mood/behaviour, you change. These can happen with a motor vehicle accident, or blows to the head, or a fall, to name a few.
When this unfortunate experience occurs, we are required to work harder than we ever have and differently, to try and “regain” our abilities. I looked at my head injury in the beginning, with disbelief, anger, and resentment.
Through a lot of support, and therapy, I regained some of my abilities. Do I miss my abilities I don’t have? The answer is YES! But I like and I’m happy about my abilities I realized I still have. My motivation has always been the thought, IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE!
I’m speaking to you today, I’m not presenting. In other words, I’m sharing what worked for me, in hopes the ideas might work & help you.
I took my experience as an opportunity to revise me. Through re learning my abilities, I also learned to adapt to some ways of doing things. For example, my walking. I use a cane to keep my balance.
I’ll give you an idea of the steps I had to take to get to the use of my cane.
After the accident…… re learning the skills of sitting up in bed or chair unsupported, being in a wheelchair for mobility, using a walker to re learn how to walk, learning how to use the cane for stability. These skills took me, 6 months to begin with after my coma!
Recovery is one of the toughest journeys a person takes after an injury.
Being determined to succeed for you helps too!
Tammy Kirkwood ABI Toronto Speech #2
Tammy Kirkwood at Thomson Rogers
Tammy Kirkwood introduction to PACE (1)
Tammy Kirwood IBC kiosk video statement
Tammy’s submission to Standing Committee (1)
Tammy’s submission to Standing Committee