ASTU 400 Course Blog by Constance Batore

I went to the Headway Center expecting to be involved in a new exercise program with some clients; however, I realized from talking with the coordinators that the programs are flexible and are dependent on interests and participation of the clients. The new exercise program has not been a popular one and on the day I volunteered the clients arrived later for lunch and a presentation about community involvement.  Coordinators called “connectors” came to speak about communicating with clients and programs in the community to set up employment, health, recreation, and travel opportunities.

I had the pleasure of meeting many clients from the Headway Center and immediately noticed the friendly and welcoming attitude of all the clients. The clients differed on ways of communication.  For instance, one client was immersed in solving a crossword puzzle and was very articulate about his interest in solving crossword puzzles from different newspapers. In contrast, another client communicated mostly through hand gestures and was very playful by initiating a handshake of about ten moves with everyone. I helped this client fill out a form about his interests because he seemed to have difficulty in understanding what was written. From our class discussions regarding brain anatomy and impacts of injuries on one’s abilities, I realized perhaps the part of the brain that may have been affected by this client’s accident is associated with language. The cognitive domain of attention span may have been affected in a few clients because during the presentation by the “connectors,” some clients would appear to not be interested and would look at the floor or want to be talk with someone. On the other hand, some clients who did not prefer to communicate verbally were very expressive through other means such as hand gestures and artwork. One client has been successful in knitting and selling their products. The client has also mastered intricate bead works and nail and threading artwork, which shows that the client’s visual spatial abilities have been maintained and well developed.

From an observational standpoint, I realized how a traumatic brain injury can be obvious or invisible. I noticed that some clients required simple explanations for instructions or safety precautions and had physical impairments; whereas, others were vocal, eloquent, and did not have difficulties with mobility. Also, unfortunately, one client’s head area had a portion missing, which was an obvious sign of the physical trauma that the client had endured. With the information from class discussions about life changes after injuries, I can understand how difficult it may be for clients to find employment, how the clients have found ways to adapt or re-learn certain skills, and how a support system of friends and family would be important in physical, emotional, and cognitive recovery. I admire how the clients are positively supportive of each other, appreciate each other’s talents and like to joke with one another. I think their friendships must have an immense impact on their motivation to relate to others and express their creativity.