The Brain Injury Day-Treatment Unit of ELEPAP-Rehabilitation for The Disabled is proud to announce the “2nd Brain Injury Conference: The Holistic Neuropsychological Approach” that will take place in Athens, at Ethniki Asfalistiki Conference Center, 103-105, Syngrou Avenue, on March 29-30, 2019. The Brain Injury Day-Treatment Unit of ELEPAP-Rehabilitation for The Disabled is proud to announce the “2nd Brain Injury Conference: The Holistic Neuropsychological Approach” that will take place in Athens, at Ethniki Asfalistiki Conference Center, 103-105, Syngrou Avenue, on March 29-30, 2019.

Acquired brain injury constitutes one of the main causes of disability and mortality of childhood and adulthood. In 2012 37.000 cases with brain injury had been treated in public hospitals according to data of the Hellenic Statistical Authority.

Acquired brain injury is followed by a wide range of pathophysiological symptoms, such as motor and sensory difficulties, cognitive deficits, changes in behavioral and emotional regulation; these symptoms have an impact on daily functionality, autonomous living and social reintegration. Rehabilitation of brain injury’s sequelae is a long-term process, requiring specialized and comprehensive intervention and support of the patient and his/hers family and environment. Indicatively, in the E.U. more than 6,200,000 people remain on the sidelines 5 years after an acquired brain injury, and the numbers are rising every year.

Having completed 10 years of operation, the Brain Injury Day-Treatment Unit of ELEPAP organizes a two-day conference, focusing on the long-term sequelae of acquired brain injury. The cognitive, behavioral and emotional deficits and the difficulties in awareness, acceptance and reintegration will be highlighted, while special attention will be drawn on the way the aforementioned are addressed through the model of Holistic Neuropsychological Rehabilitation.

Internationally acclaimed professionals on the domain of Neuropsychology and Holistic Rehabilitation and Reintegration, such as Dr. Yehuda Ben Yishay (USA), Dr. George Prigatano (USA), Dr. Ellen – Daniels Zide (USA), Dr. Dan Hoofien (Israel), Dr. Mathilde Chevignard (France), Dr. Jaana Sarajuuri (Finland), Dr. George Dellatolas (France), Dr. Barbara Wilson (U.K) and Fofi Konstantinidou (Cyprus), as well as scientists from Greece will review the therapeutic approaches that are implemented, their outcomes and the challenges that arise in rehabilitation and reintegration of patients with acquired brain injury, through lectures, clinical presentations and interactive discussion with the audience.

The conference is addressed to rehabilitation physicians, neurosurgeons, neurologists, child neurologist psychiatrists, child psychiatrists, occupational physicians, intensive care physicians, neuropsychologists, psychologists and special therapists.

We are looking forward to meeting you all in a fruitful two-day conference that will hopefully promote the exchange of experience, the adoption of best practices and the empowerment of effective cooperation among all services and professionals involved. The common goal is the improvement of quality of life and reintegration opportunities of children, adolescents and adults with acquired brain injury, as well as, the enhancement of the awareness in the community.

A few words about ELEPAP

The first social charity in Greece, ELEPAP-Rehabilitation for The Disabled, www.elepap.gr, has been striving, since 1937, to establish the right of children with motor disabilities and neurodevelopmental problems to maximize their full potential towards self-realization, integration and independence.

ELEPAP’s vision is to continuously improve and develop its services and programs according to international standards. It also works to provide innovative, high-quality rehabilitation services, organized in integrated programs in a safe and family-like environment. In such an environment, children and adults with disabilities are given the best opportunities for independence and goal achievement. Families find in ELEPAP a trustworthy companion in their long rehabilitation journey. Sharing their fears and hopes, they find acceptance and empowerment. With ELEPAP’s support, they can balance their work, personal, and family demands, as well as find hope and pride as parents.

With the dedication and hard work of its board of directors, professional staff, volunteers and benefactors, ELEPAP continues to support more than 1.000 children and adults in six branches in Athens, Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Chania, Volos and Agrinio. It is a daily struggle to carry on with ELEPAP’s vision of “Life Steps Forward” for integration opportunities and social awareness, ensuring a better future for all children and adults with disabilities in Greece. Today, ELEPAP faces an increased demand on services from families enduring multiple hardships, in dire need of assistance.

Our reward is a smile and the happiness depicted in the eyes of our children, a small achievement in everyday goals such as a touch, a word, a step, or life accomplishments like friendship, university graduation, marriage, athletic awards, living independently. These are all actions and events marking meaningful changes in the lives of our children.

Every day our children and adults offer all of us enriching examples of stamina, hard work, resilience and determination.

Their strength to keep going in spite of adversities contributes to social awareness, acceptance and equality in Greek society.