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AQTC
    » Services

• Individal support
• Leisure activities
• Group workshops
• Information and public awareness

The AQTC uses an interdisciplinary team approach in order to respond to the diverse needs of its members. The team is made up of professionals trained in psychology, recreology, addiction, leisure activities techniques, etc. In addition, a team of volunteers (both with and without TBI) are actively involved at many levels, such as in putting together the Phoenix newsletter, participating in recreational activities committees and in the maintenance of the web site, planning and leading groups in various activities and workshops, etc.

Psychosocial Assessment and Individual Support

In order to address all the needs of its clientele, the AQTC does a psychosocial assessment of each person interested in receiving services, and individual support is provided throughout the intervention process, as well as through various difficult life situations. The nature of the support provided is based on each person's particular request, needs and individual rhythm. In addition, if the AQTC cannot meet a person's needs, they will nevertheless provide assistance in redirecting the person towards more appropriate resources.

Leisure Activities

In order to respond to the needs of its members, the AQTC, through its leisure committee, has developed a diverse program of leisure activities. The activities can be divided into two main categories: experiential integration activities and recreational activities.

• Life experience integration activities: The actual contents of this type of activity are of little importance. The object is to provide experiences that will help individuals to either increase their ability to adapt, or develop new adaptive strategies. Examples of activities are group outings, group discussions, activities within the community, weekend camping trips, bicycle touring, etc. Each activity focuses on one or more goals, and the support workers involved with each participant decide together how the goals will be reached. With this type of activity, there is always an individual follow-up with each participant.
• Recreational or complementary activities: These activities can be initiated and organized either by a support worker or by the members themselves. They are not based on formal intervention objectives and are not subject to follow up or subsequent evaluation. One example is the Christmas party (planned by the AQTC). Others are outings planned and organized by the members, such as visiting the ceramics cafe in Laval or bowling in Montreal. For this type of activity, the AQTC serves mainly as a facilitator. The members generally take on full responsibility for all the tasks involved.

Workshops

Group workshops, as we know, are advantageous in that they bring together people who share similar problems. The meetings are marked by peer reinforcement of, or confrontation about ideas and opinions as peer input is generally more easily accepted than that of a professional. The group workshops also foster the development of new communication skills and methods for improving interpersonal relationships that can be applied in the ‘here and now'. The workshops can have different objectives and be adapted to suit various levels. More globally, all the workshops aim to support individuals by showing them both empathy and respect for their losses associated with cranio-cerebral trauma. They also help individuals break free from their sense of isolation as participants generally leave the workshop no longer feeling that they are alone in living through their difficult situation. In addition, the workshops aim at ensuring the transfer of newly acquired skills into the individuals' daily lives. This is accomplished by focusing the workshops not only on knowledge acquisition, but also on learning cognitive strategies, and on exploring and evaluating the consequences of certain actions or behaviors (problem solving techniques). Compensatory or alternative strategies are also explored and discussed within the group in order to help the participants in managing the difficulties that arise in their daily lives.

Moreover, the workshops are aimed at fostering self-analysis and autonomy, as well as the ability to control personal thoughts, feelings and behaviors. These skills allow the participants to regain control over their lives, and to avoid becoming dependent on our services. In fact, our main goal is for the workshops to provide a springboard to success in the outside world!

Providing Information and Increasing Public Awareness

The expertise of our staff allows the AQTC to provide information to anyone who wants to learn more about traumatic brain injuries. In addition, because of our community involvement, we are familiar with a wealth of resources that are available to meet the needs not only of individuals with TBI, but also of associated professionals and the general public. Furthermore, as we are conscious of the need to increase public awareness about traumatic brain injuries so that the reality of people living with TBI is better known and understood, the AQTC takes part in conventions, and gives presentations in community resource centers and government services settings, etc.

Working in collaboration with the various associated resources in the community

The AQTC acts as a complementary community resource that supports individuals with TBI in their social integration. It is also a place of learning and for sharing knowledge for various teaching institutions (universities, cegeps). To accomplish its mission, the organization works together with various partners in the area of health services such as the following hospitals and rehabilitation centers:

• Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, and the Montreal General Hospital
• The Institut de réadaptation de Montréal (Montreal Centre for Rehabilitation), the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, the Centre de réadaptation le Bouclier (Le Bouclier Rehabilitation Centre), the Constance-Lethbridge Rehabilitation Centre, the Centre de réadaptation Lucie-Bruneau (Lucie-Bruneau Rehabilitation Centre), and the Marie-Enfant Rehabilitation Centre, Ste-Justine Hospital
• CLSCs, etc.

In addition, the AQTC also has vast knowledge of community, institutional and governmental organizations, and can therefore assist individuals in their contact with these institutions, as well as direct them towards appropriate resources such as:

• Advocacy groups for workers rights, for victims of road accidents, for crime victims, for people on low incomes, etc.;
• Legal services including lawyers, medico-legal experts, legal aid, etc.;
• Temporary placement, respite care, or long term placement;
• Food banks, drug rehabilitation centres, work reintegration programs, sports and recreational activities centres, domestic help services, mental health care services, support services, accompanying services for legal processes, etc.