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From Classroom to Community: Preparing the Next Generation of TBI Clinicians

The Thrive Adaptive Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) curriculum continued its three-part series with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Symposium, presented in collaboration with students from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (COMP). The hybrid learning module advanced Thrive Adaptive’s mission to embed disability-informed care into medical education by integrating clinical knowledge, communication skills, and lived experience.

The program featured Jamie Currie, MS, behavioral specialist and disability advocate, who led instruction on patient-centered communication strategies for individuals with TBI. Clinical foundations were presented by Dr. Dan Miulli, neurosurgeon and medical director of the Brain Injury Program at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, who provided an overview of TBI pathology, treatment pathways, and long-term outcomes.

A panel discussion moderated by Hector Ochoa, disability self-advocate and community leader, centered the lived experience of individuals with TBI and highlighted community-based resources available to clinicians and patients. The experience concluded with a visit to The Perfect Step Neurological Rehabilitation Center, where students met founder Hal Hargrave and learned about emerging rehabilitation technologies and recovery strategies shaping neurological care.

A Full Calendar, a Shared Mission: Expanding Disability Inclusion

The LuskinOIC calendar is filled with opportunities to learn from, support, and engage with the disability community—positioning this year as one of the institute’s most impactful to date. Through partnerships with regional and national organizations, LuskinOIC faculty, staff, and collaborators will be present across Southern California and beyond, reinforcing a commitment to access, inclusion, and community-driven care.

Upcoming highlights include:

  • Feb. 19–22: Little People of America West Coast Regional Event — Las Vegas
  • Feb. 21: Burbank Adaptive Sports Expo — McCambridge Park, Burbank
  • Feb. 22: Los Angeles Adaptive Sports Fair with Angel City Sports — Ted Watkins Park, Los Angeles
  • March 7: Casa Colina Roll & Rally with Triumph Foundation — Claremont
  • March 21: UCLA Center for Cerebral Palsy Margaret Jones Professional Conference & Family Forum — LuskinOIC
  • March 21–22: Angel City Sports Youth Weekend — Harvard-Westlake Upper School, Los Angeles
  • March 27–28: Los Angeles Abilities Expo — Long Beach Convention Center

Together, these events reflect a clear and enduring commitment: showing up for the disability community, learning directly from lived experience, and turning partnerships into action. By maintaining a strong presence across Southern California and beyond, LuskinOIC continues to build trust, strengthen community connections, and ensure that access, inclusion, and impact remain at the center of everything we do.