SPECIAL SYMPOSIUM: Military and Veteran Cultural Literacy: Beyond the VA and Into the Community

Thursday, November 10, 2022

1:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Presenter(s)

Tina Fanello, LCSW

Associate Director
Marcus Institute for Brain Health - University of Colorado
Aurora, Colorado, United States
Catharine H. Johnston-Brooks, PhD

Assistant Professor
Marcus Institute for Brain Health
Aurora, Colorado, United States
Shannon Miles, PhD

Clinical Psychologist
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital
Tampa, Florida, United States
Inbal Eshel, MA, CCC-SLP, PMP

Implementation Specialist
Defense Health Agency
Kensington, Maryland, United States
Alison M. Cogan, PhD, OTR/L (she/her/hers)

Health science specialist
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles, California, United States

Slides
Hira Byrne Paulin, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor/PhD Candidate
Northern Illinois University
Amherst, Massachusetts, United States

Rehabiliation providers in civilian rehabilitation settings care for Active duty Service Members and Veterans, sometimes unknowingly. Exhibiting knowledge and cultural literacy by recognizing and incorporating awareness of military structure and ethos can lead to improved patient satisfaction and enhanced health outcomes when working with Service Members and Veterans. This special symposium seeks to assist community providers who treat Service Members and Veterans in the following areas: 1) differentiate between military and civilian culture and common health conditions; 2) teach communication skills that can be used while treating Service Members and Veterans; and 3) consider ways to improve advocacy for Service Members and Veterans. The session will include a panel discussion with representatives from multiple disciplines including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, neuropsychology, and rehabilitation counseling to answer any questions that audience may have about military culture, common conditions, and educational resources. This session is appropriate for all rehabilitation professionals.

Learning Objectives:

Differentiate between military and civilian culture and common health conditions
Practice communication skills that can be used while treating SM and Veterans
Consider ways to improve advocacy for SM and Veteran