About us

"Supporting Research & Learning in Rehabilitation"

The Burwood Academy of Independent Living is a dynamic organisation committed to improving the life experience of people recovering from serious injury and illness. Based onsite at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch, the Academy is dedicated to building a vibrant culture of research and learning. We are working to establish strong links to consumer organisations, universities and rehabilitation professionals.

Independent Living Philosophy

Learning is the thing

Rehabilitation is an educational, not a medical process. The primary "function" of rehabilitation is learning to get back into the swim - not diagnosis and treatment. The New Rehabilitation is based on *DeJong’s independent living (IL) paradigm and requires that health professionals let go and support rather than control. The IL model is consumer controlled, opens up a new range of research opportunities, and the rehab process is driven by high quality information for the recovering person.

The Independent Living paradigm implies that....

It is great to be alive even with profound disability.
Creativity, "use it or lose it", is manifest in good rehabilitation and in independent living.
Compassion creates dependency, but love (sometimes tough) is good for independence.
Needs are best assessed by the person, not the professional.
Rehabilitation is a generic process and is the same in principle for all kinds of impairment.
Needs and reasonable expectations are best evaluated while considering other people’s needs.
Differing health needs are difficult to prioritise and within a health service the squeaky wheel gets the oil and the loudest squeakers are not rehabilitation services.
Cognitive impairment requires that families assume the role of major stakeholder in outcome. The roles of professionals and providers as "watch-dogs" are enhanced.
Recovery is demanding and learning to "take charge" again places extra strains and stresses on family, friends, caregivers and professionals. When successfully back in the swim and happy and financially secure, the person has more time to think of others and can be a delight to be with. Unsuccessful rehabilitation tends to produce dependent, demanding and angry people, who become pains in the butt of everybody who has the misfortune to run into them.

Strategic Statements

Mission

BAIL generates, transfers and applies knowledge to enable people with significant residual impairment following injury or illness to live as independently as they choose.

Vision

By 2015 BAIL will be recognised nationally and internationally by health professionals, researchers and consumers as a leading centre of knowledge on the theory and practice of Independent Living for people with significant residual impairment following injury or illness.

Key Goals

To establish New Zealand's leading independent research and learning facility and faculty devoted to independent living and the new rehabilitation.
To create a dynamic framework in which consumers and health professionals, tertiary education institutes and industry leaders link in order to pose questions, challenge conventions and apply innovative thinking, teaching and learning to the science and practice of rehabilitation and independent living.
To build a top class, high profile research and learning facility on the Burwood Hospital Campus, possibly later combined with a sporting academy.
To develop an academic family of work that leads to the establishment of a Chair of Independent Living by 2011.

BAIL PEOPLE

Dr Deborah Snell - Academic Director, Burwood Academy Trust

Debbie is a clinical researcher with a special interest in outcomes following traumatic brain injury. She also holds a 0.5FTE position as Senior Clinical Psychologist for the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service at Burwood Hospital, Christchurch. She is also involved in teaching and is a clinical senior lecturer for the Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch. She completed training in clinical psychology and neuropsychology in 1988 and returned to study to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation with the University of Otago Wellington in 2005. She graduated with a PhD from the University of Otago in 2011 examining neuropsychological outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury.

phone: 03 383 6871
fax: 03 383 7500
mobile: 027 309 2970
email: Dr Debbie Snell

Hans Wouters - Project Manager

"When all’s said and done a lot more is said than done". This well known phrase motivates me to get done what gets said. There is always a way to get it done and the greater the challenge the greater the reward. My roll here is to support Debbie and her wonderful team in such a way that it releases them to do what they are here to do and thrive in it. My diverse background enables me to tackle anything that comes my way and I just love a fresh challenge.

phone: 03 383 9438
fax: 03 383 7500
mobile: 021 226 0481
email: Hans Wouters

Ms K. Anne Sinnott - Lead Researcher

Anne is a Research Fellow at the University of Otago, Christchurch New Zealand. Anne’s main research interest is the perceived experience of living with chronic health conditions. During 2005-2008 she has was appointed to co-ordinate the Western Pacific region for the ICF Core Set for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) project. Anne is also co-ordinating the development of a prospective cohort study to look at upper limb surgery ‘real life’ outcomes for persons with tetraplegia. Anne worked as a clinician for 12 years in a variety of countries and rehabilitation settings before returning to the University of Otago in 1995 to pursue post graduate studies in Physiotherapy and Behavioural Science. She was awarded a Master’s degree in 1998 and is currently completing a doctorate by publication.

phone: 03 431 2551
fax: 03 431 1565
mobile: 021 994 878
email: Anne Sinnott

Jo Nunnerley - SCIPA Coordinator

Jo Nunnerley

Jo Nunnerley graduated as a physiotherapist in the UK in 1996. She has worked at the Burwood Spinal Unit since 2001. During this time she has been involved in a range of research including drug trials and research into employment after spinal cord injury (SCI). Between 2005-2007 Jo worked as the Qualitative Research Assistant for the WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF) Core Sets for SCI project in New Zealand. In 2009 Jo completed a Masters Degree through the University of Otago. Her thesis explored the experience of leaving a spinal unit and returning to the wider community in New Zealand. She is currently working part time in a clinical role as a physiotherapist at the Burwood Spinal Unit. Her work for BAIL includes coordinating the New Zealand arm of the SCIPA (Spinal Cord Injury & Physical Activity) projects.

Brian Laurie - Administration Assistant

Brian joined the BAIL team in 2008 following his own rehabilitation journey at Burwood Spinal Unit. He had previously worked in project management in Cairns and Papua New Guinea. Brian works part time in the BAIL office and outside of work he and Isobel are kept busy with their two young sons.

phone: 03 383 6871
fax: 03 383 7500
email: Brian Laurie

BAIL Researchers:
Dr Carolyn Beaver
BVSc, Massey GPCertSAP, UK PGCertRehab UOW currently enrolled Diploma of Health Science (Rehab)
Research Interest: Health and wellness during ongoing rehabilitation and life after spinal cord impairment

Johnny Bourke
BA (Psych)Massey, PGDip Rehab UOW (with distinction), currently enrolled Master of Health Science (Rehab), UOW
Research Interest: Understanding the perspectives of end users in rehabilitation

Dr Bernadette Cassidy
PhD LMU, PGCRM LMU, BA (Hons) Leeds Polytechnic
Research Interest: The role of information technology and libraries in assisting people with disabilities to lead independent lives.

Dr Jennifer Dunn
PhD, UO. MPhil (Rehab) Massey, Dip Phty AUT
Research Interest: Outcome measurement in spinal cord injury and impact of upper limb surgery on function and QoL in tetraplegia

Claire Freeman
M Health Sci (Rehab) (submitted) UOW, PG Dip Rehab (Distinction) UOW, PG Dip Business Administration (Marketing) Massey, B Design (Hons) Massey
Research Interest: The lived experience of people with SCI and their families, especially regarding relationships, grief and coping within the hospital environment

Dr Fiona Graham
Bachelor in Occupational Therapy (Otago Polytechnic), PhD in Occupational Therapy (University of Queensland) Member of the New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists MNZROT
Research Interest: Working with families and caregivers, therapists’ uptake of evidence-based practice, and the efficacy of participation-focused interventions. Part time lecturer for the Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit (RTRU) University of Otago, Wellington

Karen Marshall RN
Dip Nurs, MNurs (Distinction) Otago Polytechnic
Research Interest: Acute and Rehabilitation care and complications – in particular spinal cord injury

Jason Nicholls
Dip. Phys (Otago)., PG Dip Rehab (UOW)
Research Interest: Health, well-being and participation following spinal cord injury.

Jo Nunnerley
MHealSc (Rehab) UOW, PGCert (Rehab) UOW BSc(Hons)Physiotherapy Keele University PhD candidate UOC Research Currently enrolled in PhD programme, UO
Research Interest: Participation outcomes following traumatic injury (particularly employment)

Tracey Partridge
MSc (OT) (Exeter, UK). MNZROT
Research Interest: Acquired brain injury and community re-integration

Michael Sampson
B Sc (Canterbury); Dip Physio (Otago); M App Sc (Lincoln)
Research Interest: Research interest sentence = Innovative tools for upper limb stroke therapy.

Maria van den Heuvel RN
BN, PGDip Rehab, UOW, MHSci (Rehab) - pending
Research Interest: Rehabilitation following SCI, the lived experience of managing paid personal care following SCI and sexuality/intimacy/sexual function and disability.

Board members/Trustees:
George Scrimshaw - Chairperson - (Retired Businessman)
Julian Verkaaik - Strategic Advisor - (Product Manager : Dynamic Controls)
Ass Prof Gary Hooper - University of Otago, Christchurch (HOD - Orthopaedic Surgery & Musculoskeletal)
Prof Ted Arnold (Retired Consultant Urologist)
Richard Smaill - Chairman New Zealand Spinal Trust
Prof Alistair Rothwell - Deputy Chairman, University of Otago (Orthopaedics)
John Luhrs - Rotary Club of Christchurch
Ian Dunn - Rotary Club of Christchurch
Dr Rick Acland - Medical Consultant Burwood Hospital)

Committees:

BAIL Academic Development (BAD) Committee:
Prof Ted Arnold (Chairperson)
Dr Deborah Mason
Dr Deborah Snell
Dr Jean Hay-Smith
Prof Gary Hooper
Ms K. Anne Sinnott

EU (End Users) Consultation Committee:

John Bourke Chair
John Bourke experienced a spinal cord injury in 2005 and now lives with C4/5 tetraplegia. Following his injury John completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at Massey University and then a Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation through the University of Otago in 2011. With a keen interest in rehabilitation and disability issues, John currently teaches a paper regarding Independent Living following serious injury/impairment at the Christchurch Polytechnic and Institute of Technology (CPIT). John is also due to complete a Masters in Health Science degree, which explores the rehabilitation experience of those living with tetraplegia, in December 2012.

Steve Daw DipATL, CSLA
Steve Daw experienced a severe traumatic brain injury as the result of a serious car accident in 1979. Following the accident, Steve stopped his career as a telephone technician and went back to the UK with a three year break when he lived in Australia. Steve has a great interest in disability awareness training and practiced this for ten years or so before he returned to NZ. He now works as a service coordinator with CCS Disability Action Adult Supported Lifestyles Team and also occasionally works for their Disability Awareness and Education team.

Hamish Ramsden
Having completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Agricultural) I returned to the family farm where I was injured in 1994 resulting in a C5/C6 dislocation and tetraplegia. I went on to develop a sheep stud with my brother which then grew into the largest privately owned sheep and cattle genetics company in NZ.

Having removed myself from involvement in the everyday running of the company I have been involved in various committees including four years on the Manawatu/Wanganui Regional Ethics Committee and three years running the Burwood Spinal Unit Education Group, and am a current member of the ISO Technical Committee for Wheelchair Standards. Current commitments include directorships on three privately owned companies, member of Lincoln Alumni Association and part-time tutor at St Andrews College Preparatory School.

My partner and I have a combined family of four ranging from early high school through to University.

Dr Carolyn Beaver
Carolyn sustained a spinal cord injury in 2006 while on her OE working as a veterinary surgeon in the UK resulting in C5/6 incomplete tetraplegia. Carolyn had 6 months of rehabilitation in Stoke Mandeville hospital in the UK before returning to NZ and spent a further 5 months at the Burwood Spinal Unit. Through her personal experience of spinal cord injury and rehabilitation, and an interest in health and well-being, Carolyn has decided to pursue a career in health research and is currently involved in completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation through the University of Otago. She plans to continue on to a Masters degree in 2012, the topic of which will involve the use of CPAP oxygen therapy for people with sleep apnoea following acute tetraplegia. Carolyn also works as a nutritional advisor for Hills Pet Nutrition and lives in Upper Hutt with her husband Doug and 2 cats.

Claire Freeman
Claire experienced a spinal cord injury at age 17 and sustained an incomplete SCI at level C5/6. After completing a Bachelor of Design with Honors, she moved to Christchurch and currently works full time as a graphic designer for the CDHB. She has just completed a Masters of Health Science majoring in Rehabilitation, and plans to pursue further research and possible PhD in the area of Rehabilitation.

Theo (Ted) Feldbrugge
Ted has been owner and director of Total Training for the last 20+ years. Their staff and contractors deliver a range of training and personal coaching/mentoring services as an independent provider to a variety of organisations. Ted himself works in the world of both business and professional sport here in NZ and in Australia, and he regularly works alongside professional coaches and athletes and HP Sport personnel. He is particularly interested in the field of Leadership Development, especially for coaches, but also in “Mental Fitness” and its impact on performance and quality of life. He also formally presents sessions on Personal Leadership and Resilience to students of the MBA at Canterbury University.

He has a degree in Business Studies and has post graduate diplomas in Sports Studies, Psychology, and Sociology. He is currently furthering his studies informally in the emerging field of Positive Psychology.

In 2009 he suffered a spinal cord injury in a cycling accident, fracturing C2 – 4, and subsequently spent a number of months in the Burwood Spinal Unit. He is very fortunate to be walking again, and lives with Brown-Sequard syndrome amongst other things, as a result of his accident.

Nelusha Memon
Neelu sustained a brain injury in August of 2000 caused by an autoimmune reaction in her body. The results of this injury are a balance and sight impairment- disabilities she lives with everyday.

Neelu has completed a BSc in Physiology and Geography, a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health, and has just submitted her master’s thesis in Human Services specialising in disability policy. She also works part time at CCS Disability Action as a Disability Awareness and Education Trainer. Her sporting pursuits include riding in the world champion paracycling champs, completing a summit of Mount Aspiring, and recently becoming the first visually impaired person to complete the Coast to Coast multisport race, which took her from the west to east coast of New Zealand. This was done as a disability awareness campaign. She is also very active about the rebuild of Christchurch city and has written several articles in the Press conveying her views for a universally designed city.

Finance Committee:
George Scrimshaw
Julian Verkaaik
John Luhrs

National Advisors:
Prof Kath McPherson - Auckland University of Technology
Ass Prof Will Taylor - Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, Univ of Otago Wellington

International Advisor:

Gerben DeJong, PhD, FACRM is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Post-acute Innovation and Research at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Washington, DC. Earlier in his career he was instrumental in bringing an academic perspective to the independent living and disability rights movements both of which continue to inform his perspective on disability and rehabilitation issues. He has also been an avid student of the American post-acute health care system particularly its growth, development, and consolidation across the various post-acute industries. Dr. DeJong served as President of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine in 2006-07. In 1985, he received the Licht Award for Excellence in Scientific Writing from the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and, in 1998, he received the organization’s highest ward, the Gold Key Award. He is a frequently invited speaker both in the United States and abroad. In 1984, he was a Fulbright Scholar in the Netherlands serving with the research staff of the Social Security Council. Dr. DeJong received his PhD in public policy studies from Brandeis University in 1980.

Prof Gerben DeJong, PhD
Senior Fellow & Director
Center for Post-acute Innovation & Research
National Rehabilitation Hospital & MedStar Health Research Institute Washington, DC
Gerben.DeJong@medstar.net