CBIS Spotlight: Michael Fraas
Categories: ACBIS Insider, Professionals
Michael has been working in the field of brain injury for close to 30 years. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Interpersonal and Public Communication from Bowling Green State University in 1992. He went on to get his Master’s and PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Cincinnati and then got a second Master’s Degree in Healthcare Leadership in 2021. He has worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for 26 years and he has been in academia for 15 years. Currently, Michael works as the Lead SLP at Independence Rehabilitation assisting with diagnosis and treatment of the adults that reside there.
Michael’s dedication to serving those with brain injury is evident in everything that he does and his active participation in various organizations that serve individuals with brain injury. Michael earned his CBIS in 2019. He is also heavily involved with the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) where he serves at the treasurer of the Brain Injury Special Interest Group (BI-ISIG) and belongs to the Cognitive Rehabilitation Task Force in the BI-ISIG. Michael is a member of the Aphasia and other Communication Disorders Task Force in the Stroke Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group ( Stroke ISIG) and a member of the Athlete Development Task Force in the Athlete Development Sport Rehabilitation Networking Group.
What made you choose a career in brain injury? Why are you passionate about brain injury?
Michael found his passion for working with brain injury as he was working towards his undergraduate degree and took a course where he learned about brain injury and other cognitive disorders. This course peaked his desire to make a positive impact and difference in helping others and in the world in general.
In 2018, Michael’s life was changed as he experienced a very serious cardiac arrest. He struggled cognitively after his heart attack and utilized much of what he knew as well as the help of his treating clinicians to get back to where he is now. Assistive technology and coping skills and strategies helped Michael to get to where he is now and to continue to do the work he loves to do with the population he loves to serve.
Why is having a CBIS important to you? How is it helpful in your daily work?
Having his CBIS is extremely important and valuable to Michael. He feels that learning the CBIS curriculum and earning this certification has allowed him to help the individuals and families he serves in a more holistic, well-rounded way. He has a better knowledge of each discipline that is often involved in brain injury and can provide good direction to those he works with. The CBIS certification also keeps him close to the Brain Injury Association of America and the brain injury community.
How can clinicians best support individuals, caregivers, and family members?
Michael feels it is extremely important to make sure to explain the approaches being utilized as well as processes and goals to the individual with brain injury as well as to the family/support system. It is vital to speak to them in language they can understand to help to increase participation in the therapies taking place. He also stressed the importance of the clinician providing direction and connection to resources, services and support in the community to best assist the individual.