We were introduced to Jennifer Field through NORA Member and OEP Associate, Dr. William Padula, her neuro-optometrist. Dr. Padula suggested we present "A Distant Memory" at the 6th International Congress of Behavioral Optometry sponsored by the OEP Foundation and Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association. I have the pleasure of serving as the Executive Director of both these organization.
Since the topical theme of the 6th ICBO was to be rehabilitation from head trauma, we thought having Jennifer perform her one-woman show would be a highlight of the Congress. And, we were not disappointed! While obviously continuing her rehabilitation more than 10 years after her accident, Jennifer was fantastic. One of the other speakers at the Congress, an Australian veterinarian named Dr. Janet Stumbo, has written the story of her recovery from head trauma entitled "Endless Journey."
Indeed recovery and rehabilitation from a massive head injury is an 'endless journey.' Jennifer continues her rehabilitation and performing 'A Distant Memory' is certainly part of that rcovery. But it is much more. It is a story of courage and tenacity; of love and support; of desire to 'get better.' And we can attest, having had the experience of hearing her in person, attendees will be moved by here story and recognize the role we all play in aiding that recovery, whether professional care giver, family or friend.
We highly recommend "A Distant Memory" to any group or organization working in the area of rehabilitation or who simply need a reaffirmation of the strength of the human Spirit.
Sincerely,
Robert A Williams
Executive Director
Optometric Extension Program Foundation &
Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association
Santa Ana, California
June 2010
To Whom It May Concern:
For anyone involved with people with disabilities, I highly recommend Jennifer Field's discourse about her experience with head injury.
She is a very engaging person and her rehabilitation has been obviously successful. She conveys a charming, beguiling way in discussing the experiences she has had and the end point that she has reached.
What is particularly useful is that she views the initial event and subsequent events involving her treatment as worthwhile. She acknowledges them as having helped her achieve a productive and interesting life rather than concentrating on what could be considered a great tragedy.
It is a very useful circumstance in that those of us who treat people with disabilities create a rather pretentious atmosphere when they go out in the world and tell them, “Don’t worry about having brain injury. It is going to contribute to your life rather than ruin it.” For someone who has been through this to be able to say that their life has actually been improved is very useful because frequently, even though that is the case, it probably is not the thing to say.
She expresses herself very well and shows great insight. In creating this discourse, she has helped both herself and her family, many of whom I have known for many years and I view it as something that could be very valuable to a great many patients and people who have to deal with disability in some way.
Sincerely,
Henry Betts, M.D.
Past Medical Director/President/CEO
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
"Jennifer, Your presentation was fantastic. Thanks."
Trevor J. Squirrell
Executive Director
BI Association of Vermont
Comments and Reviews of the Inspirational Speaker Jennifer Field on her Autobiographical Show A Distant Memory
"Jennifer you are amazing and inspirational. You are engaging, your voice is quite effective. Your slide show and multimedia presentation is very impressive and powerful." - Anne Harris
"I found the presentation to be engaging. Jennifer is inspirational! I really appreciate her sharing her story!"
"Very interesting. The media was very helpful for telling your story. Thank you."
"Jennifer Field was fabulous!"
"FABULOUS! So well thought out with great humor and pertinent info"
"Absolutely fantastic, inspirational and touching presentation."
"Incredible! your are such an inspiration! I hope my daughter meets you someday. You're PowerPoint and your communication with it were superb! Wow! Thank you."
"Absolutely splendid presentation very professional yet so, so personal. I especially appreciated the open sharing of information about relationships."
"Awesome and inspiring!"
"This presentation was one of the most creative and impressive that I have been to - no matter the subject's various abilities. I hope many more people have the opportunity to hear you speak and are inspired. Very good use of Powerpoint with story, very well done"
"Jennifer story was very moving and inspirational. I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation."
"Excellent Presentation!"
"Jennifer you did a great job it was very inspirational to all"
"Excellent! Inspiring!"
"Unbelievable! Best Keynote we have had yet. A message that any person at the conference could take away something from!"
"Amazing story! Excellent Presentation!"
"Jennifer and her presentation represents the importance of family, love, belief, and determination in the recovery process. What an inspiration."
"I loved the Keynote address powerful and moving. Personally, I enjoyed the grieving loss of self presentation"
"One of the best speakers I have ever had!"
"Wonderfully presented, very effective speaker. One of the best, if not the best keynote speaker I have ever listened to. Kudos, Jennifer!"
"Jennifer was a great speaker. She reminded me of what I can do and get over things too! It is nice to know you are not alone!"
Copyright © J Field Foundation 2010