Wizard of Oz 70th anniversary celebration

We're off to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz tomorrow evening and the release of the remastered edition of the film.  Shana and I are honored that we have been invited to attend the Warner Brothers 70th anniversary celebration tomorrow evening in New York City.  Tavern on the Green will be redecorated to resemble the emerald city and the empire state building will be lit up in green to add to the celebration. 

The Wizard of Oz has been utilized in many of my presentations to illustrate the journey that one goes though following a  traumatic brain injury.   On many occasions I have discussed the meaningful ways that the film has inspired many family members and persons who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. 

After all, The Wizard of Oz is a film about traumatic brain injury and the long journey back home that follows.

Here are just some themes and thoughts from the film and its relationship to brain trauma.
 
The film begins with Dorothy being caught in a tornado and suffering brain injury.  When Dorothy finally arrives in Oz she meets up with her social worker and traumatic brain injury case coordinator, Glinda the Good Witch, who advises her that to get back home to Kansas, she needs to meet with the great and powerful neuropsychololgist, the Wizard of Oz at the Emerald City Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program.  On her way to Oz, Dorothy meets other individuals suffering from disabilities, (no brain, no heart, no courage).  Each one of these individuals is an inspiration to others suffering from a disability. When Dorothy finally reaches Oz, she is initially  turned away from receiving the rehabilitation services she so badly needs until she proves that she has sufficient insurance coverage  (the ruby slippers) and the correct referral (Glinda the Good Witch).  

When Dorothy and her friends finally meet with the great and powerful neuropsychologist, the Wizard of Oz, he provides them with their first community based task completion assignment, (bring back the broom of the Wicked Witch).  But when they return from completing their task, the busy doctor refuses to see them.  Being a good self-advocate, Dorothy admonishes him on his attitude towards those who are in desperate need of his services.  

With help and support and counseling from her social worker, Dorothy finally returns home where she proclaims, "There’s No Place Like Home", a particularly meaningful comment for those who seek community and home based services following a traumatic brain injury instead of being forced to being confined in a long term nursing home or similar type of facility.

The Wizard of Oz has inspired many family members and persons who have sustained brain injuries that a meaningful life after a traumatic brain injury is possible.

So, we're off to see the Wizard!  More to come in the days ahead.

Comments

[Tim TItolo]

Mike - You and Shanna have a great time at the show. "We're off to see the Wizard!"

[craigspr]

Thank you for posting

http://www.craigspr.org