BIAC BUZZ

August 2022

Connecticut's partner in brain injury prevention and recovery for 40 years

Staff Spotlight

Senior Brain Injury Specialist

We are delighted to introduce you to our new Senior Brain Injury Specialist – Victor Darr.

Victor has been working in the Human Services field and supporting brain injury survivors for more than 25 years. He holds a degree in Philosophy from the University of Connecticut and served in U.S. Army Intelligence in South Korea during Operation Desert Storm. Most recently he served as a Director of Acquired Brain Injury services at Project Genesis.

Victor brings with him a wealth of compassion, understanding of the complexity of brain injury, and incredible advocacy skills.

When not working, Victor enjoys running, backpacking, skiing, kayaking and virtually any activities in the outdoors. He is most grateful for his wife and two sons, and is very excited to be working as a Brain Injury Specialist at BIAC.

Office and Events Manager

We are also thrilled to welcome our new Office and Events Manager - George J Penney III

Throughout 2021, George volunteered at multiple BIAC events and fell in love with both the organization and its mission. After serving as a mass communication specialist in the U.S. Navy for 7 years during Operation Enduring Freedom, George returned home to finish his degree in Journalism at the University of Connecticut.

When not at work, George enjoys spending time at his place of Zen - the gym, rocking any karaoke crowd with golden oldie hits, jumping into a good TV series, or getting lost in a good book.

Brain Injury Specialist Needed

BIAC continues to look for an experienced brain injury professional for our part time BIS vacancy!

This 20 hour-per-week position is multi-faceted and includes taking calls on our Helpline, and providing information, resources, and linkages for brain injury survivors, family members/caregivers, and professionals.

Please help us get the word out and help us fill this very important role at BIAC. Qualifications include at least 1 year of disability experience – ABI experience preferred. This is a hybrid position, with staff currently working in the Windsor office a minimum of two days per week. View the posting on Indeed and apply.

Walk for Thought

Registration Open!

18th Annual Walk for Thought

The 18th Annual BIAC Walk for Thought event is happening on Saturday, October 1st at Northwest Park, 448 Tolland Turnpike in Manchester, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

By walking and rolling with us, you’ll help us increase brain injury awareness and show your support for BIAC. The Walk takes place at Northwest Park in Manchester and is wheelchair accessible so everyone can join! There will be a number of interesting exhibitors to visit, face painting, games, music and other fun activities. This event is also a memorable time to reconnect, share stories, and support one another. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful park setting!

Questions about the BIAC Walk for Thought, including volunteer opportunities? Contact George Penney at [email protected] or by calling 860-219-0291, ext. 310.

Become a Walk for Thought Sponsor!

As a Sponsor, your support of the Walk for Thought demonstrates your commitment to the brain injury community.

It also allows BIAC to be there for individuals with brain injury, their families, and brain injury professionals who look to our cost-free Helpline for crucial services and support. Your sponsorship also helps prevent brain injuries before they happen through our education and community outreach programs. The Walk for Though sponsorship brochure can be found here.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Lori Shield at [email protected] or 860-219-0291 x 303.

Support Groups Update

Support groups provide a safe, non-judgmental way for survivors, caregivers, and professionals to connect with other individuals to share and learn about everything brain injury.

BIAC currently has 12 Active Support Groups that host monthly meetings via Zoom, or through a hybrid format of In-Person/Zoom. If you are wanting to connect with others, feel a sense of belonging and community, and meet new people, then we encourage you to visit one of our support groups. Never any obligation – you can talk and share your experiences with others or, if you choose, simply listen, and enjoy the conversation. Each group is slightly different, so why not “sample” a few of them and find one that feels like a good match for your needs and truly makes you smile.

Visit the Support Groups page on our website for more information.

Research Corner

Interested in Joining a Research Study?

There are two fantastic opportunities provided by the Trinity College Neuroscience Department, led by Sarah Raskin, PhD and BIAC Board President.

Cognitive Rehabilitation After Brain Injury

Did you have a TBI and struggle with memory? Are you between the ages of 20-55, English speaking and otherwise healthy? If so, you may be eligible to volunteer for a study to see whether cognitive rehabilitation treatment can help improve your memory. All treatment is with paper or computer; it does not involve any medications or medical procedures. All sessions will be over the computer – one hour/week for 8 weeks total.

Domestic Violence and Brain Injury

Have you been a victim of domestic violence and think that you may have sustained a brain injury? You will be asked to take some tests to determine if you are experiencing attention and memory deficits. Your total participation will be about 3 hours.

For both of the above studies, you will be compensated for your time with gift cards to either Wal-Mart or Stop and Shop at the rate of $20 per hour.

If you would like additional information about either of the above two studies, please contact Sarah Raskin at [email protected] or (860) 297-5188.

Light Therapy

A research opportunity provided by the Brain Injury Association of America to improve thinking and memory after TBI.

Have you experienced at least 1 mild/moderate TBI (more than 6 months ago)? Have you had only closed head injuries that DID NOT require any surgical procedure? Do you have access to a computer for online participation?

If yes to the above and interested in learning more call (617) 390-3132 or (617) 435-4463