Brain Injury Association of Durham Region

We support a dignified life for people affected by brain injury

Fall Issue

As we bid goodbye to the warmth of summer and begin to welcome the chilly fall air, BIAD is excited to embrace a new season infused with renewed energy and a fresh outlook. We are bringing back our newsletter and refreshing our content on our website, social media, and print media. If you come to visit our office, you'll notice a beautiful new welcoming space and our talented clients' artwork.

Inside this issue, you will find:

A message from our Executive Director
Event highlights
Tips on how to talk to kids about helmets
An overview of our services
Client newsletter, and more!

A Message from BIAD's Executive Director

Dear clients and community partners,

I hope this message finds you well, as the Executive Director of The Brain Injury Association of Durham Region BIAD, I wanted to take this opportunity to reach out to you all and share some exciting updates.

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support and collaboration. Our work at BIAD would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our clients and community partners. Together, we have made great strides in providing essential services and support to individuals and families affected by brain injuries.

I am thrilled to announce that we have some exciting new events on the horizon. Our team has been working tirelessly to bring you engaging and informative events that will further enhance our mission of supporting a dignified life for people affected by brain injury. Stay tuned for more details, as we will be sharing them with you soon.

In addition to our event plans, I am pleased to inform you that we are expanding our team. Thanks to an increase in funding, we have been able to bring on board talented individuals who share our passion for making a positive impact in the lives of those affected by brain injuries. This expansion will enable us to better serve our clients and further our reach in the community.

I want to express my sincere appreciation for your ongoing support and belief in our mission. Together, we are making a difference. If you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We value your input and are always looking for ways to improve our services.

Thank you once again for being an integral part of the BIAD community. Let us continue working together to create a brighter future for brain injury survivors and their loved ones.

Warm regards,

Heather Hofmann

Executive Director

The Brain Injury Association of Durham Region BIAD

Event Highlights

Alt Text: Photo of event panelist: Heather Hofmann, Tanya Jewell, Dr Michelle O’Brien, Steven M. Polak, Ruth Wilcock and Claude Tourigny

Life After Brain Injury

At our Life After Brain Injury event attendees had the opportunity to hear from experts such as lawyers, insurance professionals, the OBIAs system navigator, and a brain injury survivor. The event was a great success, sparking engaging conversations and offering valuable learning opportunities.

Open House

Our open house was a opportunity for the community to come together in support of our association and the individuals we assist. Our office had a fresh and inviting new look, and we showcased the masks created by our clients as part of the meaningful "unmasking brain injury" project. The open house proved to be a meaningful gathering, reinforcing the sense of community and raising awareness about the importance of supporting brain injury survivors.

Pictures of BIAD staff Heather, Bailey and Amy doing community events

BIAD In The Community

BIAD was with Durham Community Health Centre as part of their Community Connections event.
We had the privilege of participating in the Trillium College Oshawa Job Fair.
BIAD presented an in-service training at Nourish and Develop Foundation.

Upcoming Events

Flyer for Halloween Dance on Nov 2 at 5:30pm

Spooky Halloween Walk & Dance

November 2nd

5:30pm -8:00pm

https://form.jotform.com/232744935848268

Fall Paint Night

November 30th

4:30pm - 7:00pm

https://form.jotform.com/230726706490255

Drop-In

Holiday Celebration

December 8th

9:00am - 3:00pm

Bike Helmets

Picture of girl on bike with bullets, Tips on how to talk to your kids about helmet safety. 1. Start with a conversation 2. Explain why helmets are important 3. Discuss the law 4. Encourage them to be role models 5. Make it fun 6. Be consistent 7. Lead by example

Why aren't kids wearing them?

Have you noticed children and teenagers riding their bikes around town without wearing helmets? Have your children voiced that helmets are not "Cool", or have you heard them say that their friends do not have to wear them?

How do we change the narrative?

Here are some tips for talking to teens and kids about the importance of wearing a bike helmet:

1. Start with a conversation: Engage your child in a conversation about the risks of cycling without a helmet. Use stories or examples of people who have been injured due to not wearing a helmet.

2. Explain why helmets are important: Talk about the importance of bike helmets and how they can protect the brain from serious injuries in the event of an accident.

3. Discuss the law: Remind your child that it is the law to wear a helmet while cycling in Ontario, and explain the consequences of not following the law.

4. Encourage them to be role models: Talk to your child about the importance of leading by example, and encourage them to wear their helmet to set a good example for their peers.

5. Make it fun: Allow your child to choose their own helmet, and make sure it fits properly. Let them decorate it with stickers or paint to make it more fun and personalized.

6. Be consistent: Make wearing a helmet a non-negotiable rule when cycling, and enforce it consistently. Explain to your child that you care about their safety and want to protect them from harm.

7. Remember, the most effective way to encourage your child to wear a helmet is to lead by example. Make sure you always wear a helmet when cycling, and your child will be more likely to follow suit.

Did you wear a bike helmet as a kid?

Yes

Learn More About Our Services

The Community Support Program offers outreach services provided to support individuals who are affected by brain injury and who have the capability of living independently, or who are being supported by family / others in the community.

After undergoing a comprehensive ABI Intake & Placement process, individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are paired with a dedicated Client Service Coordinator (CSC) who will assist them in setting priorities and developing an individualized service delivery plan. The plan will be regularly reassessed and adjusted as necessary.

The CSC will also offer supports in areas such as: Developing skills in planning, organizing, and completing important paperwork; Assistance with accessing coordinated care and income support services like ODSP, CPP, CPP-D and OW Support in accessing healthcare services and following up with primary care practitioners and other healthcare providers; Referring, linking and staying connected to community resources for further support; Supporting food security for individuals in need through connection to local food banks

www.biad.ca/community-support/

Our Day Program offers cognitive based programming along with social and recreational opportunities for individuals with Acquired Brain Injury to socialize and learn new skills. The program is constantly changing based on participant input. Below are the different options that the Adult Day Program provides.

Virtual Programs

We offer a variety of virtual programs that include skill based and recreation programs.

In-Person Cohort

We provide skill based and recreation activities such as Brain Fitness, Memory Group, Discussion Group, Games group and more.

In-Person Registered Programs

This program provides clients the opportunity to register to participate in a program of their choosing.

www.biad.ca/adult-day-program/

BIAD's Housing Support Program helps clients affected by brain injury to find appropriate housing solutions. This is done through the Housing Program.

This outreach service provides flexible and personalized support to individuals and families who are dealing with various housing challenges. The Housing Program assists clients in finding safe and affordable housing that meets their specific needs, whether they are leaving an unstable housing situation, preventing homelessness after leaving institutions, or currently homeless or couch surfing.

BIAD addresses specific areas such as; Providing budgeting assistance; Advocating for individuals facing housing challenges; Engaging in landlord canvassing; Assisting individuals with CDCD and Housing Stability applications; Using the HIFIS system to support individuals in securing housing options; and more.

www.biad.ca/homelessness-prevention/

The Peer Support Program connects people with a Mentor who has lived experiences with an individual (Partner) who is also living with the effects of an acquired brain injury who requires the support whether they be a survivor or caregiver.

This program is available to survivors, family members and/or unpaid caregivers. Mentors and Partners are matched based on similar experiences, needs and personal interests.

88% of Mentors say that being a Mentor improved their quality of life!

100% of Partners recommend the Peer Support Program!

www.biad.ca/peer-support-program

Flyer Supported Independent Living Program

The Supported Independent Living Program by BIAD is specifically designed to cater to the needs of individuals who have suffered a brain injury and require additional support to live independently.

The program is tailored to meet each individual’s specific needs and includes a range of support activities that focus on enhancing their daily living skills.

Overall, BIAD’s Supported independent living program is a vital resource for those who have suffered a brain injury and require additional support to live an independent and fulfilling life.

www.biad.ca/sil

New Brochures

If you stop by our office, be sure to pick up a copy of our new brochures that provide an excellent overview of our services. Having these brochures at your professional office can help individuals with brain injuries learn more about us and access our services. It is a valuable resource for those seeking support in their road to recovery. Available in English and French.

Become a Corporate Sponsor

Join us in our mission to support a dignified life for people affected by brain injury and share our vision to be a leading partner driving change to ensure no one affected by a brain injury is left unsupported.

By becoming a sponsor of BIAD, your company not only demonstrates its commitment to providing support to those affected by brain injury but also gains visibility and recognition within our community. Your support will make a significant difference in helping us provide vital resources and support.

Contact us today to discuss how you can become a sponsor at one of our five sponsorship levels. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in the Durham Region.

For information about becoming a sponsor please contact: Amy Ellis; Community Engagement & Fundraising Coordinator at 905-441-2751 or by email aellis@biad.ca

Learn More at https://biad.ca/corporate-sponsorship/

The Invisible side of Brain Injury

Brain injuries are often invisible disabilities, unlike physical disabilities that are immediately apparent. The challenges faced by individuals with brain injuries are not always obvious, leading to misunderstandings and underestimation of their impact.

BIAD News Central

The first two issues of our client newsletter BIAD News Central is now available. Throughout the pages, you’ll find riddles, fun facts, community events and important information regarding the programming and activities at BIAD.

Issue #1 Download Here

Issue #2 Download Here

BIAD offers non-medical Brain Injury community support services. An application can be made by the individual (Self-referral) or Professionals (primary health care/community partners) by completing an Application for Services form. To access this application please click on the link below.

BIAD follows the PHIPA guidelines and accepts applications via fax, mail, or in-person. To maintain confidentiality, please refrain from sending the application form via email.

If you require a paper copy of the form please contact us at intake@ceabi.ca or call us at 905-723-2732 CLICK HERE to download

Brain Injury Association of Durham Region | biad.ca information@biad.ca | 905-723-2732 | Fax: 905-723-4936