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

Influencing the Next Generation

For 40 years, BIAC has been Connecticut’s resource for brain injury awareness, education, resources and support. As part of our mission to support brain injury survivors, families, caregivers, professionals, and the community, we understand the need for educating and mentoring the next generation of health professionals.  

Jena, a Connecticut high school student, contacted BIAC to conduct a research interview with a Brain Injury Specialist. Her request was granted with a sense of duty to mentor this future health professional with the information she needed, and to pique her interest! Jena was paired with one of BIAC’s Brain Injury Specialists for a virtual session. During the meeting, Jena was able to learn about the uniqueness of brain injuries, and the fact that it can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time! She learned that the leading causes of brain injury are from falls, motor vehicle crashes, and assault; and in the United States alone, over 2.8 million individuals sustain a traumatic brain injury every year!  

As Connecticut’s partner in brain injury prevention, we take pride in educating and influencing individuals and groups to be aware, supportive, and understand the importance of advocating for health care and community initiatives that provide a better quality of life for those affected by brain injury. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about the impact of BIAC and support our mission to the public, feel free to contact us at 860-219-0291 or [email protected].

We are deeply saddened to share with you that Michael Zacchea, decorated military hero, TBI survivor and former BIAC Board member has passed away. Mike sustained multiple traumatic brain injuries while stationed in Iraq, requiring him to retire from the military in 2005. In 2009, Mike founded the UConn Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities, which has prepared over 200 veterans with the management skills needed to open their own businesses. He led the program until his death two weeks ago.  

Mike was a frequent speaker both in Connecticut and nationally, and was featured in several books and documentaries. He received critical acclaim for his memoir, The Ragged Edge: A US Marine’s Account of Leading the Iraqi Army Fifth Battalion. BIAC was incredibly privileged to have Mike serve on our Board of Directors from 2016-2018. In addition he was a presenter at our Annual Conference, discussing destigmatizing TBI among the veteran population.

“Mike was kind and generous, devoting his life to helping veterans, and to working to help veterans with TBI get the help and recognition they need. He was always ready and eager to help BIAC--connecting us to other veterans, educating us about the needs of veterans, and providing a much appreciated perspective as a TBI survivor. He will be greatly missed,” remarked BIAC's Board President, Sarah Raskin.

Our deepest condolences for this profound loss are extended to his family, friends, colleagues, and to the many individuals he helped.

For more information on Mike’s service please click here.

BIAC currently has 12 Active Support Groups that host monthly meetings via Zoom, or through a Hybrid format of In-Person/Zoom. It is as simple as viewing our current support groups listing here and selecting the one that works best for you! BIAC’s Support Groups provide a safe and intuitive way for survivors, caregivers, and professionals to connect with other individuals to share and learn about everything brain injury. Click here for details on BIAC Support Groups!

Contact Lori Shield with any sponsorship questions at [email protected] or 860-219-0291 ext. 303. Contact Sarah Moore about the Silent Auction at [email protected] or 860-219-0291 ext 310.

All Things Assistive Technology!  

The 2022 ATECH Conference will be held on July 18 - 19, 2022 in Mystic, CT. See speaker lineup, schedule, and more by clicking here.

Assistive Technology (ATECH) is a broad term used to describe any item or device that helps a person to become more independent. ATECH enables & promotes inclusion in daily life and in community activities. Want to learn more? Click here! 

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