BIAC BUZZ

October 2022

Connecticut's partner in brain injury prevention since 1982

Walk for Thought - Thank you!

18th Annual Walk for Thought

The 18^th Annual BIAC Walk for Thought was a wonderful success!

We had over 275 pre-registered walkers and many new teams at the event on October 1st at Northwest Park in Manchester!

A heartfelt thank you to ALL OF YOU - team leaders, individual walkers, sponsors and donors - who supported this event. We are also so very grateful to ALL volunteers, exhibitors, BIAC Board members, and the Trinity College acapella group, The Quirks, who brought the connection, energy, smiles, music and fun to the day.

We truly appreciate YOU and how YOU make this annual event such a special day!

Can you help us make this event an even BIGGER success?

There's still time to donate to the Walk for Thought! This important event ensures BIAC remains just a phone call away for ANYONE who needs help.

To make a donation online click here. Thank you!

New BIAC Website

New and Improved BIACT.org

Have you checked out our new website – biact.org? We hope you enjoy this new and improved site that is easier to navigate and includes a new Resource Directory. The Directory is organized by category, is searchable and will continue to expand.

Let us know what you think by emailing General@biact.org. If you find anything that is not working, please let us know and we’ll correct it. Thank you!

2022 Candidates Forum

Candidates on the Issues That Affect You!

WHEN: OCTOBER 12th, 2022

3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sheraton Hartford South Hotel,

Rocky Hill (In Person) or

Virtual (On Zoom)

Hear What Your Candidates Have to Say on the Issues that Impact You!

A non-partisan forum with candidates (or their surrogates) running for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of the State, and U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Candidates will answer questions from Diane Smith and talk about important issues on disability topics.

For in-person event registration, visit here

For virtual registration, visit here

Support Group Update

You Asked, and We Listened!

Family/Caregiver Support Group Coming Your Way…

We are creating this NEW Support Group exclusively for family members who are caregivers to their loved ones with a brain injury. If you have thoughts, ideas, or possible topics, please let us know by reaching out to Senior Brain Injury Specialist, Victor Darr at vdarr@biact.org or call 860-219-0291 ext 302. Look for specifics on this group by the end of the year.

BIAC also 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!

Participants and Facilitators: if you have feedback, suggestions, or creative ideas, we encourage your input. Please contact Victor Darr at vdarr@biact.org.

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

View the Support Group calendar here!

New Britain Support Group Social Event

Free October Social Event for Survivors

WHEN: OCTOBER 22ND, 2022

Starting at 5:00PM

WHERE: CHESHIRE TOWN PARK

954 Highland Avenue in Cheshire

Scott Moore, Facilitator of BIAC’s Hospital for Special Care Support Group, is hosting a social event for ALL BIAC survivors. Held at the Cheshire Town Park, under the large covered pavilion with picnic tables. Please bring your own snacks/picnic supper and beverages. Restrooms are available nearby and there is ample parking. Pickleball and tennis courts are also available for you sporty types!

RSVP is appreciated to anticipate attendance.

Feel free to reach out with any questions, and RSVP to Scott Moore, MooreScottj@yahoo.com or 203-233-2129

October is Domestic Violence

Awareness Month

Understanding the Link with

Brain Injury

Though often unreported or under-reported, it is increasingly clear that many victims of domestic violence have also sustained an injury to the brain, many times with lasting consequences. This can range from a concussion to other types of brain injury, including a loss of oxygen to the brain because of strangulation.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) estimates that on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States.
Nationally, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of some form of physical violence in their lifetime – and the most common injuries are to the face, neck and head.

A brain injury can occur by being hit on the head or having your head strike against an object. Brain injury can also occur by being violently shaken or by strangulation.

Research has indicated that 74% -77% of survivors of DV are found to have symptoms consistent with TBI.
It is estimated that 20 million women each year could be victims of a domestic related Traumatic Brain Injury. Visit our website for more information on brain injury.

For further reading on the connection between domestic violence and brain injury, please visit:

BIAA-Domestic violence and brain injury

Psychiatric Times article about violence against women and acquired brain injury

CT Coalition against DV

Take This Survey & Let Your Voice Be Heard

Please consider taking this 10 minute survey!

The CT State Independent Living Council (CT SILC) works across the state to promote choice, equal access, opportunity and full inclusion of people with disabilities into the economic, political, social, cultural and educational mainstream of American society.

There are five Centers for Independent Living (CILs) throughout the state. The CT SILC publishes a three year plan to provide CT residents with disabilities full access to the CIL, and to expand the educational opportunities, programs and services that support independent living for people with disabilities.

This survey was developed to help these groups write a State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) for the next three years (2023 to 2026) that will continue to expand the services and supports for people with disabilities so they can live their best lives in the community of their choice. Responses are anonymous and confidential.

To participate in the survey, click here. Please complete by October 8th.

Shining the Light on Fall Prevention

Falls are the #1 cause of traumatic brain injury in the general public!

Though falls are most common in young children and older adults, we are all vulnerable to a fall. Get the facts, stay informed, and know how to minimize your risk, especially if you have already sustained a brain injury.

CDC has partnered with CDC Foundation and NCOA to create an online interactive Falls Free CheckUp screener based on CDC’s STEADI Stay Independent brochure. Older adults or caregivers and healthcare providers (on behalf of an older adult) answer 13 simple yes or no questions to get a result of either normal fall risk or high fall risk. Want to learn more about falls in older adults and in children? Helpful links here:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Council on Aging

Children's Safety Network