BIAC BUZZ

October 2023

Connecticut's partner in brain injury prevention and recovery since 1982.

19th Annual Walk for Thought is

This Weekend!

ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES MIDNIGHT, SEPT 28!

SAVE $$

The countdown has begun! The 19th Annual Walk for Thought is just around the corner, taking place this Sunday, October 1st. There's still time to register online through Thursday, September 28th for this memorable event, and save $$!

🗓 Sunday, October 1, 2023

⏰ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

📍 Northwest Park,

448 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester, CT

🌦 Rain or Shine!

Onsite registration the day of the event will also be available, starting at 11:00 am. $35 Adults, $25 Youth (age 18 and under). Free for survivors and veterans.

What to Expect:

🎤 Opening Ceremonies featuring guest speaker Skylar Vumback, a brain injury survivor

🎶 Live music by Home By Ten

🎪 Activities & resource information from numerous exhibitors

🌳 Experience the spirit of camaraderie in the beautiful setting of Northwest Park

Can't make it to the event? You can still be a part of our mission by contributing to our fundraising goal. Your generous support makes a significant difference in our ability to provide critical resources and a compassionate listening ear to those in need.

DONATE TODAY!

We hope to see you at the 19th Annual BIAC Walk for Thought!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Brain Injury and Domestic Violence - A Troubling Connection

It's becoming more evident that many victims/survivors of domestic violence have also sustained brain injuries, although these injuries often go unreported or are underreported. These brain injuries can range from concussions to more severe types of injury, such as when the brain doesn't get enough oxygen because of strangulation.

Survivors/victims of domestic violence often don't get the help they need for their brain injuries for several reasons:

Many of the people who work in domestic violence programs and organizations don't receive proper training about brain injuries.
Domestic violence victims/survivors who also have a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) might show symptoms that resemble a mental illness.
Domestic violence victims/survivors suffering trauma are often reluctant to seek treatment

If you know a survivor of domestic violence who may exhibit signs of brain injury, encourage them to be screened or to seek treatment for TBI and support for abuse. If you are in need of help and support, contact the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the BIAC Helpline at 860-219-0291 or general@biact.org.

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

BIAA.Domestic Violence and Brain Injury

domestic.shelters.org - brain injury

video.Domestic Violence and Brain Injury

How We Help

One Survivor's Story

As a victim/survivor of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and domestic violence, Martha was acutely aware that her brain injury made it hard for her to talk about the trauma she had experienced. This made it difficult for others to understand what she was going through or trust that what she said was actually true. Being both a victim/survivor of domestic violence and brain injury created significant challenges for her when seeking help and support.

Fortunately, Martha reached out to BIAC, where she discovered Brain Injury Specialists (BIS) who not only listened to her needs with empathy but also understood why she faced difficulties in expressing herself. Whenever Martha contacted them, the BIS team would collaborate with her to develop communication strategies and provide useful tips. These strategies helped her to effectively advocate for herself and connect with others for support.

Martha says that she finally feels "seen" thanks to the people at BIAC. She hopes that other victims/survivors of domestic violence and TBI will consider reaching out to BIAC when they need help. You can call the BIAC Helpline at 860-219-0291 or email General @biact.org.

If you or a loved one are in need of help, support & guidance, please reach out to a Brain Injury Specialist.

BIAC Annual Conference Call for Proposals

Time is Running Out - Call for Proposals Deadline is October 15th!

The Conference Planning Committee is seeking workshop proposals for the annual conference that will be held at Quinnipiac University School of Medicine on March 15, 2024.

Please visit the Annual Conference page on our website for more details. For a workshop proposal form, please click here.

Contact Bonnie Meyers with questions or to submit a proposal at bmeyers@biact.org or 860-219-0291 x 304

Support Groups

BIAC Support Groups are here for YOU!

BIAC sponsors a large network of support groups throughout Connecticut, giving individuals with brain injuries and their caregivers the opportunity to connect and share their stories. Support Groups also offer a way to learn and stay informed about important health and wellness issues, while staying connected to the people who truly understand you.

Our new Partner and Spouse Support Group started in September, will continue to run the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm and is facilitated by Marie Leonard PartneringwithGrace@gmail.com and Scott Moore moorescottj@yahoo.com. Please use this Zoom link.

Contact Marie or Scott for more information.

Participants and Facilitators: if you have feedback, suggestions, or creative ideas, we encourage your input. Please contact Victor Darr, Senior Brain Injury Specialist at vdarr@biact.org to offer ideas and for questions on this new group or ANY other BIAC support group. We want to hear from you!

Visit our Support Groups page on our website to view the full listing of all our offerings.

Research Studies

Interested in participating in a research Study? Two Great Options for You!

University of North Dakota

The purpose of this study is to see how brain injuries are related to your sense of well-being and health, and what other life activities (like substance use or relationships) might help or hurt. This study is anonymous so your name is not required, and they will not collect any identifying information about you. They are interested in having people take this survey who have had any level of known or suspected brain injury, or no injury at all.

Questions may be directed to Laura Gorman at laura.gorman@und.edu

If you are interested in participating in this important research, you can participate by completing the research survey.

University of Bolton United Kingdom

The purpose of this study is to look at the social consequences of brain injury on the individual – and how it has impacted life. Candidates will have sustained a brain injury and now experience challenges with social interactions. You will be asked to participate in an interview with the researcher via Zoom or Teams. You may reach out Ammaarah Siddique at as7eps@bolton.ac.uk if you have questions or are interested in participating in this study.