Save the Date

Most events scheduled for the spring are postponed. 
The Highmark Walks in Pittsburgh and the Lehigh Valley will now be virtual events.  FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR HIGHMARK DETAILS.
We will also send updates on plans to reschedule as they become available.
 

Coping During COVID-19

We want to express our encouragement and support during this stressful time because of changes related to COVID-19.  We created a page on the BIAPA website, Coping During COVID-19, with information about the virus, tips for managing anxiety and worry, and links for support. As we all stay at home more, we are likely have more screen time.  This can present unique issues for invidiuals with brain injury.  See the video Screen Time and Technology for tips.

With the help of Cristabelle Braden, we are initiating a campaign to offer support to survivors of brain injury by collecting videos with messages of encouragement that we will share with all of you.

Videos can be submitted from brain injury survivors, caregivers, professionals, family members, and anyone who has something encouraging to share. Record your video speaking to survivors of brain injury.

Simply record a short 1-4 minute horizontal video on your phone (make sure it’s turned to the side) on one of these topics:

• Encouragement for survivors.
• What helps you to keep going?
• How are you coping during this time of social distancing?
• Reminders of hope.
• Something that’s fun to do or watch at home.
• Books, apps, movie, podcast recommendations.
• Anything else to provide support!

Email your video file to survivorsupport@biapa.org with these details:

• Your name
• Your connection to Brain Injury: 
  Are you a survivor, caregiver, professional, supporter, or other?
• Your general location: (Western, Eastern, or Central Pennsylvania.

By submitting the video, you are giving written permission for the BIAPA to share it on the website, youtube, and social media formats.  

This is a challenging time, and we need your help to share support and stay connected. We look forward to hearing from you!

Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill

On March 4 a group of 17 Pennsylvanians joined BIAPA in Washington, DC to participate in the Annual Brain Injury Awareness Day sponsored by the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. Thank you to Jimmy Bailey, Stefanie Bauman, Cyndie Braden, Cristabelle Braden, Melissa Carmen, Elayne Masters, Kevin McDonald, Samantha McKenna, Drew Nagele, Frank Notaro, Joanne Tangney, Kevin Tangney, Joel Tumberello, Monica Vaccaro, Angela Walsh and Michael Walsh for their efforts to advocate and educate our legislators on the needs of individuals with brain injury!  

We visited the offices of Senators Casey and Toomey, Representatives Boyle, Dean, Evans, Fitzpatrick, Keller, Scanlon, Smucker, and Wild. During the visits, we encouraged our legislators to support increasing access to care, improve awareness and understanding of brain injury, coordinating federal resources for brain injury and education for first responders and bolster research. We shared personal stories and experiences to sensitize our legislators to issues facing individuals with brain injury and their families. We asked those who were not already members of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force to join the effort.  

We attended a briefing titled Improving Function After Brain Injury Leads to Greater Life Participation moderated by Joanne Tangney, and attended a reception during which attendees from across the country were addressed by Representative Pascrell who expressed appreciation for the advocacy from the brain injury community in support of the efforts of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. As in past years, it was a great day of education and advocacy!

A photo album will be made available on the BIAPA Facebook page

The Brain Injury Association of America offers monthly webinars that are packed with useful information that is beneficial for brain injury survivors, caregivers, and professionals.

The March webinar is currently at capacity, but there are many other interesting webinars scheduled in the future. Recreation Therapy Following Brain Injury will be offered by webinar on April 16th.  For information about all upcoming webinars, visit the BIAA website webinar listing.

BIAPA 20th Annual Conference - "Hope for the Future" 

The BIAPA Conference is currently scheduled for June 28-30, 2020. At this time, the Conference Planning Committee is paying close attention to the COVID-19 updates and discussing all possible options for the conference. For now, exhibitor and attendee registrations are on hold. Throughout the next few weeks, we will have an update on the status of the conference.

Support Group Corner

We have been informed by many support group leaders that they needed to cancel meetings for March and April.   It is likely that other groups will cancel as well.  If you are planning to attend a group, we recommend that you reach out to the contact in the Support Group Listing on the BIAPA website to find out whether they are meeting.

Prior to social distancing, BIAPA Board members were visiting support groups. On February 20th, BIAPA Board Member Padraig Tangeny attended the brain injury support group in Allentown hosted by Good Shepherd Rehabilitation. It is a dynamic group that is well attended by both survivors and caregivers. Padraig presented on the programs and services offered by BIAPA, service funding options, and upcoming events in the community. Special thanks to Bonnie Kuhns at Good Shepherd and the group leadership for inviting BIAPA and creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive to all those who attend.  There was so much dialogue that time ran out before we could get a group picture.  The picture of the group here is from a different event.  We wanted to be sure you could see this wonderful group of people!
 

Platinum Partners

Gold Partner

Silver Partners