Accidents happen. Brain injury happens. Unsolicited. Unanticipated. Unwelcome.
In the blink of an eye, everything changes; nothing is as it was before.
How will you identify brain injury if it happens to you or to someone you love? How will you cope with it? What resources will you need? Where will you find them?
Here you will find information for brain injury survivors, family members, caregivers, professionals and others. The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts is here to help.
NEW! Acquired Brain Injury Clinical Continuing Education Program!
The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts is proud to announce the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Clinical Continuing Education Program.
This specialized training program has been developed, in collaboration with experts in the field of brain injury, to enhance the knowledge, expertise, and skills of clinicians, program administrators, case managers, and other professionals that provide support and services to individuals with ABI and their families. For more information, go to the ABI Clinical Continuing Education Program.
"Brain Games" - Social Recreation Group for Brain Injury Survivors
Brain Games, the new social recreation group for brain injury survivors, will take place the THIRD WEDNESDAY of every month from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the BIA-MA office in Westborough, Mass. This group is free for survivors but registration is required.
**Winter Weather policy: In the event of stormy weather, please call the office at (800) 242-0030 to confirm if the meeting will be held. Regardless, please do not travel if you feel it is not safe for you to do so**
To pre-register please call 508-475-0032 or click here to register for Brain Games
"Creative Minds" Craft Group - tons of fun!
Creative Minds" CrafGroup will be held on the SECOND THURSDAY during the months of February, March and April from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the BIA-MA office in Westborough, Mass. This program is for survivors that enjoy crafting with a wide range of art materials. Space is limited to 15 participants. There is no charge for this program, however, donations will be accepted on the day of craft program to offset the cost of materials.
**Winter Weather policy: In the event of stormy weather, please call the office at (800) 242-0030 to confirm if the meeting will be held. Regardless, please do not travel if you feel it is not safe for you to do so**
To pre-register please call 508-475-0032 or click here to register for "Creative Minds".
New! BIA-MA Annual Report - FY'14
"It was an exceptional year for the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts! With membership up 30%, 33 support groups in place, and an excellent staff at the ready under the leadership of our Executive Director Nicole Godaire, we are poised to provide a better future for brain injury survivors and their families through education, prevention, support, and advocacy." -Exerpt from the BIA-MA 2013-2014 Annual Report "presidents message".
Click here to read the Annual Report
Ryan Farrell's Story
Before April 18, 2010, I was a typical 18-year-old: I was finishing up my freshman year at college, planning out internships and possible career paths, and was setting my sights on living in New YorkCity. I was on the cheerleading squad, had just finished the initiation for my sorority and was looking forward to all of the clubs I would join at school. My life was nearly perfect.
While performing with my cheerleading squad at a fundraising exhibition, a flyer on top of my stunt group fell and landed on me. I did not receive immediate medical attention and was encouraged to keep performing. A short time later, I collapsed and did not regain consciousness. I had sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI), along with a collapsed lung and fractured vertebrae in my neck.
Ryan's Story is continued on the Farrell's Family Story page
Fall 2014 BIA-MA Newsletter
BIA-MA's quarterly newsletter, Heads Up Headlines, provides updates on recent events, research, survivor and caregiver tips, a calendar of upcoming events, and prevention articles to keep you aprised of the latest in the field of brain injury. The Fall 2014 Newsletter contains articles on the BIA-MA Think A-Head Program, the advocacy and ambassador programs, and regional support group event highlights.
Get Involved in BIA-MA's #BrainInjuryAffects Campaign
Have you suffered a brain injury or do you know someone who has? Do you work with, serve or care for a brain injury survivor? This year, in honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, BIA-MA has launched a unique advocacy campaign, #BrainInjuryAffects. Whether you're a provider, professional working in the field or a survivor or loved one, there's plenty of ways to get involved.
Click here to get involved in #BrainInjuryAffects
Update to Hutchinson v. Patrick Settlement
Based on an update to the Hutchinson v. Patrick Settlement, nearly 1,200 individuals living with brain injuries in nursing facilities will have the opportunity to move into community residences over the next six years under a proposed agreement negotiated by state officials and attorneys for the plaintiffs.
Click here to read about the updates
Watch videos about the settlement and ABI Waivers
What is the Hutchinson v. Patrick Settlement?
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Visit the Calendar of Events and BIA-MA in the News to learn more about what's happening at BIA-MA.