THE Challenge! Winter 2012

Brain Injury Association of America 

Winter 2012 

Volume 6, Issue 1 

anyTIME 

anywhere 

© 

Brain Injuries Do Not Discriminate 

Sponsored by: 

Traumatic Brain Injury 

Litigation Group 

of the American 

Association of Justice

THE Challenge! 

Winter 2012 

THE Challenge! is published by the 

Brain Injury Association of America. 

We welcome manuscripts on issues 

that are important to the brain 

injury community. Please send 

submissions in a standard 

Microsoft Word ® document to 

publications@biausa.org. 

For more information regarding 

advertising in THE Challenge!, 

please visit the sponsorship and 

advertising page at www.biausa.org. 

Association Staff & Volunteers: 

Marianna Abashian 

Greg Ayotte 

Amy C. Colberg 

Susan H. Connors 

Alexandra deGraffenreid 

Robert Demichelis 

Jessica Kerney 

Laurie J. Kusek 

Mary S. Reitter 

Postmaster: 

Periodicals postage is paid at 

Vienna, VA 22181 

Send address changes to: 


1608 Spring Hill Rd., Suite 110 


Copyright 2012 BIAA 

All rights reserved 

No part of this publication may 

be reproduced in whole or in part 

without written permission from the 

Brain Injury Association of America. 

Email requests to 

publications@biausa.org. 

Contents 

3 | March is Brain Injury 

Awareness month 

7 | 

TBI ACT Reauthorization 

9 | Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. 

A Champion for Brain Injury 

13 | Resources: How to be 

an Effective Advocate 

15 | Honor Roll of Donors 

17 | State Affiliate News and 

2011 Leadership Conference 

21 | Advocacy Update 

23 | News & Notes 

25 | One Advocate’s Story 

28 | Chartered State Affiliates 

29 | BIAA Webinars 

29 | Advertiser Index 

Publication designed by 

Eye to Eye Design Studio LLC 

Email: eyetoeyedesignstudio@gmail.com 

1 

THE Challenge! | Winter 2012

From my desk 

March is Brain 

Injury Awareness 

Month, giving 

individuals with brain 

injuries, their families and 

advocates the ideal platform 

for raising the public’s 

consciousness about brain 

injury related issues. Let’s 

take advantage of this time 

during a crucial election 

year to make some noise! 

March is the perfect time to bring national attention to our 

cause by speaking out, speaking up and showing everyone 

that brain injuries can and do happen anytime, anywhere and 

to anyone. Brain injuries do not discriminate; check out the 

article on page 3 about our campaign this year and how you 

can help spread the word. 

We do have the power to make a difference, improve a life 

and change the way our society views people with brain 

injuries. Although your advocacy and the activities of 

organizations like the Brain Injury Association of America 

and our affiliates have led to many positive changes over the 

years, there are still instances in which people with brain 

injuries and their families are not receiving the support and 

services they need to fully function as valued members of 

their communities or to achieve their fullest potential. Please 

read the article on page 7 about the TBI Act Reauthorization, 

why it is important, and what you can do to help ensure its 

passage. 

One of the greatest champions we have on Capitol Hill 

is Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ). Rep. Pascrell co-founded 

the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force in 2001, and 

continues to be an advocate for brain injury issues. Rep. 

Pascrell and his colleagues on the Task Force, along with 

BIAA, will host Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol 

Hill in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. 

President’s Message 

If you read THE Challenge!, we know you care. Here 

are some things you can do to educate and motivate your 

colleagues, friends and neighbors, elected representatives, 

and even a stranger, about Brain Injury Awareness Month 

and our movement. 

• Connect with your local affiliate of BIAA to find out if they 

have any Brain Injury Awareness Month events in which 

you can participate. You can find your state affiliate’s 

contact information by visiting www.biausa.org and click 

on “Find BIA in your State” at the top of the page. 

• Tell your story. If you have a blog or are active on social 

media, announce Brain Injury Awareness month to your 

followers and friends during March and tell them why you 

advocate for people with brain injuries. 

• Visit BIAA’s blog, Facebook page or Twitter profile 

and tell us why Brain Injury Awareness Month matters. 

You can find our blog and links to all of our social media 

channels on our home page at www.biausa.org. We’ll 

be posting more about Brain Injury Awareness Month 

throughout March. 

• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper telling 

them that it is Brain Injury Awareness Month and ask for 

their help in raising the public’s awareness of brain injury. 

Mention that millions of Americans and their families live 

with brain injuries (many in your own community), share 

your own story or urge people to find out more about BIAA 

and the work we do. Our website is a valuable resource 

for information about diagnoses, treatment, public policy 

and programs vital to people with brain injuries and their 

families. 

A huge thank you to the organizations and the individuals 

who help support the Brain Injury Association of America 

and Brain Injury Awareness Month. We couldn’t do it 

without your help. 

Susan H. Connors, President/CEO 


THE Challenge! | Winter 2012 

2


march is brain injury 

awareness month 

What are 

going to 

do to spread the word? 

By Laurie J. Kusek, Director of Communications, Brain Injury Association of America 

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. The month-long celebration honors the millions of people with brain injury who are living 

with the successes and challenges that each day brings. The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is excited to unveil a new, 

multi-year campaign that everyone can embrace: 

As THE Challenge! readers know, brain injury does not discriminate. Young or old, black or 

white, male or female, Muslim or Jewish – we’re all susceptible. Anyone who has ever been 

touched by brain injury can be an advocate. 

What does it mean to be an advocate? 

According to the dictionary, it is a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person or a cause. 

We asked our nearly 400 Subject Matter Experts what it means to them to be an advocate and how to spread the word about brain 

injury and here is what they had to say: 

3 

Talk about it. Do not hide. You’ll 

find that when it’s public, people 

come out of the woodwork and 

share how brain injury has 

touched them. Address disability 

inequality issues. By fighting 

for disability rights, you raise 

awareness, which is critical. 

Laurie Rippon 

(NY, NY) 

Simply bring up these three 

letters: TBI, and ask whomever 

you are with what it means. 

Go from there. 

Patti Foster 

(Jacksonville, Texas) 

Above all, speak from 

your own experience. Share who 

you are, what your relationship is to brain injury, 

and what it means to you. Keep coming back to the theme: 

Brain Injury can happen 

anyTIME, anywhere, ANYONE 


Always be ready with some 

talking points regarding brain 

injury and what it means to the 

public. Folks won’t really get how 

big this issue is until they see 

how it applies to them. Have an 

“elevator speech,” be ready to tell 

your story in a brief manner. 

Darcy Keith 

(Fishers, Ind.)

Brain Injury 

Awareness Month 

BIAA has developed materials that you can use to support the 

new theme. We have made available new graphics, a one-page 

flyer/poster, a fact sheet, and a guide with suggestions on how 

you can promote brain injury awareness. All these materials are 

available to download from BIAA’s website: www.biausa.org/ 

brain-injury-awareness-month.htm. 

You may be wondering what you can do. 

Here are some ideas to get you started: 

• Reach out to your state affiliate of the Brain Injury 

Association of America to see how you can join in and help. 

You can find your state affiliate here: www.biausa.org/stateaffiliates.htm. 

• Volunteer at your local hospital and/or rehabilitation facility 

to work with individuals and families who are dealing with 

brain injury. Share your story, your strength and your hope. 

• Contact reporters and media outlets (broadcast, print, Internet) 

to let them know March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. 

Offer them story ideas. Use the statistics that follow to 

provide a national perspective, but have a few bullet points 

about your own connection to brain injury and tell them why 

it matters to you. 

• Write to producers of local public affairs television and radio 

programs. Tell them you’d like to see and hear a program 

dedicated to brain injury. 

• Contact civic clubs such as Lions, Kiwanis, Civitan, Rotary 

International, Jaycees, or Junior League and offer to be a 

speaker for their March meetings. Self-advocates are some of 

the most effective communicators of BIAA’s mission and are 

sure to inspire their members. 

• Submit an opinion editorial column or letter to the editor 

explaining Brain Injury Awareness Month and invite the 

community to learn more about BIAA. 

• Post on your Facebook and Twitter pages giving your 

friends suggestions for what they can do to raise 

awareness. Consider hosting a daily or weekly 

guest blog. 

• Contact your local Business Roundtable, Chamber 

of Commerce or Board of Trade. Explain that 

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, 

which may provide the perfect impetus 

for businesses to learn more about the 

opportunities to hire individuals with 

brain injury. 

• Sign up for BIAA’s Policy Corner 

and take action when prompted. 

(www.grasshopr.com/) 

• Videotape yourself telling your 

story and post it on YouTube. 

Our Subject Matter Experts shared some of the creative things 

they are doing, including: 

Nicole Wight of Jackson, NJ, puts a neon green streak in her 

hair during the month of March and whenever someone asks her 

about it, she “explodes” with information about brain injury. 

Wendy Hall of Thunderbolt, Ga, educates family and friends by 

telling them she has a brain injury and explains how it affects 

her, even though “you can’t tell it just by looking at me.” Wendy 

belongs to a support group and is training to be a peer visitor at 

hospitals for those with brain injuries. 

Janet Comer of Bethesda, Md., says to “Bring your experience 

and your knowledge wherever you go: work, church, 

community events, school, and social events. Talk about current 

brain injury issues in the news (such as Gabby Giffords) as they 

relate to your experience.” 

Tom Tatlock of Appleton, Wisc., is organizing a month-long 

display at his local library. He is also distributing brain injury 

awareness posters to the major medical facilities in his area and 

in his local schools. He has submitted information about brain 

injury to local hospitals, schools and businesses for them to use 

in their company newsletters. Tom is very active on LinkedIn, 

facilitating lots of idea sharing about how to raise awareness 

about brain injury. 

Vickie Rankin of Stuarts Draft, Va., does her best to keep up 

with the Facebook pages of BIAA, the CDC and Wounded 

Warrior Project so she can repost information on her own 

Facebook page. 

So, WHAT should you say? 

BIAA has provided basic statistics and talking points 

that we can all use to ensure a consistent message when 

speaking about brain injuries. 

Incidence of brain injury 

• 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain 

injury (TBI) each year. According to the 

Centers for Disease Control and Injury 

Prevention, the leading causes of TBI are: 

• Falls (35.2%) 

• Motor vehicle-traffic crashes (17.3%) 

• Struck by/against events (16.5%) 

• Assaults (10%) 

• Brain injury can result in a range of 

outcomes (according to the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention) each year: 

• 52,000 die 

• 275,000 are hospitalized 

• 1,365,000 are treated and released 

from an emergency department 

(Continued on pg. 11) 


4


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5 


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THE Challenge! | Winter 2012 6


TBI Act Reauthorization is Critical 

for the Brain Injury Community 

By Susan Vaughn, SL Vaughn & Assoc., and BIAA State Policy Consultant 

Pledge your Support to 

The Traumatic Brain Injury Act (TBI Act) is the only federal law that specifically addresses 

the needs of the growing population of people with traumatic brain injuries. This year, the 

Brain Injury Association of America and other TBI stakeholders, including the National 

Association of State Head Injury Administrators and the National Disability Rights Network, 

are advocating for legislators to reauthorize the law. 

Why the TBI Act Matters 

The TBI Act authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC) to conduct public awareness and education 

programs. It also authorizes the Health Resources and Services 

Administration (HRSA) to make grants to state government 

agencies to improve care systems and community-based 

supports for individuals with brain injury and their families. 

HRSA is also authorized to provide grants to protection and 

advocacy (P&A) organizations to assist individuals with TBI. 

The Brain Injury Association of America advocated for federal 

legislation in the early 1990s to develop service delivery 

systems to meet the array of needs of individuals of all ages 

with TBI and their families. Congress passed the Traumatic 

Brain Injury Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-166), which was amended 

in 2000 and reauthorized in 2008. 

Prior to the passage of this law, there were no national incidence 

or prevalence data to describe the brain injury population, 

and there was no federal assistance to help states develop 

and expand rehabilitation and community support services 

to address the unique needs of individuals with TBI. As the 

result of the 1996 law, funding was appropriated to the CDC to 

support surveillance efforts that now provide national statistics 

on TBI that are used to support public education and advocacy 

for better services and supports. 

Funding was also appropriated to HRSA for state grants to 

develop infrastructure to support service delivery and to expand 

services in those states that already had infrastructure in place. 

To receive grant funding, states are required to have an advisory 

board, a state plan based on an assessment of needs and 

resources, and a designated state lead agency for TBI programs. 

In carrying out grant activities, the state must match $1 for 

every $2 received from the federal government. 

The TBI amendments to the Children’s Health Act of 2000 (P.L. 

106-310) expanded CDC studies to include mild TBI and the 

incidence of TBI in institutional settings. The amendments also 

added appropriation authority for HRSA grants to expand state 

P&A organizations to advocate on behalf of people with TBI. 

All P&As receive funding. 

The TBI Act Reauthorization of 2008 (P.L. 111-36) required 

CDC and National Institutes of Health in consultation with the 

7 


TBI Act 

Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs 

to submit a report to Congress on methods for including the 

incidence and prevalence of TBI in the military and veterans’ 

populations who return to civilian life. 

Since 1997, 48 states, two territories and the District of 

Columbia have received time-limited, project-oriented grants to 

address underserved or unserved populations such as veterans 

and returning service members, individuals with severe behavior 

problems, and children and youth. BIAA and other stakeholders 

are working with bill sponsors to reauthorize and enhance the 

programs. 

The TBI Model Systems of Care at the National Institute on 

Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) in the U.S. 

Department of Education are a vital national network of TBI 

research and expertise. The Model Systems are not included 

in the TBI Act because the law only authorizes work for 

agencies in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Nevertheless, the Model Systems are the only source of nonproprietary 

longitudinal data on TBI experiences, which is a 

source of evidence-based medicine. Therefore BIAA and other 

TBI stakeholder organizations advocate for increased funding 

for both the TBI Act and the TBI Model Systems each year. 

Watch for BIAA communications and supporting materials to 

assist with this endeavor and be prepared to take action. 

Andi, who sustained a severe TBI at the age of 3 

½ years as the result of a car crash, was rushed for 

treatment at the local Children’s Hospital, where she 

also received rehabilitation services. At the same 

time, she was referred to the Alabama Children’s 

Rehabilitation Service, which had developed a 

pre-discharge model to link families to a TBI care 

coordinator before leaving the hospital. As the 

result of the HRSA Federal TBI State Grant, the 

state had established a system of early referral, 

care coordination and other clinical, medical, and 

evaluation services for children and youth with TBI 

from birth to age of 21. Referred to as PASSAGES, 

this program provided Andi’s family with support 

services including assessment for specialized 

equipment, loaner equipment, linkages to other 

families and parent education, referrals to local 

resources and assistance with educational planning. 

These services have been provided in the home, 

school and local community in order to provide the 

necessary supports for Andi to continue to grow and 

live as independently as possible. 




Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. 

A Champion for Brain Injury 

By Susan H. Connors, President/CEO, Brain Injury Association of America 

Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., was elected to Congress to represent New Jersey’s 8th Congressional 

District in 1996, and is now serving his eighth term. During his service to the state of 

New Jersey and our nation, Rep. Pascrell has become a leading champion in Congress 

for individuals who have sustained brain injuries and their families. 

Rep. Pascrell first learned 

about brain injury from 

New Jersey resident Dennis 

Benigno, whose son Dennis 

John had survived a horrific 

car crash in 1984. Like many 

survivors and caregivers, 

Benigno was searching 

for a cure for brain injury. 

The Benigno family’s story 

touched Rep. Pascrell deeply. 

Rep. Pascrell co-founded the 

Congressional Brain Injury 

Task Force in 2001 with 

Rep. James C. Greenwood 

(R-PA), a physician, to 

further education and awareness of brain injury (incidence, 

prevalence, prevention, and treatment) and support funding for 

basic and applied research and development of a cure. When 

Mr. Greenwood left Congress in 2005, Rep. Todd R. Platts (R- 

PA) assumed the role of Task Force co-chair. In the ten years 

since its inception, the Task Force has grown to more than 100 

Members of Congress. 

Rep. Bill Pascrell (L) and Dr. Brent Masel at the Access to Care press 

conference on Capitol Hill on April 7, 2011. 

Under Rep. Pascrell’s direction, the Task Force has promoted 

expansion of research and services within the Departments of 

Defense, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs. The 

Task Force provided guidance to federal agencies on policies 

and proposed rulemakings related to brain injury. For more than 

a decade, the Task Force has hosted the annual Congressional 

Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill (next taking place 

March 21, 2012). 

As co-chair of the Task Force, Rep. Pascrell has been a stalwart 

advocate for brain injury issues. In 2003, he, Rep. Edward 

Markey (D-MA), and 12 other Members of Congress persuaded 

the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Medical 

Rehabilitation and Research to investigate the dangers of 

amusement park rides. 

In 2008, Rep. Pascrell 

introduced the Concussion 

Treatment and Care Tools 

(ConTACT) Act (H.R. 

1347) following the tragic 

death of Montclair High 

School football player Ryne 

Dougherty. The bill provides 

for national protocols to be 

established for managing 

sports-related concussions for 

student athletes from the 5th 

grade to the 12th grade. The 

legislation passed the U.S. 

House of Representatives in 

September 2010. In response 

to Mr. Pascrell’s request to Health and Human Services 

Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the Centers for Disease Control 

and Prevention (CDC) announced in February 2011 the creation 

of a panel to create guidelines to protect student-athletes from 

sports related traumatic brain injuries. 

Continuing the fight to reduce the incidence of concussion in 

young athletes, Rep. Pascrell introduced the Children’s Sports 

Athletic Equipment Act in March of last year. This bill helps 

ensure that new and reconditioned football helmets for younger 

athletes meet higher safety standards to address concussion. 

This bill gives the industry time to make improvements to the 

standard. Should the industry not comply or improve standards 

within nine months of enactment, the Consumer Product Safety 

Commission (CPSC) will work to issue mandatory safety rules 

for football helmets addressing concussion risk. 

In 2011, Rep. Pascrell joined BIAA and the staff from Rep. 

Gabrielle Giffords’ office at a news conference on Capitol Hill 

urging HHS Secretary Sebelius to write the regulations under 

the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that would 

ensure individuals with brain injury receive the scope, intensity 

and duration of rehabilitation needed after sustaining a brain 

9 


Bill Pascrell, Jr. 

injury. Throughout the years, Rep. Pascrell has served as the 

Congressional expert on brain injury, responding to numerous 

requests from the media for interviews and delivering remarks 

at brain injury events across the nation. 

In 2004, BIAA presented Rep. Pascrell with a Special 

Recognition Award for his leadership in the field. Since then, 

many other brain injury advocacy organizations have followed 

suit. Once again, BIAA salutes Bill Pascrell for his tireless 

advocacy in Congress on behalf of individuals with brain injury 

and their families and looks forward to continued collaboration. 

"We have come a long way in raising public awareness of 

traumatic brain injury, and helping people who sustain TBI and 

their families. Our successes are the results of a dedicated team 

effort and the Brain Injury Association of America is a critical 

part of our team," said Pascrell. “There is so much more work to 

be done to help the 1.7 million people who sustain a traumatic 

brain injury every year. They are soldiers in the battlefield, 

young athletes who compete in our communities, and loved 

ones who become injured often through no fault of their own. 

I look forward to continuing our work to help millions of 

Americans who have sustained TBI lead the most fulfilling 

lives possible.” 



Brain Injury Awareness Month 

(Continued from pg. 4) 

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 

among children ages 0 to 14 years, TBI results in an estimated 

• 2,685 deaths 

• 37,000 hospitalizations 

• 435,000 emergency department visits 

• The number of people with TBI who are not 

seen in an emergency department or who 

receive no care is unknown. 

• TBI is a contributing factor to a third (30.5%) 

of all injury-related deaths in the United States. 

Following are some overarching messages that can be woven 

into your own narrative to illustrate the impact of brain injuries 

in our community. 

• Just as no two people are exactly alike, no two brain injuries 

are exactly alike. 

• An injury that happens in an instant can bring a lifetime of 

physical, cognitive and behavior challenges and early, equal 

and adequate access to care will greatly increase overall 

quality of life. 

• Brain injury is not an event or an outcome. It is the start of 

a misdiagnosed, misunderstood, under-funded neurological 

join us 

in raising 

awareness 

of brain 

injury 

disease. Individuals who sustain brain injuries must have timely 

access to expert trauma care, specialized rehabilitation, lifelong 

disease management and individualized services and supports 

in order to live healthy, independent and satisfying lives. 

• The Brain Injury Association of America 

(BIAA) is the voice of brain injury. BIAA is 

dedicated to increasing access to quality health 

care and raising awareness and understanding 

of brain injury through advocacy, education 

and research. 

Please go to BIAA’s website (www.biausa.org/ 

brain-injury-awareness-month.htm) to download 

the Brain Injury Awareness Month materials and 

Promotion Guide. Some of the things you will 

find in the Promotion Guide include: 

• Sample press release 

• Sample letter to the editor 

• Sample blog post 

• Sample Facebook and Twitter posts 

• Sample proclamations and resolutions 

Join us in raising awareness of brain injury, which can happen 

anytime, anywhere and to anyone. Volunteer. Donate. Speak out. 

Visit www.biausa.org to learn what else you can do to help the 

Brain Injury Association of America continue to speak out about 

the impact of brain injury. 

11 




resources 

How to be an 

Effective Advocate 

By Gregory Ayotte, Director of Consumer Services, Brain Injury Association of America 

There are several ways to get involved and to stay informed about 

events and issues important to the brain injury community. Here 

are some suggested things you can do. It is not an exhaustive list 

by any means, but is meant as a starting point. 

Sign up for Policy Corner, our advocacy e-newsletter that 

is distributed every Friday when Congress is in session. BIAA 

uses an online networking platform called Grasshop to send 

out Policy Corner and special action alerts that keep advocates 

informed about brain injury legislation. Go to: 

www.grasshop.com/ShowGroups.aspx 

“BIAA Grassroots” should be at the top of the page. Click on 

the “Join Now” button. Fill in the required fields, and you will 

be part of the BIAA Grassroots movement! Letting 

legislators know about the impact and importance of legislation 

is crucial to maintaining and increasing funding and services. 

Make sure your voice is heard. 

While many issues are important at the national level, there 

are also many issues of importance at the local level. Often 

federal funding is funneled to the states with flexibility in how 

that money is spent. Advocacy efforts at the state level can 

affect how federal money is spent. Connect with your local Brain 

Injury Association office and find out about the local issues. You 

can find the contact information for your state office at: 

www.biausa.org/state-affiliates.htm 

To see information about upcoming Brain Injury Association of 

America events go to: 

www.biausa.org/biaa-events.htm 

To see information about other brain injury events go to: 

www.biausa.org/search-events.htm 

Membership – If you are a member of the Brain Injury 

Association in your state, you automatically join the Brain 

Injury Association of America and receive four free issues 

of THE Challenge! each year. If there is no Brain Injury 

Association office in your state, you can donate to the Brain 

Injury Association of America and get on our mailing list. Any 

donation of $25 or more will get you on the mailing list to 

recieve one year of THE Challenge! 

Donate to the Brain Injury Association – Go to our online 

donations page: 

www.biausa.org/donate-support.htm 

You can donate online or mail a 

check to the Brain Injury Association 

of America. If you are not able to donate, you can 

still view issues of THE Challenge! on our website: 

www.biausa.org/brain-injury-publications.htm 

Donate to the Brain Injury Association in your state. Your local 

Brain Injury Association office works hard to improve services 

in your state. Supporting their mission can help 

improve services for people with brain injury in your state. 

You can find the contact information for your state office at: 

www.biausa.org/state-affiliates.htm 

When you contact the Brain Injury Association in your state, ask 

about volunteer opportunities. There are many volunteer 

opportunities from small to large. Every bit of effort helps. 

Share your story with others. The Brain Injury Association 

of America posts personal stories online. We have a Personal 

Stories page on our website: 

www.biausa.org/_blog/Personal_Stories/post/ 

Welcome_to_the_Personal_Stories_page/ 

Read the Welcome Message to learn how to share your story. If 

you can’t quite figure out how to tell your story, be sure to click 

open the guide provided in the welcome message. Individuals 

with brain injury wrote the guide to help you help others. 

You can also offer to share your expertise! Become a 

BIAA Subject Matter Expert by filling out the survey online at: 

www.surveymonkey.com/s/biaaexperts 

While there is no guarantee about getting a chance to speak to 

the media, you cannot be heard at all if you don’t sign up! 

Social Media – Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You 

need to first sign up so you have an account. On Facebook, go 

to the Brain Injury Association of America group page and click 

the “join” button: 

www.facebook.com/groups/45445586176/ 

On Twitter, follow BIAA at: 

biaamerica 

13 




Honorariums 

Speaker honorarium from 

Maine Medical Center 

Mr. Steven Benvenisti 

Speaker honorarium from 

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation 

Mr. Steven Benvenisti 

Speaker honorarium from Oklahoma 

Speech, Language, and Hearing Association 

Dr. Mark Ashley 

HONORS 

In honor of Laurie Backes 

Ms. Holly Sefton 

In honor of Greg Bornhoft and 

Heidi Graham’s marriage 

Mr. Rudolph N. Garcia 

In honor of Susan H. Connors 

Ms. Carol P. Bray 

In honor of Paul Elias Crincoli 

Ms. Eugenia V. Crincoli 

In honor Sean Crouse’s brother 

Mr. Joseph Minard 

In honor of Elizabeth Curtiss 

Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Curtiss 

In honor of Stacey Gold 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Loretta Gold 

In honor of Grandma 

Mr. Sean Smiley 

In honor of Roger Gust 

Ms. Brenda Gust 

In honor of Katie Henneman 

Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Kimberly Curtin 

In honor of Kent and Kay Hines 

Mr. Thomas Riedel 

In honor of Kevin Hodgkinson 

Ms. June Hodgkinson 

In honor of Candace Hoffman Kopsak 

Mr. Robert Kopsak 

In honor of Jeff 

Mr. Gordon Shukwit 

In honor of Alice Battle Jones 

Ms. Heather Kinder 

In honor of Jordan Klein 

Mr. Benjamin Klein 

In honor of Olivia Lang 

Ms. Olivia Lang 

In honor of Daniel Lang-Gunn 

Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Janine Giles 

October 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011 

honor roll of donors 

In honor of Amy Marks’ participation 

in the HV Sports Sprint Triathlon 

Anonymous Donor 

Ms. Liz Chidakel 

In honor of Scott McFadden 

Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Nancy McFadden 

In honor of Tim and Christina Merry 

Mr. Eli Lifland 

In honor of Keith Mitchell 

Ms. Beverly Mitchell 

In honor of Dr. Gregory O'Shanick 

Ms. Ann Schiebelhut 

In honor of Julie Prom 

Ms. Emilie Crown 

In honor of Beryle Rich 

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence and Suzanne Sharken 

In honor of Michelle Roth 

Ms. Eileen Flink 

In honor of Barbara Schelhorn 

Ms. Jennifer Quigley 

In honor of Bill Schrack, Jr. 

Mr. William Schrack 

In honor of Andrea J. Schroeder 

Ms. Melanie D. Schroeder 

In honor of Jim Snyder 

Ms. Elizabeth Alexander 

In honor of Steve Suchy 

Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Mary Suchy 

In honor of Steven Unger 

Mr. and Mrs. Ken and Susan Unger 

In honor of Brandon White 

Ms. Brenda White 

MEMORIES 

In memory of Aunts Elva and Edna 

Ms. Diana L. Gustavson 

In memory of Butch Alterman 

Ms. Maureen M. Alterman 

In memory of Karen Amon 

Mr. Paul M. Schultz 

In memory of Alfred Arroyo 

Ms. Judy Arroyo 

Mr. and Mrs. Julius and Naomi Merrifield 

In memory of John Atterberry 

Mr. Neil Lebowitz 

In memory of Steven E. Brown 

Mr. and Mrs. Web and Frances Brown 

In memory of Daniel Calise 

The Christiansen Family 

In memory of Edward Joseph Carpenter 

Ms. Heather Bourgette 

In memory of Lynn A. Chiaverotti 

Mr. John S. Mc Clenahan 

Virginia T. Dashiell Foundation 

In memory of Kevin Scott Dalrymple 

Kevin Scott Dalrymple Foundation 

In memory of 

Mary Ann M. Duschen-Waldbillig 

The Glascock Family 

In memory of Dawn Evans 

Ms. Scarlet H. Riley 

In memory of Dr. Irving Feigenbaum 

Ms. Shirley Feigenbaum 

In memory of Jared H. Feigenbaum 

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. and 

Roberta S. Feigenbaum 

Ms. Shirley Feigenbaum 

In memory of Alvin Ferleger 

The Zides Family 

In memory of Kade R. Flynn 

Ms. Laraine E. Flynn 

In memory of Jane Gaiso 

Ms. Maria L. Gaiso 

In memory of Robert and Marty Goldstien 

Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Shari Goldstien 

In memory of Jared Lee Graber 

Mr. John Fuji 

Mr. Craig Hisaka 

Mr. Terrence Van Oss 

Ms. Denise Wheeler 

In memory of Mary Ann Great 

Mr. Ronald J. Great 

In memory of 

Nancy Virginia Hedger Schiefelbein 

Ms. Lori Thimsen 

In memory of Brian James Hom 

Ms. Karen Bolte 

Limo Alimi Foundation 

In memory of Joseph John Jaworski, III 

Ms. Teresa Peterson 

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth and Susan Stranc 

In memory of Joseph E. Kolaga 

Kolaga Family Charitable Trust 

In memory of John Lowell Landis 

Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Susan Lane 

Mr. Robert F. Milligan 

Mr. and Mrs. Jay and Dale Ransom 

In memory of Virginia Lazzeri 

Mr. Alex Turchette 

In memory of Sally Leibovitz 

Ms. Debra Leibovitz 

15 


In memory of J.P. Liggett 

Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Joanne Long 

In memory of Timothy W. Mikullitz 

Mrs. Cheryl Mikullitz 

Mr. David Mikullitz 

In memory of Reed Newton 

Ms. Karen Clark 

In memory of Harold O’Leary 

Mr. Danielle Whalen Memorial Foundation 

In memory of Pietro Polizzi 

Mr. Michael Conigliaro 

In memory of Reverend 

Frederick F. Powers, Jr. 

Mrs. Joan Powers 

In memory of Marty Prince 

Mr. Richard Prince 

In memory of Karen A. Reitter 

Ms. Mary Reitter 

In memory of Tashari Rochester 

Ms. Karen Rochester 

In memory of Evan Andrew Schager 

Ms. Anne L. Schager 

In memory of Esther Schotell 

732nd Railway Operating Battalion 

In memory of Dr. David Strauss 

Ms. Joanne F. Finegan 

In memory of Margaret Nygren Taylor 

Mr. Robert Taylor 

In memory of Virginia Austin Trage 

Mr. Andrew S. Austin 

In memory of Steve and Mary Ungvarsky 

Ms. Mary P. Ungvarsky 

In memory of Herman Thomas Young 

Ms. Kim Robinson 

TRIBUTES 

In tribute of Brain Injury 

Awareness Month 2012 

Brain Injury Association of MI 

In tribute to Bryan Todd Dalrymple 

Kevin Scott Dalrymple Foundation 

In tribute to Craig Foley 

Ms. Beth Doiron 

In tribute to Seldon Fritchner 

Mr. John R. Stafford 

In tribute to Jennifer K. Stafford 

Mr. John R. Stafford 

GENERAL DONATIONS 

Anonymous Donor 

Mrs. Elizabeth Ackerson 

Ms. Crystal Arquette 

Mr. and Mrs. Alan and Diane Begle 

Ms. Erica Bender 

Ms. Megan Bishop 

Mr. Randy Blausey 

Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Kathleen Brezovec 

CARF 

Mr. Arthur A. Carter Jr. 

Mr. Mario Castiglia 

Ms. Phyllis Cherebin 

Ms. Amy R. Chester 

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Trauma 

Program 

Ms. Elaine Chimenti 

Ms. Sally Collins 

Ms. Carole B. Conger 

Mr. Manuel Couto 

Ms. Sandra Gaines Cranshaw 

Craig Hospital 

Mr. and Mrs. John and Alice Davies 

Mr. Richard A. Deichmann 

Ms. Susanne Dougherty 

Mr. and Mrs. Dan and Judy Durfee 

Ms. Deborah Einhorn 

Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Mary Conover Faltesek 

Mr. Roy A. Ferguson 

Ms. Jessica L. Frye 

Mr. Rolf B. Gainer 

Ms. Laura Goldberg 

Ms. Amy Gonzalez 

Mr. Geo Gosling 

Ms. Barbara Guidos 

Mr. James C. Hall 

Mr. Kent Hamilton 

Mr. Ken Handwerger 

Ms. Barbara Hasley 

Ms. Elvira Heinrich 

Mr. Sheldon L. Herring 

Mr. and Mrs. Peggy Hetrick 

and Stephen Shephard 

Mr. and Mrs. David G. and Carol A. Hevey 

Mr. and Mrs. John E. Holing 

Ms. Margaret Hutchings 

Mr. Steven Israel 

J. W. Mitchell Company, LLC 

Dr. Douglas I. Katz and Ms. Kim S. Storey 

Ms. Sharon Keith 

Ms. Maryellen T. Klang 

Mr. Steven Klein 

Ms. Rosalie Kleinberg 

Ms. Virginia M. Lazzara 

Honor Roll of Donors 

Mr. William J. Leonard 

Ms. Abby Levenson 

Mr. Elliot Lubar 

Ms. Beth MacAleer 

Ms. Lila A. Mann 

Ms. Heather McGrath 

Mr. William G. Meier 

Mr. Carlos A. Moreno 

Ms. Linda D. Morgan 

Mr. Gene Moyer 

Ms. Alma Ocampo 

Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Martha Page 

Mr. Fredric W. Parsons 

Ms. Georgia Pearson 

Ms. Debbie Petrone 

Mr. Richard Proft 

Mr. and Mrs. M. Jean and Walter Reeves 

Ms. Terri Reynolds 

Mr. Jack Richert 

Mr. Joseph C. Richert 

Mr. and Mrs. George and Elizabeth Ripsom 

Mr. and Mrs. Inez and Marvin Rossiter 

Ms. Judith M. Schwartz 

Mr. Darryl Sim 

Sleepy Chicken Inc. 

Ms. Deborah Snyder 

Ms. Alicia Stone 

Ms. Ruth S. Sugerman 

Ms. Sandra S. Sussman 

Mr. Chad Taylor 

Mr. Robert Taylor 

Mr. and Mrs. Ken and Susan Unger 

United Way California Capital Region 

United Way of Greater Mercer County 

United Way of the National Capital Area 

Valero Wilmington 

Dr. Hendrika Vande Kemp 

Ms. Clarice Vasicek 

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua and Annette Verona 

Mr. Roger A. Waha 

Ms. Joretta A. Watts 

Dr. John Whyte 

Ms. Beverly Wilcox 

Ms. Barbara Winters 

Mr. and Mrs. Gary and Kay Woods 

Mr. and Mrs. Lee and Patricia Worthen 

Ms. Amanda E. Young 

thank you! 



State 

Affiliate 

News 

Georgia 

The Brain Injury Association of 

Georgia welcomes new board 

member, Kristen Beightol. Kristen 

has spent her career as an attorney 

representing catastrophically 

injured individuals across the 

United States, many of whom have 

suffered brain injuries. Throughout 

her legal career, Kristen has 

seen individuals with brain injury struggle to find community 

resources. She hopes that by serving on this board she can help 

to inform Georgians about brain injuries. Kristen hopes to help 

connect individuals with brain injury to available resources 

as well as promote the creation of additional resources. BIAG 

is also pleased to announce a new peer visitor program called 

“Brain Injury Peer Visitor Insource Program” (PVIP). A 

conversation with a trained peer visitor volunteer sometimes 

can be the most impactful activity that a brain injury survivor 

or their loved ones may receive while at the hospital. A licensed 

clinical social worker (LCSW) will coordinate the program’s 

initial training services. The hospital will manage the PVIP 

in-house after the initial training and receive ongoing support 

when needed. BIA-GA’s goal is to provide a helping hand by 

promoting the recovery process and providing the hospital 

volunteer or staff with the skills and tools needed to deliver 

the proper level of help, hope, support and communication to 

individuals who sustain brain injuries and their families. 

Hawaii 

The Brain Injury Association of Hawaii is proud to present 

BRAIN CONNECT, the premier Brain Injury Conference in 

Hawaii. The conference will be held March 8-9, 2012, at the Ala 

Moana Hotel in Honolulu. Please contact Mary Wilson for more 

information: biahi@hawaiiantel.net. 

Kansas 

The Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas 

City is pleased to continue our tradition of offering an annual 

comprehensive conference for professionals working with 

Massachusetts 

17 


State Affiliate News 

series for survivors, families and professionals and CEUs are 

offered to professionals. Workshops are held once a month 

and at BIA-MA’s Annual Conference, which will be Thursday, 

March 29. 

Montana 

The Brain Injury Association of Montana recognizes Anita 

Roessmann, Brenda Toner and Mark Sanders, who have 

each participated for six years as a member of the BIAMT 

board of directors! Our association and state benefited 

from their participation, knowledge and dedication to brain 

injury awareness in Montana. Thank you! The Brain Injury 

Association of Montana is planning its 25th Anniversary 

Celebration. Several events and activities are in the works for 

August 2012, including a professional conference for service 

providers in the fields of adult and pediatric brain injury and 

the annual conference for survivors and family members. The 

BIAMT is currently accepting presentation proposals. Please 

contact Kristen at 406-541-6442 or info@biamt.org for more 

information. The BIA-MT launched Cranestorm – Wishes 

in Flight at our October 2011 conference. We look forward 

to providing a visual experience at our next conference that 

demonstrates the number of Montanans living with brain injury. 

For information on how you or your agency can participate 

in this amazing project please visit www.biamt.org or contact 

Kristen at 406-541-6442 or 1-800-241-6442 (Montana only). 

New Hampshire 

The Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire held its 

Annual Walk by the Sea walkathon fundraiser Sunday, October 

2, 2011. This was BIANH’s 25th anniversary of holding the 

Walk! Despite a blustery, rainy day, the participation was just as 

enthusiastic as in years past. There were 45 teams participating, 

as well as a number of individual supporters and the event 

raised more than $43,000! Michael Painter, the Walk’s founder, 

was recognized and presented with a 25th anniversary engraved 

cup. BIANH will be co-hosting the Service Credit Union 

Boston-Portsmouth Air Show with the Boy Scouts of America 

– Daniel Webster Council, Saturday, June 30 to Sunday, July 1, 

2012, with special guests the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels. At the 

recent ICAS Conference in Las Vegas, Nev., the U.S. Army’s 

Golden Knights awarded the Service Credit Union Boston- 

Portsmouth Air Show (August 2011) as “Best Air Show of the 

Year.” BIANH continues to take the lead on concussion and 

youth sports in NH. We founded and coordinate the NH State 

Advisory Council on Sport-Related Concussion. Currently, 

the Council has 10 high school pilot sites participating in a 

comprehensive concussion treatment and prevention initiative. 

We are one of the few states–maybe the only state–that has 

developed a statewide consensus statement on the “best 

practice” in management of concussion in youth sports. 




State Affiliate News (Continued from pg. 18) 

New York State 

The new year is off to an exciting start. In January, BIANYS 

offered it inaugural webinar, “Meeting the Needs of Student 

Veterans.” “Webinar Wednesdays” will feature a monthly 

webinar on the last Wednesday of each month. Check our 

website, www.bianys.org for the schedule and to register. 

These webinars are offered at no cost. Our annual “Connecting 

Our Lives” project for 2012 is a brain injury quilt. All of our 

support groups and chapters, as well as members, brain injury 

programs and others in the community are invited to participate 

in this project by making a quilt square. The quilts will be 

displayed in communities around the state in March, at our 

annual conference in June, and the Journey of Hope Gala in 

October. This follows our successful origami project from last 

year. Expanding out LEARNet resource, BIANYS is working 

with the government of Jamaica to develop a number of packets 

and resource materials addressing challenges faced by students 

returning to school after brain injury. We continue to offer our 

Understanding Life with Brain Injury training throughout the 

state, along with a number of regional programs. The brain 

injury stories blog is a new project of BIANYS as an extension 

of the BIANYS online support group and the deep desire of its 

members to share their stories and experiences. Paula Schmidt 

is the FACTS (Family Advocacy, Counseling, and Training 

Services Program) coordinator who provides oversight for the 

blog. The link is www.braininjurystories.org. Check it out! In 

addition, we are coming up with creative ideas to celebrate our 

30th Anniversary. 

South Carolina 

2012 is shaping up to be a busy and productive year for 

the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina. We kick 

off 2012 with the Shuck-A-Rama Oyster Roast in January 

in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. This is our first fundraising event for 

the Lowcountry. It is through the generous support and 

participation of board members, committee members, staff, 

donors and sponsors that we are now able to provide events in 

three major locations in our state: the Midlands, the Upstate 

and the Lowcountry. Our hope is to be able to implement even 

more events throughout our state to raise awareness for brain 

injury. We are excited to announce the SC Developmental 

Disabilities Council has awarded us grant funding for a second 

year for our Head’s Up! SC project. Head’s Up! SC focuses on 

concussion identification and management. During the second 

year of the project, we will provide the fundamental tools and 

education to help properly identify and treat concussions to all 

SC middle school athletic professionals. Another grant that we 

have been very privileged to receive is from the Department 

of Disabilities and Special Needs. ThinkFirst is a grant-funded 

project that focuses on injury prevention in SC youth and teens. 

The curriculum encourages youth to make good choices in 

order to avoid traumatic injuries. Discussion about consequences 

of drinking while driving, texting while driving, not wearing 

helmets and more are included. Through our grant, we are 

able to continue providing training for new chapters across our 

state so that they can amplify our voice for prevention. Another 

strong component of the BIASC is our brain injury support 

group network across our state. To provide further education and 

training for our support group leaders, we will conduct a support 

group leader workshop in February 2012. We are very thankful 

for the dedication of these individuals and would like to have the 

opportunity to thank them for their continued participation and 

support. 

Washington 

On October 15, 2011, the Brain Injury Association of 

Washington (BIAWA) hosted our 5th Annual B.I.G Event 

(Brain Injury Gala) at the Grand Hyatt, Seattle. More than 

400 people joined together to help raise awareness about brain 

injury, increase funds to support those throughout Washington 

whose lives are affected by brain injury and find inspiration in 

the words of our Honorary Chair Ginny Ruffner. Through the 

generous support of our attendees and sponsors, we raised more 

than $320,000.The B.I.G Event brings together community 

members from all walks of life including neurosurgeons, 

physiatrists, personal injury attorneys and social workers as 

well as a number of caregivers and individuals with brain injury 

who are able to attend as our guests through our “Survivor 

Scholarship.” The B.I.G Event is a crucial component of our 

continued mission to increase public awareness, support and 

hope for those affected by brain injury through education, 

assistance and advocacy, and the funds raised help support our 

expansion of services throughout Washington State. We are 

excited to announce the 2012 B.I.G Event will be held at the 

Seattle Sheraton October 27, 2012. 

From Left: Deborah Crawley, Ann Wyman, Richard Adler, Ginny Ruffner, and 

Virginia Wyman Katie Tyree, photo courtesy of Team Photogenic 

19 



The Brain Injury Association of America proudly recognized six chartered state 

affiliates and two state leaders amid ovations and cheers from their peers during the 

16th Annual State Affiliate Leadership Conference 

in December 2011. 

Ginny Lazzara, chairperson of the board of directors of the 

Brain Injury Association of Illinois received the award for chief 

volunteer officer. Ms. Lazzara sets a model for board member 

involvement in association 

activities at both the state and 

national level. Her work ethic, 

expertise and positive outlook 

ensure the BIA of Illinois 

is able to serve individuals 

impacted by brain injury. 

Ginny Lazzara with BIAA Board 

Chairman Greg O’Shanick 

Anne McDonnell, executive director of the Brain Injury 

Association of Virginia received the award for chief staff 

professional. Ms. McDonnell was nominated by members 

of her staff and governing 

board for her extraordinary 

accomplishments in programs 

and services, advocacy and 

organizational management and 

her unwavering passion and 

dedication to serving person 

with brain injury. 

Susan Connors and Anne McDonnell, 

executive director of BIA of Virginia 

The Brain Injury Association of Delaware received an award for 

its bi-yearly newsletter, which is compiled by BIAD volunteer 

Tracey Landmann, who displays a strong, positive, creative 

attitude despite the challenges that result from sustaining a 

brain injury. 

The Brain Injury 

Association of Illinois 

was recognized for 

its military outreach 

program, which 

included producing 

the film series Journey 

Forward to explain 

brain injury and PTSD 

and provide newcomers 

with strategies to address 

changes in family roles. 

The film is available in 

DVD from BIA-IL and 

can be viewed on YouTube. 

Susan Connors, BIA of Illinois 

Executive Director Philicia Deckard 

and Board Chairperson Ginny Lazzara 

The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts was honored 

for its multi-faceted campaign on the landmark settlement of 

Hutchison v. Patrick, 

a lawsuit that forced 

the Commonwealth 

to remove individuals 

with brain injury from 

inappropriate nursing 

home placements. The 

campaign included 

the development of a 

website, use of social 

media, front-page 

newspaper stories, press 

releases, quarterly newsletter articles and a video documentary 

demonstrating the freedom, independence and better life 

available because of the suit. The video can be viewed from 

BIA-MA’s website at www.biama.org. 

Sandra Topalian and Marilyn Spivack of 

Massachusetts with Susan Connors 

The Brain Injury Association of Missouri received an award for 

strategic management of very limited resources. BIA-MO staff 

and volunteers modeled their 

new website based on BIA of 

America’s design and content, 

which allowed BIA-MO to 

meet or exceed nationwide 

branding requirements at a 

substantially reduced cost. 

Maureen Cunningham, BIA-MO 

Executive Director and Susan Connors 

The Brain Injury Association of New York State earned an 

Award of Excellence for its new DVD, Keep Moving Forward, 

a 25-minute film that highlights the stories of three families with 

children who have 

sustained traumatic 

brain injuries. BIA 

of NYS shared its 

DVD with educators, 

service providers, 

healthcare staff and 

the general public. 

It has become an 

important component 

in community 

outreach activities. 

BIA of NYS Board President Marie Cavello and 

Executive Director Judith Avner with Susan Connors 



20


advocacy 

UPDATE 

By Amy C. Colberg, MA, Director of Government Affairs, Brain Injury Association of America 

As the second session of the 112th 

Congress begins, BIAA is poised to 

take on both the opportunities and 

difficulties this session presents. Many 

policymakers are focused on this year’s 

presidential and congressional elections, 

in which republicans will try to regain 

the White House while democrats try to 

regain the House of Representatives and 

both political parties vie for the Senate. 

Amid the politicking, BIAA will continue to 

advocate with the support of the Congressional 

Brain Injury Task Force, a bipartisan caucus of 

more than 130 members of Congress, led by 

Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., (D-NJ) and Rep. Todd 

Russell Platts (R-PA). Our goals this year are 

to sustain and bolster brain injury programs, 

increase access to care and preserve vital brain 

injury research. As in 2011, appropriations 

increases in 2012 are unlikely, but there are 

still many opportunities to advance our cause. 

This year, BIAA will continue to collaborate 

with the Health Resources and Services 

Administration, the National Institute on 

Disability and Rehabilitation Research, the 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 

the National Institutes of Health, and the Food 

and Drug Administration (a new partnership 

that was developed in 2011). BIAA will also 

continue to monitor and comment on the 

Department of Defense and the Department 

of Veterans Affairs’ research and treatment 

for active duty military, their dependents and 

veterans. 

Brain Injury 

Awareness Day 2012 

Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill 

will be held Wednesday, March 21, 2012. 

Starting at 10 a.m., the annual brain injury fair 

will take place in the Rayburn House Office 

Building Foyer and will feature exhibitors 

from throughout the country. At 1:00 p.m., 

please join us for a briefing addressing brain 

injury through the life span. If you plan to 

Our goals 

this year 

are to sustain 

and bolster 

brain injury 

programs, 

increase 

access to 

care and 

preserve 

vital brain 

injury 

research. 

attend in person, please remember to visit 

your representative and senators’ offices to 

speak with them about the importance of 

access to brain injury treatment. Advocacy 

talking points for your use and materials to 

distribute to legislators will be available for 

pick-up at BIAA’s exhibit at the fair. If 

you cannot attend in person, please call 

your representative and senators to make 

them aware of the fair and invite them 

to attend the briefing. Check BIAA’s 

website at www.biausa.org for information and 

instructions. 

BIAA is committed to helping the 

Congressional Brain Injury Task Force plan a 

successful event. BIAA wants policymakers 

to understand that a brain injury can happen 

anywhere, at anytime to anyone. Your 

participation in Awareness Day on Capitol 

Hill is vital to increasing understanding of 

the injury and bringing about public policy 

change. 

TBI Act Reauthorization 

BIAA and other stakeholders continue to 

work with the Health Resources and Services 

Administration (HRSA) on reauthorization of 

the TBI Act and to develop an inclusive and 

transparent process for establishing a longrange 

plan for the Federal TBI Program. 

On January 6, 2012, BIAA and the 

National Association of State Head Injury 

Administrators (NASHIA) met with the office 

of Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., to discuss plans 

for TBI Act reauthorization. Congressional 

staff was pleased with the progress made on 

HRSA’s long-range plan for the Federal TBI 

Program and was receptive to ideas such as 

a formula funding model for the state grant 

program as well as authorizing direct services 

as part of the program. BIAA and other 

stakeholder organizations also met with staff 

from Sens. Tom Harkin and Orin Hatch to 

secure support for TBI Act reauthorization in 

the Senate. 

21 


Advocacy Update 

BIAA believes the development of a long-range plan will 

elevate the status of the program, lead to greater efficiency 

and efficacy in systems coordination and ultimately increase 

availability of services for people with brain injury. The 

coordination of HRSA and TBI stakeholders will also show 

Congress the dedication that the community has to this program 

and will ideally stimulate increased funding in years to come. 

Appropriations Update 

On December 17, 2011, the Senate passed the Conference 

Report on H.R. 2055, Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012. 

The day before, the House passed the Conference Report on the 

consolidated Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2012 (House 

Report 112-331). The legislation includes the Fiscal Year 2012 

Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related 

Agencies Appropriations bill. 

On September 21, 2011, the Senate Appropriations Committee 

considered an FY12 Labor, Health and Human Services, 

Education and Related Agencies (Labor/HHS) bill, which 

contained TBI Act funding. In the past year, more than 50 

programs have been cut from the Labor/HHS budget. However, 

largely through BIAA and NASHIA’s advocacy, TBI Act 

funding has been sustained thus far. 

Health Care Reform Update 

On December 16, 2011, the Department of Health and Human 

Services (HHS) released a critical bulletin outlining the 

agency’s proposed strategy for regulating the essential health 

benefits (EHB) package – the minimum floor of benefits 

individual and small group plans will be required to cover in 

2014 and beyond. Most surprisingly, the agency did not release 

at this time a proposed regulation further defining the ten 

categories of listed benefits in the Affordable Care Act. Rather, 

HHS proposes to give each state considerable flexibility to 

define a “benchmark” plan, similar to the process used by states 

in implementing the Children’s Health Insurance 

Program (CHIP). 

There are positives and negatives with this approach, but either 

way, the final decision has not been made. BIAA is submitting 

comments to HHS on the bulletin. There remain many 

opportunities to continue to influence the process moving forward 

so that the reforms will benefit individuals with brain injury. 

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) 

Effective Health Care Program has released a report 

“Comparative Effectiveness of Postacute Rehabilitation for 

Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.” The public may 

comment on the report by going to the website http://www. 

effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/research-available-forcomment/. 



NEWS & NOTES 

Authors Needed for The Essential 

Brain Injury Guide 

The Brain Injury Association of America and the Academy of 

Certified Brain Injury Specialists announce the development 

of The Essential Brain Injury Guide, 5th edition. The new 

publication will reflect current research and best practices in 

brain injury treatment and rehabilitation. Qualified authors 

are invited to complete the form located at www.biausa.org/ 

LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=98751 to review anticipated topics 

and to indicate an interest in participating; further information 

will be requested as potential contributors are identified. 

Sign up for a Free Subscription 

to Neurology Now 

Neurology Now, the American Academy of Neurology’s 

(AAN) patient-education magazine, covers a wide range of 

neurologic disorders—including traumatic brain injury—in 

a variety of formats: news, personal features, resources, 

and more. As a service to the 

community, AAN makes the 

publication free to patients, their 

families and caregivers. Visit www. 

neurologynow.com to receive your 

free subscription. 

If you subscribe to the magazine by 

March 15, you will receive the April/ 

May issue featuring an interview 

with astronaut Rich Clifford, winner 

of the AAN’s “Public Leadership 

in Neurology Award” for 2012. In 

addition, for the first time, Neurology 

Now will be available for the iPad. 

Call for Proposals for 

Medical Rehabilitation 

Education Conference 

The Education Committee of the 

American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association is 

planning the 10th Annual Medical Rehabilitation Education 

Conference, which will be held Oct. 15-17, 2012, at the Loews 

Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, Calif., with a focus on 

“Rehabilitation and Reform: Succeeding in a Changing Health 

Care Environment.” The call for presentations is open until 

April 15, 2012. They are seeking presentations that will not 

only cover the rules, regulations and their impact, but the 

strategies and tools needed to enable inpatient rehabilitation 

March is 

Brain Injury 

Awareness Month 

anyTIME, 

anywhere, 

ANYONE 

Brain Injuries do 

not discriminate 

providers to succeed in this new environment. Go here for more 

information: www.firmems.com/ or www.amrpa.org/. 

T2 Launches Online Community for 

Military Mental Health Professionals 

National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2) invites 

military mental health professionals to join “Psychological 

Health Providers for the Military Community,” a new group 

the center manages on LinkedIn. This initiative creates 

additional opportunities for providers to share information 

and best practices for treating psychological health or traumatic 

brain injury. 

“Our vision for this group is to offer an engaging environment 

where mental health providers can share knowledge, exchange 

ideas and collaborate to help provide the highest level of support 

and care for service members, veterans and military families,” 

said Dr. Greg Gahm, executive director of T2. 

If you have questions about this 

new professional group, or would 

like more information, you can 

contact T2 via email at AskUs@ 

T2Health.org. Please note that 

participation in the group requires 

that you have a LinkedIn account. 

International Day 

of Persons with 

Disabilities Celebrated 

on Dec. 3 

Dec. 3, 2011 was celebrated as 

the 19th Annual International 

Day of Persons with Disabilities, 

highlighting efforts to improve 

the conditions of persons with 

disabilities. Across the globe, 15 

percent of the world’s population 

is living with a disability and 

about a quarter of the global population has a family member 

with, or works with, someone with a disability. Kathleen 

Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human 

Services, made the following statement: 

When the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990, 

America became the first country in the world to declare 

equality for citizens with disabilities. President Obama has 

continued our country’s leadership in improving the lives 

23 


News & Notes 

of people with disabilities. The Obama administration has 

joined in signing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with 

Disabilities, promoting equality while seeking to ensure that 

persons with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities 

as all people. 

Under President Obama the employment, retention and 

advancement of persons with disabilities within the federal 

workforce has been a priority of the U.S. Department of Health 

and Human Services. Thanks to President Obama’s Executive 

Order 13548 and HHS’ Disability Hiring Initiative, announced 

in December 2009, I’m pleased to announce that for the first 

time in a number of years, we can report that over 1 percent of 

the permanent HHS workforce is comprised of employees with 

significant disabilities. 

At the same time, due to passage of the Affordable Care Act, 

there are many new protections for those with disabilities and 

those within the disability community. Job-based and new 

individual plans are no longer allowed to deny or exclude 

coverage to any child under age 19 based on a pre-existing 

condition, which includes living with a disability. Starting 

in 2014, these same plans won’t be able to exclude adults 

from coverage or charge a higher premium for a pre-existing 

condition including a disability. Furthermore, insurance 

companies can no longer take away coverage when a person 

gets sick due to a mistake on their coverage application. 

While we are pleased to announce HHS’ progress including 

more people with disabilities in our workforce as well as 

additional health insurance protections for persons with 

disabilities due to the Affordable Care Act, we know we have a 

lot more work to do. We will continue to work with the disability 

community and commit to efforts that enhance the lives of 

persons with disabilities. 

On Dec. 2, 2011, The White House issued a Proclamation in 

support of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 

saying: “We recommit to ensuring people living with disabilities 

enjoy full equality and unhindered participation in all facets 

of our national life. We recognize the myriad contributions 

that persons with disabilities make at home and abroad, and 

we remember that disability rights are universal rights to be 

recognized and promoted around the world.” 

In recognition of the United Nations International Day of 

Persons with Disabilities and Human Rights Day, Special 

adviser for International Disability Rights Judy Heumann 

hosted a screening and panel discussion of “Lives Worth 

Living,” a historical documentary about the disability rights 

movement. For more information on the film, please visit: 

www.pbs.org/independentlens/lives-worth-living/. 



NO MORE 

AT OUR PICNIC! 

One Advocate’s 

Story 

By Carol P. Bray 

Just as he did every Monday for 40 years, my husband was 

preparing to go to work. He was a vice president in the 

commercial lending division of a local bank. However, 

on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, he had such terrible back pain that he 

had to be taken to the hospital, by ambulance, because he could 

not walk. This is a day that would change my husband’s life 

forever. He would be admitted to the hospital and he would not 

return home until 7 ½ months later. 

Following admission, he had surgery for an epidural spinal 

abscess and, as a result, suffered an anoxic brain injury. His 

health began to deteriorate to the point that, in his third of six 

weeks in this hospital, he was moved to the Intensive Care Unit 

where he was placed on a ventilator, and had multiple tubes 

attached to him. He was semi-comatose most of the time. He 

nearly died on several occasions. When the doctors were unable 

to determine why he was not responding to treatment, I moved 

him to Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. Initially, 

I had worried about my husband’s survival, and, at one point 

was even planning his funeral in my mind. When it appeared 

he would live, other equally difficult questions arose. Would he 

awaken, and, if he did, who would he be? Would he be himself 

again? Was I looking at a lifetime as caregiver? Could he come 

home to live, or would he be confined to a nursing facility? 

I found that I had to be involved in my husband’s care, at all 

times, questioning and giving my opinions to the doctors and 

staff. I knew my husband better than anyone and it became 

my responsibility to advocate for his care by sharing all of the 

information I had about his condition and requesting (sometimes 

demanding) the staff share all of theirs. To make this possible, 

the first order of business was to get a Medical Power of 

Attorney. Because of my husband’s incapacitation, I also got 

General Power of Attorney. Without those two legal documents, 

I was powerless to make the medical and financial decisions on 

his behalf that I felt were necessary. This is so necessary if you 

are to be in control of the situation. My husband had handled 

our financial business; however, he always kept me apprised of 

our accounts and bills. Additionally, both our daughter and son 

were in the banking business, and were of great assistance to 

me. It was important to find individuals whom I trusted to assist 

with situations that might arise. 

At Johns Hopkins, he was re-evaluated and doctors found the 

surgeon had not removed the entire abscess, which is why his 

condition had not improved. Additional surgery was too risky; 

however, they were able to find an antibiotic that seemed to 

attack the infection and, after seven weeks, he was stabilized 

and ready to move to a sub-acute hospital to begin speech, 

physical and occupational therapy. I worked with the hospital 

social worker to find a suitable sub-acute facility, however, 

she wanted me to consider a nursing home and I was adamant 

that I wanted him in a sub-acute rehabilitation facility. I ended 

up having to do a lot of the research myself. I finally located a 

rehabilitation hospital that would take my husband. It was also 

in Baltimore. 

The 80-mile per-day round trips to Baltimore, over the seven 

weeks my husband was in Johns Hopkins, and the four weeks 

he was in the rehabilitation hospital, became too much for me. 

I also determined the program at the rehabilitation hospital was 

unacceptable (very little therapy), so I moved him to a nursing 

home close to where we lived. I knew this was not the optimal 

placement, and one I had initially refused to consider, even 

though the facility had the therapies he needed. 

In April 2010, 23 weeks after his initial admission, to include 

six weeks in the nursing home, and with the assistance of 

his speech therapist at the nursing home, he was finally 

accepted into Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital, Rockville, 

Maryland. This acute care hospital provided excellent care 

and rehabilitation, and gradually he improved. As I did at the 

previous hospitals, I requested at least biweekly team meetings 

to discuss my husband’s condition. It was not until he was in 

Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital that he was able to participate 

in these meetings with us. The meetings were important because 

they gave me an opportunity to see how the staff worked 

together for my husband’s treatment, to ask questions and 

have them discussed by all, in my/his presence, and see if the 

recommendations were carried out, as planned. 

25 


Ants at our Picnic 

Navigating with my husband through the hospital systems was 

an emotional rollercoaster. Family and friends provided me 

tremendous support during this time. The most important thing 

I found helpful was to tell them what I needed rather than 

having them guess what I needed. It saved a lot of time and 

frustration. I realized that in order for me to take appropriate 

care of my husband, I had to take care of myself. This meant 

getting enough rest; trying to get out for dinner on occasion; 

eating properly; and having people sit with my husband at the 

hospital so that I could shop or sleep. Much of his time in the 

hospital, he did not recognize people (including our children 

and me), so when he had visitors, they were really there for us. 

As difficult as his condition was for me, our children were even 

more concerned for his future. I felt guilty leaving him, at times, 

but found it was a healthy thing for me to do to keep my sanity. 

It was fortunate that I had been a social worker before 

retirement. Additionally, I was also a Certified Brain Injury 

Specialist who had been a volunteer and worked for the Brain 

Injury Association of America. Most individuals become 

involved with this cause after a friend or relative has suffered 

a brain injury. I was involved prior to my husband’s brain 

injury, which was extremely helpful in dealing with doctors 

and staff. I knew the ramifications of brain injury and how 

uncertain outcomes can be. I knew that his successes would be 

measured in marathons, not sprints. I also knew that every brain 

injury is different, so treatment is different, as well. I contacted 

friends and colleagues with whom I had worked while at the 

Brain Injury Association of America, to ask questions and get 

suggestions. 

Patience had never been one of my strong suits; however, 

I found that waiting was all I could do for over a year. During 

that time, I was involved in every decision and activity 

involving my husband and his treatment. At least, that way, 

I felt I was doing something constructive. I kept a list of his 

accomplishments so that I could tell him what they were, if 

that time ever came. It was a time to familiarize myself with 

additional information about brain injury. Keeping my mind 

busy was important. Since there was no manual to assist in this 

journey, I had to make it up along the way, drawing on my own 

knowledge and the knowledge of others I trusted. 

As difficult as overseeing his medical treatment was, working 

with the insurance companies was almost as challenging. It 

required many hours, and a strong determination to resolve all 

issues. Bills had to be checked and re-checked. Follow-up calls 

had to be made regarding billing issues. I do not know how 

people find the time if they are employed, have families or have 

other pressing demands to meet. It was time-sensitive and time 

consuming. Dealing with my husband’s medical bills continues 

even today. 




Ants at our picnic 


The hardest part of my husband’s convalescence was his first 

year at home. And, it was my most difficult time, as well. 

Following his final hospital discharge, my husband needed total 

care. I hired home health aides to assist me at home. Having 

strangers in our home 24/7 was like “having ants at a picnic.” 

I hated this intrusion! They were in our space and totally 

disruptive to our normal way of life. We had 12 different aides. 

I dismissed six of them for a variety of reasons. I had made a 

list of rules and regulations, along with a list of medications and 

necessary phone numbers in case of emergencies. I reviewed 

the rules with staff, and posted them. Yet, the rules were mostly 

ignored by the six aides I terminated. Having rules for people in 

your home is a must. If they do not follow them… fire them. 

My husband’s recovery was long, but successful. In fact, the 

family and many doctors believe that his remarkable recovery 

was a miracle. Following his discharge from the rehabilitation 

hospital, in June 2010, he continued outpatient therapies (OT, 

PT & speech) at the rehab hospital, three times a week. After six 

months, he had completed OT and Speech. Today, two years and 

two months into his recovery, he continues to go for physical 

therapy twice weekly for walking, which continues to be an 

issue. He can use a walker and is learning to use canes. Balance 

is the culprit. His cognition is no longer a problem. That deficit 

worried me most of all. He is hoping to drive again and to return 

to work, if possible. He had to retire from his job during his 

time in the hospital, something he regrets. 

There were many difficult things that happened over the last 

several years. It amazed us when it was the little things that 

made us feel better, such as removing the boards and ramp from 

our front porch when my husband was finally able to negotiate 

the steps with his walker; getting rid of the porta-potty, bed 

pans, hoyer lift, and hospital bed; his being able to get to the 

car so that I could drive him to therapy instead of having to 

use a transport vehicle… the little things… but most of all, not 

needing home health aides and getting our privacy back. No 

more “ants at our picnic!” 

As a matter of note, my husband and I did speak with lawyers 

from two different law firms about the possibility of filing 

a lawsuit against the surgeon and the first hospital for my 

husband’s poor medical care. We were told that so many things 

had gone wrong that it would be difficult to blame any one 

person. They did concur the surgeon was primarily at fault but 

said it would be difficult to find another surgeon or surgeons 

who would say that what he had done was deliberate. I would 

suggest, however, that if found in a situation similar to ours, 

you at least contact a lawyer to review your case. 

TBI Act 

Call to Action! 

Your help is critical to successful reauthorization of the TBI Act. 

Grassroots advocacy is the most effective method for getting 

your message heard and legislation passed. Here is what you 

can do: 

• Sign up to receive BIAA Action Alerts and take action when 

prompted. Go here to sign up: www.grasshop.com, click 

“Groups” and type in BIAA. 

• Plan to attend the March 21, 2012, Congressional Brain 

Injury Task Force Awareness Day in Washington, D.C., and 

meet with your federal lawmakers to advocate on behalf of 

individuals with TBI and their families. If you cannot attend 

the March 21 Awareness Day event, call or email your support 

that day. For more information, go to: www.biausa.org/biaaadvocacy.htm. 

• Mobilize your network, other disability, injury prevention and 

health care organizations, providers – even your friends and 

family! There is strength in numbers! 

Tips for contacting your Representative or Senator: 

1. Identify yourself as a constituent. Explain that you are calling 

in support of the TBI Act Reauthorization, and let them know 

how brain injury affects you. If you have examples of how the 

funding has impacted activities and services in your state, be 

sure to tell them. If your state does not have a grant, tell them 

your state needs the assistance, and why. 

2. Ask the staff member if his/her boss will support your request. 

If they do not commit, please ask them to get back to you. 

3. Say thank you. 


4. Follow-up with Amy Colberg, BIAA director of Government 

Affairs to let her know if your Representative or Senator will 

support the bill or has any questions. Amy can be reached at: 

acolberg@biausa.org or 703-761-0750. 

Contact your 

Representative 

and Senators 

If you don’t know who your Representative and Senators are, 

visit www.congress.org and enter your ZIP code or call the 

Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected. 

When connected, ask to speak to the person who works on 

health or disability issues. 

For further information go to the Advocacy & Government 

Affairs section of the BIAA website to policy materials: 

www.biausa.org. 

27 



You’ll Find it in 

the Bookstore 

Gabby, A Story of 

Courage and Hope 

Mark Kelly and Jeffrey Zaslow 

A Three Dog Life 

Abigail Thomas 

TBI: Shaken But 

Not Stirred 

Joyce Little Fahl 

Brain injury Rewiring 

for Survivors 

Carolyn E. Dolan 


The Brain Injury Association of Virginia was recognized for 

the significant inroads it made in establishing collaborative 

relationships with key stakeholders in its state through support 

group leader training, concussion clinics and the creation of 

a brain injury workgroup to address the educational needs of 

children with brain injury. 

The Brain Injury Association of America congratulates the 

chartered state affiliates for their outstanding achievement and 

Ms. Lazzara and Ms. McDonnell for their leadership. 

Brain Injury Rewiring 

for Loved Ones 

Carolyn E. Dolan 

Visit our online bookstore for the best 

sellers in brain injury at www.biausa.org 

Chartered State 

Affiliates 

Brain Injury Association of Arizona 602-323-9165 ~ 888-500-9165 

Brain Injury Association of Arkansas 501-374-3585 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of California 661-872-4903 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Connecticut 860-219-0291 ~ 800-278-8242 

Brain Injury Association of Delaware 302-346-2083 ~ 800-411-0505 

Brain Injury Association of Florida 850-410-0103 ~ 800-992-3442 

Brain Injury Association of Georgia 404-712-5504 ~800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Hawaii 808-791-6942 

Brain Injury Association of Illinois 312-726-5699 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Indiana 317-356-7722 

Brain Injury Association of Iowa 515-274-9757 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Kansas 

and Greater Kansas City 913-754-8883 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Louisiana 985-892-9900 ~ 800-500-2026 

Brain Injury Association of Maryland 410-448-2924 ~ 800-221-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts 508-475-0032 ~ 800-242-0030 

Brain Injury Association of Michigan 810-229-5880 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Minnesota 612-378-2742 ~ 800-669-6442 

Brain Injury Association of Mississippi 601-981-1021 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Missouri 314-426-4024 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Montana 406-541-6442 ~ 800-241-6442 

Brain Injury Association of Nebraska 402-423-2463 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Nevada 702-259-1903 

Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire 603-225-8400 ~ 800-773-8400 

Brain Injury Association of New York State 518-459-7911 ~ 800-228-8201 

Brain Injury Association of North Carolina 919-833-9634 ~ 800-377-1464 

Brain Injury Association of Ohio 614-481-7100 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Oklahoma 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania 866-635-7097 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island 401-461-6599 ~ 888-824-8911 

Brain Injury Association of South Carolina 803-731-9823 ~ 877-824-3228 

Brain Injury Association of Tennessee 615-248-2541 ~ 877-757-2428 

Brain Injury Association of Texas 512-326-1212 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Utah 801-716-4993 ~ 800-281-8442 

Brain Injury Association of Vermont 802-244-6850 ~ 877-856-1772 

Brain Injury Association of Virginia 804-355-5748 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of Washington 206-897-5755 ~ 877-982-4292 

Brain Injury Association of Washington, DC 202-659-0122 ~ 800-444-6443 

Brain Injury Association of West Virginia 304-400-4506 

Brain Injury Association of Wisconsin 262-790-9660 ~ 800-882-9282 

For any state not listed here, call BIAA 

National Information Center at 800-444-6443 




INFORMATION 

Upcoming BIAA Webinars 

March 7, 2012, 3 p.m. ET 

Epidemiology of Brain Injury 

David Strauss Memorial Clinical Lecture 

Mark Faul Ph.D., M.A., Senior Health Scientist, CDC 

March 22, 2012, 3 p.m. ET 

The Unique Challenges of Mild Head Injury 

Caregivers’ Education Seminar 

Matthew Dodson, OTD, OTR/L, President of 

Braintrust Performance Services, LLC 

May 10, 2012, 3 p.m. ET 

Resource Facilitation 

Business of Brain Injury Webinar 

Lance Trexler, Ph.D., Director of Rehabilitation 

Neuropsychology, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana 

Registration for upcoming webinars, as they become available, can be filled out online in 

the Marketplace of the Brain Injury Association of America’s website at: www.biausa.org. 

Recordings of most webinars are available for purchase in the Marketplace as well. 

advertiser index 

page advertiser website 

July 19, 2012, 3 p.m. ET 

Getting Things Done and Having Some 

Fun with Smart Devices 

Caregiver Education Webinar 

Michelle Ranae Wild, M.A., Author 

2012 Webinars 

More to come in 2012! 

Topics in the planning stage include: 

• Breakthroughs with Stem Cells 

• TBI in Prisoners 

• High Level Cognitive Rehabilitation 

• Technology and Cognitive Issues 

• Health Care Reform Annual Report 

• Substance Misuse 

• Community Resources 

Visit www.biausa.org 

for more information 

5-6 | Avanir www.pbainfo.org 

10 | Beechwood Rehabilitation Services www.beechwoodrehab.org 

24 | CORE Health Care www.corehealth.com 

11 | Doehrmann & Chamberlain www.tortslaw.com 

12 | Florida Institute of Neurologic Rehabilitation, Inc. www.finr.net 

30 | Lakeview Neurorehabilitation Centers www.lakeviewsystem.com 

26 | Montero Law Center www.lexcenter.com 

8 | NeuroRestorative www.neurorestorative.com 

14 | Rainbow Rehabilitation Centers www.rainbowrehab.com 

22 | ResCare Premier www.rescarepremier.com 

10 | Special Tree www.specialtree.com 

22 | Stark & Stark www.stark-stark.com 

24 | Success Rehabilitation, Inc. www.successrehab.com 

18 | The Lighthouse Neurological Rehabilitation Center www.lighthouserehab.com 

If you or a loved 

one has had a brain 

injury, call the 

National Brain Injury 

Information Center 

toll–free for 

information at: 

1-800-444-6443 

Call for information about: 

• Local treatment and 

rehabilitation options 

• Living with brain injury 

• Funding for services 

• Legal issues 

• Veterans information 

• Returning to school 

and work 

• Coping with changes 

29 



Non-Profit Org. 

US Postage 

PAID 

Richmond, VA 

Permit No. 320 

1608 Spring Hill Rd., Suite 110 


The Corporate Sponsors Program gives rehabilitation 

providers, long-term care facilities, attorneys and other 

leaders in the field as many as 15 ways to support 

the Brain Injury Association of America’s advocacy, 

awareness, information and education programs. BIAA 

is grateful to the Corporate Sponsors for their financial 

contribution and the many volunteer hours their companies 

devote to spreading help, hope and healing nationwide. 

For more information on how to become part of Brain Injury 

Association of America Corporate Sponsors Program, please visit the 

sponsorship and advertising page at www.biausa.org or contact 

Susan H. Connors at 703-761-0750 or shconnors@biausa.org.

THE Challenge! Winter 2012

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