State Affiliate News

Arkansas

The Brain Injury Association of Arkansas (BIAA-AR) hosted its first Brain Injury Awareness Day at the Capitol. This event in March served as a powerful platform for education and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and bringing together survivors, family members, advocates, and professionals from the brain injury community to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those impacted by TBI.

With the motto, “I Am a Voice for TBI Awareness,” participants united to amplify the voices of individuals affected by brain injuries, demonstrating the need for greater support and understanding. Advocating for policy change was an aspect of this event. Brain injury survivors and professionals testified to the Arkansas House Hearing Committee regarding HB 1583, which was passed unanimously. HB 1583 was signed by our governor and is now Act 348, an act to mandate coverage for acquired brain injury.

Brain Injury Awareness Day at the Capitol not only educated but also empowered individuals to become advocates within their communities, reinforcing the message that every voice matters in the fight for awareness and understanding.

Indiana

Over the past few months, the Brain Injury Association of Indiana (BIA-IN) has launched exciting initiatives, raised awareness on critical policy issues, and strengthened community connection, laying a strong foundation for the busy fall season ahead.

In May, we hosted the second event in our “Stroll for Your Lobes” wellness series at the OrthoIndy YMCA. We were honored to welcome Karen Thompson, a certified LoveYourBrain yoga instructor, who led a specialized session designed to support individuals living with brain injury. Her adaptive approach to yoga and breath work focused on rebuilding strength, reducing stress, and enhancing cognitive recovery.

After her engaging and empowering presentation, participants took to the track in the upper gym for a refreshing stroll and meaningful social time. The event offered an inclusive, uplifting environment highlighting the importance of movement, mindfulness, and connection in the recovery journey.

On a beautiful summer evening in July, BIA-IN — alongside our partners at the Light for Levi Foundation — hosted the annual Polo at Sunset event at Hickory Hall Polo Club in Whitestown. This signature fundraiser brought together survivors, families, medical professionals, advocates, and generous sponsors for a night filled with fun, food, and FUNraising!

With incredible attendance and heartfelt support from corporate sponsors, including healthcare partners, legal advocates, and local businesses, the evening was a joyful celebration and a powerful reminder of our shared mission: to improve awareness, access, and resources for Hoosiers impacted by brain injury.

We’re already gearing up for one of our most anticipated events of the year: the fourth annual BIA-IN Wiffleball Tournament on Saturday, October 25! This year’s tournament promises a full day of action-packed games, costume contests, raffles, local vendors, crafts, and our silent auction. Teams from across the state will come together to compete in the name of community and recovery — and we hope you’ll join us!

Whether you’ve strolled with us, celebrated at Polo, or are planning to swing for the fences in October, thank you for being part of the BIA-IN community. Together, we’re creating a more informed, inclusive, and empowered Indiana for all those affected by brain injury!

Louisiana

The Brain Injury Association of Louisiana (BIA-LA) was honored to participate in the first Disability Awareness Day at the Louisiana State Capitol, hosted by The Split-Second Foundation and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs.

This powerful event united individuals with disabilities, caregivers, advocates, and organizations from across the state with one mission: to elevate the voices of the disability community and educate lawmakers on the critical need for inclusive policies and systems of support.

Disability Awareness Day served as a compelling reminder that disability can happen to anyone, at any time, and often changes life forever. Events included direct engagement with legislators, storytelling, and policy discussions highlighting the need for better accessibility, inclusion, and resources across Louisiana.

A special highlight of the day was a panel discussion exploring how disability inclusion fuels economic growth and strengthens communities. In a proud and meaningful moment, the governor issued a proclamation officially declaring June 2 as Disability Awareness Day in Louisiana.

BIA-LA was proud to stand alongside partners and champions to advocate for a future where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.

Maine

On September 15, the Brain Injury Association of America, Maine Chapter (BIAA-ME) will host the 16th Annual Defining Moments in Brain Injury Conference in Portland. The conference will include a keynote on Life after Brain Injury: Navigating the Journey of Recovery with Resilience, the Beverley Bryant Memorial Lecture, and 11 breakout sessions for professionals, survivors, and caregivers.

BIAA-ME also hosted the first Northern Maine Brain Injury Conference in Presque Isle on May 20. Nearly 70 professionals, survivors, and caregivers gathered in Maine’s northernmost county to connect, learn, and engage with the brain injury community. Maine brain injury survivor and advocate, Jenn Williams, delivered the keynote.

In collaboration with the Maine Office of Aging & Disability Services and under the Administration for Community Living grant awarded to Maine, BIAA-ME continues several projects to address the intersection of brain injury and pediatric health needs, behavioral health, and substance use disorder (SUD), including supporting a session on brain injury and SUD at the recent seventh annual Opioid Response Summit held in Augusta.

Massachusetts

On July 23, the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA), disability advocates, allies, and community members gathered to mark the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Boston at the ADA35 Rally. Getting the ADA passed into law took years of persistent advocacy and demanding work by people with disabilities and their allies from across the country, who fought tirelessly to ensure equal rights and access for all.

The event began with a flag raising at Boston City Hall Plaza. Participants marched along Tremont Street calling for accessibility, equity, and justice for people with disabilities. The march concluded at The Embrace Memorial, a fitting site to reflect on the intersection of disability rights, civil rights, and the ongoing fight for equity for all. The Embrace Memorial honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. The memorial depicts two pairs of arms in a hug, inspired by a historic photo of the Kings embracing after Dr. King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Speakers at the rally called on policymakers to strengthen disability rights protections, fully fund accessibility initiatives, and prioritize inclusion in every aspect of society.

BIA-MA was a proud partner for the event.

Missouri

The Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) held their annual Bowling for Brain Injury events in June. Teams in Springfield, Kansas City, and St. Louis enjoyed bowling with other teams. “Spare the Alley, Join the Rally” teams helped fundraise with no bowling. The event raised more than $45,000 to increase awareness and provide services for persons with brain injury. The Top Fundraising Team was Sargent Strike Club, led by Renee Sargent-Harrison.

In September, BIA-MO One-Day Regional Outdoor Camps will be held in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Activities will include tie-dyeing shirts, yard games, bingo, music, and arts and crafts. Survivors of brain injury and families will also enjoy nature, meet others, and have fun.

The BIA-MO 21st Annual Statewide Conference will take place October 21-22 in St. Louis. This is a great opportunity for professionals to learn, network, and earn continuing education credits.

On November 8, the BIA-MO Survivor and Family Seminar and Awards Luncheon will be held in St. Louis. Seminar topics include Brain Injury 101; Discovering Hobbies and Passions; Embracing Music for Memory, Coping, and Healing; and Managing Mental Health in Life with Brain Injury. These sessions and discussions are meant to help survivors and their families manage the impact of brain injury.

Nebraska

On the morning of May 31, the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska (BIA-NE) laced up, stretched out, and hit the ground running with our annual Blazing Trails for Brain Injury event. With our highest turnout since COVID, the event had great momentum — minus the shin splints. From live music and our not-so-intimidating obstacle course to brainy swag and sunshine, the event kept spirits high and step counts higher. Survivors, families, and supporters went the distance — raising awareness, raising funds, and proving once again that Nebraska shows up strong.

This wasn’t just a walk in the park (though technically it was), it was a morning full of purpose, joy, and community connection. The finish line may have been literal, but the impact goes far beyond it. Together, we’re blazing brighter trails for brain injury survivors.

New York

The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIA-NYS) continues to be a strong voice for individuals living with brain injuries and their families. This year, BIA-NYS amplified its advocacy efforts on both the state and national levels, working to ensure the needs of the brain injury community remain front and center.

In March, BIA-NYS hosted its annual Advocacy Day at the New York State Capitol, where survivors, caregivers, and professionals met with lawmakers to share their stories and advocate for essential services and supports. In addition, BIA-NYS made two trips to Washington, D.C., joining national partners in pushing for policies that protect Medicaid access, strengthen rehabilitation services, and promote research and prevention efforts.

To keep the community informed and engaged, BIA-NYS introduced a Weekly Advocacy Newsletter, offering timely updates on legislation, action alerts, and ways to get involved. The Association also hosted four Community Conversations, bringing together advocates and healthcare systems across the state to listen, learn, and mobilize around shared priorities.

Through these efforts, BIA-NYS continues to lead with purpose, building momentum, empowering voices, and working to create real change for the brain injury community.

Ohio

After a busy spring of advocacy work and meetings with state representatives and senators in Ohio, the Brain Injury Association of Ohio (BIA-OH) was thrilled to be awarded additional state funding this year to help expand programs and help more brain injury survivors and caregivers. This summer, BIA-OH will partner once again with Cleveland State University to offer a three-day “NeuroSparks: Sparking Hope & Healing” camp. CSU graduate students from departments including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, nursing, and more volunteer their time and work directly with brain injury survivors who are two to five years post injury and have plateaued in their skills. The camp also provides opportunities for caregivers to learn about community resources and make new connections. Thanks to local grant funding, community donations, and amazing volunteers, the camp is completely free for all participants.

Pennsylvania

The Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania’s (BIA-PA) 2025 Conference, “Celebrating an Empowered Brain Injury Community: A Conference for Survivors, Care Partners, and Professionals,” took place June 30-July 1 in Lancaster, and was filled with energy, connection, and inspiration.

This year’s event brought together survivors, care partners, professionals, and advocates, along with many informative exhibitors. From inspiring stories to impactful sessions and meaningful conversations, the spirit of learning and community was felt in every corner.

Due to the generosity of those who supported the David L. Strauss Memorial Scholarship Fund, we were able to provide conference scholarships to many survivors and caregivers.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 BIA-PA Awards, honored for their outstanding contributions to the brain injury community:

• Meaghan Wright: Barb Dively Advocacy Award
• Meghan Chemidlin: Dan Keating Pioneer in Brain Injury Award
• Lady Sharper Rennie: Direct Service Award
• Claire Larson: John Sears Inspiration Award
• Stefani Eichelberger: Leadership Award
• Elayne Masters: Service to the Brain Injury Community Award

We are grateful to everyone who made this year’s conference a success. We look forward to continuing this journey of empowerment together!

BIA-PA is excited to announce the expansion of our ReDiscover U program to include in-person, community-based classes and events, made possible through a new four-year contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Originally founded by the Council on Brain Injury (CoBI), ReDiscover U was developed to support individuals living with brain injury through education, empowerment, and meaningful connection. In 2023,BIA-PA took the helm of the program, continuing its mission while seeking new ways to grow its impact. This latest development marks a significant milestone in that effort. The expanded program will go beyond virtual learning to offer engaging, in-person opportunities across Pennsylvania, designed to promote recovery, resilience, and reintegration into community life. Activities will be diverse and thoughtfully curated to meet the unique needs of individuals with brain injury.

South Carolina

The Brain Injury Association of South Carolina (BIA-SC) collaborated with the South Carolina Brain Injury Leadership Council to host the annual Life With Brain Injury Conference on August 1 in Columbia. Leading sponsors included the S.C. Developmental Disabilities Council and S.C. Department of Health and Human Services. We highlighted the soundtrack, “Headstrong Hits,” during the conference. This soundtrack was developed during Brain Injury Awareness Month, in partnership with the S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN), our state’s lead agency on TBI. “Headstrong Hits” is an inspiring soundtrack curated by brain injury survivors, with each song symbolizing a unique aspect of their recovery journey. From moments of struggle to breakthroughs of resilience, this soundtrack represents the healing power of music and the strength of the human spirit. Every track reflects the personal experiences, emotions, and triumphs of those who have faced and overcome life-altering challenges. Headstrong Hits can be found at biaofsc.com/press/headstrong-hits.

Our keynote speaker, Wynn Godbold, founder of Bee Sharp Professional Training, engaged audiences with energy, authenticity, and active learning. Wynn blends sweet Southern charm with bold honesty to help people break barriers and turn vision into action with his keynote address “I’m Possible: Redefining Limits After Brain Injury.”

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