Program areas at BIAA
Public awareness - biaa leads the nation in raising awareness and understanding about Brain Injury through its award-winning website, www.biausa.org, robust social media following and sought-after public speakers. The publications offered by biaa are available in print and digital format and include fact sheets, quarterly newsmagazines, and informational brochures. During 2021, biaa launched its Brain Injury awareness campaign: #morethanmybraininjury. The campaign helped the public understand the many causes of Brain Injury while empowering Brain Injury individuals and families to dispel common myths and misconceptions.
Affiliate services biaa provides leadership, technical assistance, operational best practices, and individualized fundraising training and consultation to a nationwide network of chartered state affiliates, divisions, local chapters, and support groups across the country to meet the needs of all those whose lives are affected by Brain Injury.
Education, training, and research - biaa educates survivors, caregivers and professionals every year through free and low-cost webinars. Biaa accelerates research and the discovery of cures by awarding seed grants to young investigators and Brain Injury scholars across the country. Biaa continued its research project investigating guidelines for the rehabilitation and chronic disease management of adults with moderate to severe traumatic Brain Injury (guidelines). Biaa's staff and leaders are key partners in advising researchers and disseminating findings.
Individual and family services - biaa operates the toll-free national Brain Injury information center (nbiic), which connects callers to a trained specialist who is compassionate and knowledgeable about local resources. Nbiic offers information in both english and spanish. Biaa responds to inquiries for personalized assistance annually. The people biaa help range from families struggling with a child in a coma to caregivers wondering how to support a loved one who was injured many years ago.
Government relations and advocacy - biaa and its network of advocates educate federal policymakers throughout the year by informing them about life-saving research, access to healthcare, civil rights, and financial security for people with Brain injuries. Biaa keeps its constituents abreast of relevant public policy through its free weekly e-newsletter, policy corner.