It didn’t occur to me until days later that I had been in a ski accident and was totally paralyzed. A merciful doctor diagnosed me with locked-in syndrome. A blot clot formed in my neck, broke free, and entered my brain stem causing an ischemic stroke; I was lucky to be alive. He didn’t need to explain further – I was trapped in my body or ‘locked-in.’ What hope did I have to live a normal life? I’d ruminate on this until the words lost their meaning.

As we embark on Brain Injury Awareness Month in 2024, it's essential to recognize the profound importance of this annual observance. This dedicated month provides a crucial opportunity to raise awareness, promote understanding, and advocate for support systems for individuals affected by brain injuries. Let's delve deeper into why Brain Injury Awareness Month matters now more than ever.

Memory loss is a common and often significant consequence of brain injury, affecting individuals in various aspects of their lives. Whether the injury is caused by trauma, stroke, or other factors, the resulting memory impairment can have profound effects on cognitive function, daily activities, and overall quality of life

For individuals navigating the challenges of life after a brain injury, finding a supportive community can be instrumental in their journey to recovery. In Connecticut, the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut (BIAC) offers a lifeline for survivors through its comprehensive network of support groups. In this blog post, we'll explore the invaluable benefits of BIAC's support groups and how they empower brain injury survivors across the state.

In recent years, the prevalence of brain injuries has reached epidemic proportions, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Despite the significant impact of brain injuries on individuals and communities, governors across the country appear to be overlooking this critical issue by failing to allocate sufficient financial support for community-based programs. This lack of investment not only undermines the well-being of brain injury survivors but also perpetuates systemic challenges in accessing essential services and support. In this blog post, we will explore the concerns raised by advocates and experts regarding governors' neglect of the brain injury epidemic and the implications for affected individuals and families.

For brain injury survivors, the journey of finding love and companionship can be both rewarding and challenging. While love knows no bounds, the unique hurdles faced by survivors often require patience, understanding, and resilience. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the common issues encountered by brain injury survivors in the realm of dating and relationships, as well as strategies for overcoming them.

Art has long been recognized as a powerful form of expression, offering solace, healing, and a voice to those facing life's challenges. In the vibrant landscape of Connecticut's Brain Injury community, InspireArtsCT stands as a beacon of creativity and resilience.

Brain injury survivors in Connecticut often face unique challenges on their journey to recovery, requiring innovative approaches to rehabilitation. Among the diverse array of therapeutic interventions, art-based vocational programming stands out as a powerful tool for fostering cognitive, emotional, and vocational rehabilitation. In this blog post, we explore the transformative benefits of incorporating art-based vocational programming into the rehabilitation journey of brain injury survivors.

After overseeing The Supported Living Group's (SLG’s) efforts to empower hundreds of brain injury survivors associated with the Connecticut ABI Waiver Program since 2006, it is clear that living with the aftermath of a brain injury is an unparalleled journey that not only affects the individual directly involved but also reshapes the landscape of relationships, daily routines, and emotional well-being. One of the lesser-discussed aspects of this challenging road is the profound sense of isolation that often accompanies it. In this post, I will attempt to delve into the intricacies of isolation after a brain injury, shedding light on the emotional and social dimensions, as well as offering insights and strategies for coping.