Brain Injury Association Of Va Inc

THE BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF VIRGINIA ("BIAV") IS THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF INFORMATION AND PERSONAL SUPPORT FOR THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND PROFESSIONALS LIVING IN VIRGINIA WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY A LIFE ALTERING, OFTEN DEVASTATING BRAIN INJURY. THE MISSION OF THE ASSOCIATION IS TO ADVANCE EDUCATION, AWARENESS, SUPPORT, TREATMENT AND RESEARCH TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL PEOPLE AFFECTED BY BRAIN INJURY. WE HELP INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES BY OFFERING... FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATIONS TO ADDRESS PERSONAL CHALLENGES AND REFERRALS FOR CONTINUED CARE AND HOSTING A RECREATIONAL CAMP FOR ADULTS WITH BRAIN INJURIES PROVIDING RESPITE FOR FAMILIES. WE HELP THE COMMUNITY BY CONDUCTING... PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS, EDUCATIONAL EVENTS AND TRAININGS, AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK. WE HELP PROFESSIONALS BY PROVIDING... CASE CONSULTATIONS ABOUT CLIENT NEEDS, ADVANCED EDUCATION, AND NETWORKING THROUGH MEMBERSHIP.

BRAIN INJURY RESOURCE NETWORK (BIRN) - THE PURPOSE OF BIRN IS TO DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS, ENHANCE ACCESS TO QUALITY SERVICES, PROVIDE SUPPORT, SERVE AS AN ENTRY POINT INTO APPROPRIATE SYSTEMS OF CARE AND PROVIDE STATEWIDE RESOURCE COORDINATION SERVICES FOR THOSE WITH OR CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH BRAIN INJURY THROUGH EDUCATION, OUTREACH, PUBLIC AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES. SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS PROVIDE VOLUNTEER SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS IN THE BIRN PROGRAM.

OTHER PROGRAMS INCLUDE: EDUCATION; PUBLIC AWARENESS; ADVOCACY; SUPPORT GROUPS; AND CONSTITUENT SERVICES.

A COMPREHENSIVE COORDINATED ENTRY TO SERVICES AND SUPPORTS ("ACCESS") - THE PURPOSE OF ACCESS IS TO PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND A SYSTEM OF SERVICES THAT SUPPORTS MAXIMIZING THE HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND INDEPENDENCE OF PEOPLE WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, FAMILY MEMBER, AND SUPPORT NETWORKS. VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE INVALUABLE SERVICES IN THE ACCESS PROGRAM BY SERVING ON CONFERENCE COMMITTEES AND PROVIDING SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS FOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS.

CAMP BRUCE MCCOY, NAMED IN MEMORY OF A FORMER CAMPER, IS A NATIONALLY- RECOGNIZED, 38-YEAR-OLD RESIDENTIAL SUMMER CAMP AND RESPITE PROGRAM FOR ADULT SURVIVORS OF BRAIN INJURY (18+) AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS/CAREGIVERS. WHILE FAMILY MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS ENJOY SOME MUCH-DESERVED DAYS "OFF," CAMPERS ENJOY RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING CUSTOMIZED TO THEIR NEEDS AND INTERESTS IN THE COMPANIONSHIP OF THEIR PEERS AND PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS. CAMP ACTIVITIES INCLUDE HORSEBACK RIDING, CANOEING, TEAM SPORTS AND A ROPES CHALLENGE COURSE (ADAPTED TO THE CAMPER'S ABILITIES). THESE SOCIAL RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS REDUCE THE LEVEL OF SOCIAL ISOLATION TYPICAL AMONG PERSONS WITH BRAIN INJURY BY PROVIDING ACCESS TO A COMMUNITY OF THEIR PEERS - PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE EXPERIENCING. VOLUNTEERS SERVE AS CAMP COUNSELORS AFTER COMPLETION OF APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL TRAINING.