Recipient of the 2019 COMMUNITY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

Brain Injury Association of Sudbury & District (BIASD)

Nominated For: COMMUNITY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

The Brain Injury Association Sudbury & District (BIASD) had its beginning 24 years ago (1995) as a result of one parent’s need for her child. Since then, BIASD has developed into an organization with a Board of 14 highly dedicated individuals focused on ensuring the continuance of their member-centered programs and campaigns in Sudbury District and Surrounding areas. This year we are pleased to announce that we are up and running on Manitoulin Island.

Our mission is to enhance the lives of individuals of Sudbury and District living with the effects of acquired brain injury through education, awareness, and support and we achieve this through support, collaboration, leadership, and inclusion.
We have established monthly support groups that provide education and an ongoing platform where individuals affected by brain injury can share their experiences and gain knowledge from speakers within the community.

Regular outings and events encourage members and caregivers to get social with others. Events such as the Annual Charity Golf Tournament, St. Patrick’s Day Porketta Bingo, a Summer Fish & Chip Excursion to a local marina, Halloween Party, Unmasking Brain Injury Events, and our year-end grand finale Holiday Gala. This event has brought out over 60 survivors, 80 caregivers and family members.

Our Quality of Life Bursary continues to be a huge success. Every year our members can apply for this bursary. Last year the recipient attended Toastmaster and is becoming quite a proficient public speaker.

Partnerships with rehabilitation clinics, health care providers, legal firms and community organizations including the March of Dimes all continue to support the much-needed programs like the Helmet Awareness Program, Brain Basics Course, and the Survivor & Caregiver Support Groups.

Last year the program Unmasking was launched through OBIA and with that, BIASD wanted to elevate the engagement and raise the awareness “throughout the community – with the community – in the community”. Our events and programs to date have supported our members and created awareness, and the Board chose to use ‘Unmasking’ to communicate the important role of BIASD’s programs and services and the key role they play in supporting people’s recovery and helping them transition as community members.
In 2019, we have decided to take our unmasking campaign on the road to various communities to further expand the awareness of ABI.

For 24 years, the Brain Injury Association of Sudbury and District has been exclusively devoted to serving Sudburians with brain injury, their families, and those that care for and about them. to find out more detailed information about our programs and services visit our website at www.biasd.ca

We are honored to have been selected as a nominee for the Award of Excellence and wish to extend best of luck to all other nominees.