Since its establishment in 1982, the Brain Injury Association of New York State has worked to help meet the needs of individuals with brain injury and their families, and to educate the public and policy makers about brain injury and prevention. The Association works to fulfill this mission through a number of programs and activities.
The Brain Injury Association of New York State provides extensive information about all aspects of brain injury, rehabilitation services, prevention, living in the community, and support to individuals with brain injury and their families. In addition, the Association supports many community-based programs designed to educate the public about brain injury. The major programs are described below.
Family Advocacy, Counseling, and Training Services Program (FACTS): This program provides linkages for individuals injured before age 22 and their families with community-based services and supports. The program is implemented by 16 FACTS Coordinators around the state. The FACTS Coordinators also educate the public about brain injury, available services, and prevention; and assist in the activities of local Association chapters and support groups. This program is funded by the Office of Mental Retardation and Development Disabilities and is free of charge.
Brain Injury Information and Resource Clearinghouse: The Association maintains an information and resource clearinghouse that provides the latest information to consumers, professionals, advocates, providers, educators, and the public about brain injury, resources, services, and prevention. The primary components of the Clearinghouse are:
- Community Outreach/Family Help Line: The toll-free Family Help Line is an invaluable resource to hundreds of individuals with brain injury, their family and friends, health care professionals, and community leaders. In addition, the Association’s lending library, educational videotapes, public education materials, interactive CD, speaker’s bureau, newsletter, publications, events, seminars, and website are integral components of the Clearinghouse. The toll-free number is 1-800-228-8201.
- Chapters and Support Groups: Support groups enable individuals to exchange ideas in a confidential atmosphere where both positive and negative views can be expressed without being judged. Remember – you are not alone. Support groups provide:
- Hope
- Information
- Friendship
- Sharing
- Problem-solving
- Personal growth
- Self-advocacy
There are multiple support groups in some areas. To locate the group nearest you, please click here.
- Complaint line: The Association’s toll free line also serves as the phone number to call for individuals receiving services through the NYS Department of Health’s Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid Waiver who have complaints about their services. The number is 1-800-228-8201.
Art Show: This annual event showcases art by individuals with brain injury. The show is held the first week of January at the Empire State Plaza. The 2007 Art Show will take place from January 2 – 5.
Freihofer’s Community Walk Fund Raiser: The Freihofer’s Community Walk is an annual event sponsored by the Freihofer’s Baking Company and the USA Track and Field Association. The walk is held to help not-for- profit organizations in the Capital District area raise awareness about, and funds for, their services.
Brain Injury Awareness Month: March is designated as Brain Injury Awareness Month. This month provides focuses on public education activities designed to raise awareness of the effects of brain injury and means of prevention.
Annual Conference: The Association’s annual conference brings together consumers, family members, professionals, providers, and advocates to share information about services and programs, and to learn about the latest research in brain injury. The next annual conference is scheduled for June 5 – 6, 2008 at the Albany Marriott Hotel.[Program]
Professional Conferences: Throughout the year, the Association provides training and educational opportunities for professionals. [Events Calendar]
Training: The staff of the Association is available to provide technical assistance and in-service training for organizations providing services to people with brain injury and their families. Please click here to request training for your agency.
The Association also presents ©Kids on the Block educational puppet shows for children, on such topics as bicycle safety and bullying prevention. Click here to request a ©Kids on the Block puppet show.
Prevention Programs: The Association provides a number of prevention programs and resources. These include school-based safety and helmet distribution programs; the Saved by the Helmet Club, in collaboration with the N.Y.S. Department of Health Bureau of Injury Prevention; and the Kids on the Block puppet shows.
Guide to Being Heard
Advocating for your child with traumatic brain injury
This booklet provides basic tips on speaking up for your child who has sustained a traumatic brain injury. The tips are also applicable when advocating on behalf of an adult. The booklet contains an extensive resource list and contact information.First Steps
When your family member or friend has a brain injury
This booklet is designed to answer the most frequently asked questions when an individual sustains a brain injury.Designs for Friendship
This brightly colored booklet is aimed at children. It explores nonviolent conflict resolution, and contains games that relate to violence prevention.Guardianship
What is a Guardian and other frequently asked questions about guardianship
Basic information about guardianship is provided, along with an explanation of the procedures to have a guardian appointed.Working with School Districts
Planning for your child's school experience
This guide assists families as they advocate and plan for their child in their school settings.Violence
Violence prevention begins at home
The link between violence prevention and brain injury is explored, as well as tips for prevention of firearm violence, domestic violence, elderly abuse and child abuse. Resources are included.Prevention
Prevention is a listing of fact sheets which promote safety
These fact sheets include areas such as sports, recreation, transportation, and others. Each fact sheet gives information on statistics, injuries that occur and ways to prevent brain injury.My Child's Brain Injury
This booklet is designed for the family and friends of a child who has experienced a brain injury.Transitioning to the Adult World
This booklet is a starting point for transition planning. It suggests questions to ask your son or daughter, yourself, your school district, and other people involved in providing services and supports for your child. In addition to the resources in "Transitioning to the Adult World," you might be interested in the following additional resource information, Resources for Transition.Complete List of Publications and Order Form
SERVICES AVAILABLE IN NEW YORK STATEPlease note the following services are not provided by the Brain Injury Association of New York State, but services located in the community where you live or close to you. We list them here as a service to you.
Emergency and Acute Medical Services and Acute Rehabilitation
Acute Traumatic Brain Injury and General Rehabilitation services are available and include:
- Trauma centers
- Intensive Care Units (ICU)
- Acute Medical Care
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Home / Community services include:
- Personal Care Assistance (PCA)
- Certified Home Health Agencies
- Home Attendant Services
- Home Based Physical , Occupational, Speech Therapy, Nursing and Other Rehabilitation Services
- Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC), Medicaid Wavier
- OMRDD Home and Community Based Services Medicaid Waivers
- DOH TBI Program Home and Community Based Services TBI Waivers
- Long Term Home Health Care Medicaid Waiver
- Outpatient Medically Based Rehabilitation Services
- Adult Day Care
- Post Acute Transitional Living
- Vocational Rehabilitation
Children's Specialized Services
Services include:
- School
- Preschool
- Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities
Other Traumatic Brain Injury Services
Services include:
- Neuropsychiatrists
- Neurologists
- Neuropsychologists
- Physiatrist
- Consulting Clinical Specialists
- Chemical Dependency / Sobriety Services
- Housing
- DOH Office of Continuing Care Bureau of Medicaid Operations TBI Program
- Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities
- HUD
- Support Groups
- TBI Mentoring Partnership Program
- Transportation
- Reduced-Fare Program
- Access-a-Ride
- Driving Evaluation and Training
Support Groups
Resource Links
Contact Information
Email Communications Network Flyer
Annual Report 2004
Annual Report 2005
BIANYS does not support, endorse or recommend any method, program facility or treatment mentioned appearing on our website. Always seek medical, legal or other professional advice.
Copyright 2006, by BIANYS
Brain Injury Association of New York State
10 Colvin Avenue, Albany, NY 12206 - Phone: (518) 459-7911 - Fax: (518) 482-5285
Family Help line: (800) 228-8201
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