From Many, There is One Voice
The BIATX is the leading association in Texas providing information, advocacy, and professional education regarding brain injury. Our membership is made up of people with brain injuries, family members and professionals.
The BIATX provides many significant services to those in need, including:
Information and Referral Sources
This is especially helpful for people struggling with recent injuries who are trying to connect to available services. Hastings Communications answers our calls 24 hours per day. Most calls are returned by one of our Board members before the end of the next business day.
Connecting to Local Support Groups
The Brain Injury Association works to connect families with local support groups. It is very important for survivors and family members to get together and see that they are not alone in their struggle to function independently in the community.
Education for Survivors and Families
Education for the public about the epidemic of brain injury and the myriad of of needs for these people is a high priority. It is critical that survivors and families know about services available to them.
Prevention Strategies
For traumatic brain injury there is no cure. Our efforts are to encourage prevention whether through public awarenessof shaken baby syndrome or in publicizing the risks associated with contact sports, preventing serious brain injury following concussion or early response to trauma. Brain injuries CAN be prevented.
Public Policy Issues
Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children and one of the most significant causes of death and disability in adults. In light of this, there are numerous public poliy issues that must be addressed regarding brain injury. The Brain Injury Association of Texas takes an active role in preserving services that already exist and encouraging appropriations to end waiting lists for service programs. You can aid our grassroots movement by clicking here and signing up for our legislative alerts.
Coalition Building
This is one of the most challenging and important needs. Finding, developing and nurturing natural alliances - such as with the Rehabiltation Council of Texas, Texas Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council, The Disability Policy Consortium, The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities and many others - is a constant focus of the BIATX.
Media Outreach
Wherever possible, The Brain Injury Association will publicize our events and initiatives through traditional media outlets. We can also provide experts to comment upon current news stories relating to brain injury.
Educational Opportunities
For more than 20 years we have developed conferences that attract nationally recognized speakers. We present new research in the field, changes and developments in services, provider information and opportunities for people with brain injury to share their strength, stories, struggles and success. later in 2006 we will debut on-line CEU training for professionals through this web site.