The Brain Injury Society of Toronto – FREE & Accessible Support to Those Living With the Effects of Brain Injury
Despite the fact that brain injury is more prevalent than rates of MS, breast cancer and HIV/AIDS combined, many people living with brain injury are misunderstood, under-supported, isolated and alone. Relationships with family, friends and spouses may become strained or lost altogether. Those who are fortunate enough to have a family doctor, may find their own GP does not understand brain injury and are then forced to try and educate the person who should be helping them.
The Brain Injury Society of Toronto (BIST) is a free service where people living with the effects of brain injury can connect with each other, access support groups and learn about the condition they are living with. We do not require medical documentation of brain injury to access our services and programs, we simply ask that you become a member of our organization (cost is $5, which can be waived) and you are good to go.
All our services continue to be online due to the Pandemic. Call-in options via Zoom are available. Our goal is to return to in-person programming when it is safe to do so.
Temporary Case Management Services
BIST offers temporary case management services to people living with brain injury who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Social work placement students are available when schools are in session to offer additional support, such as resource finding and form filling.
Programs
All program information, including links to register for the following programs can be found at: https://bist.ca/event/
Support Groups
WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Groups
Wellness Recovery Action Plan® or WRAP®, is a self-designed prevention and wellness process that anyone can use to get well, stay well and make their life the way they want it to be.” You can find out more about WRAP groups, HERE
BIST offers WRAP Groups geared towards people living with brain injury.
Groups run weekly for 6 sessions.
Trauma Informed Group: Starts Monday September 13th, 11 AM – 1 PM
Housing Advocacy Group: Starts Wednesday September 15th, 2 – 4 PM
LGBTQ2S+ Group: Starts Friday September 10th, 11 AM – 1 PM
ABI Support Group
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the Month, 6:30 – 8 PM
Women and ABI Support Group
1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month, 6:30 – 8 PM
* This group is inclusive of women of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, gender and queer identities, including trans women. People who identify as non-binary are welcome to attend groups of their choice and can speak to our programs coordinator with any questions or concerns: connections@bist.ca or 647-990-1485.*
Peer Led Caregiver Support Group
LAST Wednesday of the Month, 6:30 – 8 PM
Meetings & Workshops
Concussion Series
Runs Mondays in November, 6 – 7:30 PM
More information will be available in the upcoming weeks at: www.bist.ca/concussion
* Once a year, BIST runs a 4-week series for adults living with concussion symptoms. The goal of the groups is to learn how to manage your fatigue, regulate mood, improve sleep and cognitive function.
Community Meetings
Community Meetings are mini-workshops, typically with a guest speaker. September’s Community Meeting is our Annual General Meeting, which is a great chance to be introduced to BIST programs and services. LAST Wednesday of the Month, 6:30 – 8 PM
Projects & Advocacy
ABI Justice
With funding from the Law Foundation of Ontario, BIST launched www.abijustice.org, the first and currently the only resource in Ontario that aims to decrease common barriers that become present for persons with brain injury when faced with legal matters. Through simplified terms and brief education of the legal system and supporting resources; ABI Justice is a porthole for legal information as it pertains to those who have sustained or those who assist clients who live with a brain injury.
Brain Injury & The Law: A Functional Support Initiative
In partnership with the Brain Injury Association of North Bay and Area, the following services are provided by supervised Social Work students for people living with brain injury who are dealing with legal matters, throughout Ontario:
- Accessing and planning transportation
- Advocating for courtroom accommodation
- Giving reminders of court or other important dates
- Providing support referrals
- Providing assistance in managing documents
- Assisting with communication needs
- Connecting with Vulnerable Persons Registry
- Getting a Brain Injury Identification Card
- Provide VIRTUAL meeting support (note taking, advocacy etc.)
Movement for a Hidden Disability Symbol in Canada
Because so many of the effects of brain injury are hidden, BIST has become a co-founder of the movement to adopt a nationally recognized Hidden Disability Symbol in Canada. Find out more, including how you can easily become a part of this movement, at: hdscanada.wordpress.com
Questions?
Contact BIST at 416-830-1485 or info@bist.ca or visit our website at www.bist.ca.
Submitted by: Meri Perra, Communications Manager at BIST
This article is also featured in our 2021 Fall Issue of Sharing our Recovery
The Crash Support Network is a unique website consisting of an online support group, a Crash Survivor Blog written by a survivor, our Sharing Our Recovery Newsletter, informative articles and a Virtual Crash Memorial. Our website is based on relationship-building and puts the needs of survivors first by creating a helpful resource for victims and survivors of motor vehicle crashes.
