About the Association
About the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
In 1984, a small group of families and providers came together to advocate for services for persons with brain injury and their families. Today, the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota it is celebrating its twenty-fifth year as the only statewide nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Minnesotans affected by brain injury. Over the decades, the Association has developed from an advocacy driven organization, to one that focuses on both advocacy and direct service. As a chartered affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America, the Association enjoys a prominent standing among all national Brain Injury Associations.
The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota offers support to Minnesotans affected by brain injury through:
- Advocacy and public policy
- Resource Facilitation services, which provide personal one-on-one connection to information and resources
- Case management for individuals on TBI or CADI waivers\
- Statewide educational opportunities
- Outreach to underserved and communities of color throughout Minnesota
- Statewide volunteer opportunities
Organizational Strengths and Values
The mission of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is to enhance the quality of life and bring the promise of a better tomorrow for all people affected by brain injury. We accomplish this through our organizational strengths and values:
- Social Change: We believe in social and systemic change as we empower others to advocate on their own behalf.
- People-Centered Services: We share a passion for the people we serve and strive to provide services that support each individual's choices and needs.
- Equal Access: We work hard to ensure that all individuals are aware of and have access to services.
- Quality: We provide all people affected by brain injury with the highest level of service of which we are capable.
- Collaboration: We value our partners and recognize that together we can achieve more than if we act alone.
- Innovation: We continually strive to monitor trends, anticipate needs, forge creative solutions, and set the standard for best practices in the field.
Association Departments
Resource Facilitation
Resource Facilitators are available to provide confidential support following a brain injury. Persons with brain injury, their family or friends, and professionals can use this FREE statewide telephone service to answer questions, problem-solve issues, find brain injury support resources, navigate complicated systems and assist with educating family, employers and professionals about living with a brain injury.
Many persons affected by brain injury or their families are referred to the service at the point of hospital discharge; but, anyone can self-refer or be referred by a professional, such as a social worker, rehabilitation provider, teacher or nurse, at any time.
Resource Facilitation allows individuals to determine the level of support needed and provides information and supports so that each person can actively guide and direct his or her rehabilitation process. Participants in Resource Facilitation can receive scheduled calls at regular intervals for up to two years or longer to ensure that their needs are met. Participants can initiate further calls at any time.
Interpretation services are available for non-English speakers. Resource Facilitation does not replace any medical or rehabilitation follow-up that may be needed.
Peer/Mentor Support Connection
Peer Mentor Support Connection is an extension of Resource Facilitation services. It is a way to connect individuals who have recently sustained a brain injury or their family members (Peers) with trained volunteers who have personally experienced brain injury (Mentors).
Case Management
The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is contracted by Hennepin and Ramsey counties to provide waivered services. Case Management supports individuals who have a brain injury diagnosis and are eligible for either a Community Alternative for Disabled Individuals (CADI) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver. The CADI Waiver provides funding for home and community-based services for people who would otherwise require a level of care provided in a nursing facility, while the TBI Waiver provides funding for similar person-centered services for people who have an acquired or traumatic brain injury and can benefit from behavior related services.
Multicultural Outreach
Multicultural Outreach services broadens awareness of brain injury in racially/ethnically diverse communities and connects underserved communities affected by brain injury to support services. This is achieved by working closely with existing cultural service organizations to provide education and support to professionals, spiritual leaders, elders and community members. The Multicultural Outreach service also assists homeless individuals with traumatic brain injury and those affected by domestic violence. Bilingual and culturally-specific staff and interpreters are available.
Education
Education services offers a variety of education opportunities for persons affected by brain injury and the professionals who support them.
Persons affected by brain injury can take advantage of free and low-cost educational opportunities, such as Brain Injury Basics classes (An Introduction; Adjustment to Disability; Caregiving), the annual Family Retreat and a one-day Consumer and Family Conference for individuals living with brain injury and their families.
Professional development programming is offered through our Annual Conference for Professionals in Brain Injury, brain injury trainings and seminars, such as Brain Injury Basics for Professionals, Shaken Baby Syndrome/inflicted Traumatic Brain Injury, Long-Term Care, and Family Violence and Brain Injury. Wednesday Workshops (Twin Cities metropolitan area) are additional professional development opportunities. Professionals gain certificates of attendance for all classes.
Public Policy Advocacy
The Public Policy department performs direct and grassroots advocacy activities to ensure sound public policies that meet the needs of people with brain injury and their families. Grassroots advocacy activities are designed to engage people to become more involved in the democratic process of their government. By encouraging people with brain injury and their loved ones to tell their stories to legislators and by training individuals in effective advocacy skills, we hope to create better state policies to ensure we are meeting the needs of all Minnesotans affected by brain injury.
Public Awareness
The Public Awareness department conducts outreach to increase awareness of brain injury causes and symptoms through media stories, targeted marketing and exhibit attendance. Public Awareness publications are available to help individuals with brain injury and their families become aware of available services, and to reach professionals with information about brain injury. These publications include informational brochures, the quarterly Mind Matters magazine, a bi-weekly electronic newsletter, the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota Web site and this Consumer Guide.
Volunteer
Individuals who volunteer at the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota bring a diversity of skills, expertise and time so that the Association can reach more people and better serve those in need. The Volunteer program offers one-time or ongoing volunteer opportunities and workplace experience as well as an opportunity for persons with brain injury to socialize and develop individual skills. Volunteers assist with administrative tasks, represent the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota at public events, translate material, and photograph and register participants at events. Individuals also can volunteer through the Speakers Bureau program, allowing them to take their personal story about brain injury and the Association to communities throughout Minnesota.
Development
Minnesota to help ensure that support services are available for Minnesotans affected by brain injury. Development also organizes the annual Walk for Thought, the Association's primary fundraising event.
Development manages the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota's Membership program. Membership in the Association helps strengthen the voice of those affected by brain injury and also helps drive policy change by demonstrating that the majority of Minnesotans do care about improving the quality of life for the Minnesotans affected by brain injury. There are several membership levels allowing those on fixed incomes to demonstrate their support of persons with brain injury. For more information, call 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442 or use our contact form.
Continue to the next section, "Advocacy, Appeals and Rights."