Resources Directory
Search below to find a hospital, doctor, therapy, and more
Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS)
The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) is a statewide non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with brain injury and their families, and promotes prevention.
Major Programs – The Association 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.
Here’s how we can help:
Brain Injury Information and Resource Clearinghouse – The Association maintains an information and resource clearinghouse that provides the latest information to individuals with brain injury, their family and friends, health care professionals, community leaders, advocates, educators, and the public about brain injury, resources, services, and prevention.
The primary components of the Clearinghouse are;
Community Outreach/Family Help Line: provides invaluable resources to hundreds of callers. In addition, the Association’s lending library, educational videotapes, public education materials, speaker’s bureau, newsletter, publications, events, seminars, and website are integral components of the Clearinghouse.
Family Help Line: 1-800-228-8201
Chapters and Support Groups: Groups of five or more BIANYS supporters may form a chapter, allowing them to create support groups, expand regional brain injury awareness and prevention efforts, and raise funds. Support groups enable individuals with brain injury and their caregivers to exchange ideas in a confidential atmosphere where both positive and negative views can be expressed without judgment. Remember – you are not alone. Support groups may provide hope, information, friendship, sharing, self-advocacy, problem-solving skills, and opportunities for personal growth. There are multiple support groups in some areas.
Complaint line: The Association’s toll free phone number also serves as a venue for individuals receiving services through the NYS Department of Health’s Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid Waiver who have complaints about their services.
Family Advocacy, Counseling, and Training Services Program (FACTS) – Funded by the Office for People with Development Disabilities (OPWDD), the FACTS program provides linkages for individuals injured before age 22 and their families with community-based services and supports. This free program is implemented by 16 FACTS Coordinators around the state. The Coordinators also educate the public about brain injury, available services, and prevention; and assist in the activities of local Association chapters and support groups.
Art Show – This annual event showcases art by individuals with brain injury, including paintings, drawings, photography, poetry, and other mediums. The show is held in March at the Empire State Plaza.
Fundraising Activities -Many individuals and organizations find creative ways to bring recognition and funding to the Association. These include walks, health and safety fairs, races, bowlathons, parties, golf tournaments, and galas. Association staff is pleased to provide assistance to anyone planning a fundraiser.
Brain Injury Awareness Month – Each March is designated as Brain Injury Awareness Month. Throughout the month, the Association and its members focus on public education activities designed to raise awareness of the effects of brain injury and means of prevention.
Annual Conference – The Association’s two-day annual conference, held in June, 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. For many attendees, the conference is a life-changing experience.
Professional Conferences – Throughout the year, the Association provides training and educational opportunities for professionals and individuals with brain injury.
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.
Prevention Programs – The Association provides a number of prevention programs and resources. These include school-based safety and helmet distribution programs and the ©Kids on the Block puppet shows for children, which focus on such topics as bicycle safety and bullying prevention.
The Traumatic Brain Injury Training and Military Veteran’s Services Project- This program is designed to build awareness about combat-related traumatic brain injury and its impact on our returning military. The Association provides information and support to military personnel returning to NYS from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, as well as offering training about traumatic brain injury to civilian and military service providers.
Please visit our website or contact us for more information:
