The Toll-Free Helpline provides confidential, emotional support to anyone impacted by a brain injury, including those with a brain injury or concussion, family members and friends, and professionals. The Helpline empowers callers to cope with specific aspects of their life, offers information about brain injury, and makes appropriate community referrals.

You are not alone when dealing with difficult or challenging issues relating to Brain Injury we are here to help!

If you need support, please call 1-800-263-5404 or email: [email protected].

The Online Concussion Support Groups (run through our Online Connection and Inclusion Support Group Program) provide a safe space generating connectedness and empowering participants to share their vulnerabilities. This allows them to experience challenges with their physical and mental well-being (anxiety, depression, changes in mood, difficulty coping with stress, PTSD, etc.) without fear of judgment. The program is designed and facilitated by a Registered Social Worker with experience supporting those with trauma and concussion/brain injury. Each group meets one hour per week for eight weeks by computer or phone.

There is no cost to participants; however, registration is required.

Click here to register for an upcoming group.

The Online Caregiver Support Groups (run through our Online Connection and Inclusion Support Group Program) provide a confidential place where individuals can share their experiences and challenges with others with similar experiences. A registered social worker facilitates the groups and teaches strategies to help manage the stresses associated with caring for a loved one with a brain injury. Each group meets one hour per week for eight weeks by computer or phone.

There is no cost to participants; however, registration is required.

Click here to register for an upcoming group.

The Peer Support Program connects an individual looking for support with a mentor with similar personal interests, needs, and experiences. Partners have the opportunity to speak with someone who can offer support based on their journey with brain injury. The Peer Support Program is coordinated through local brain injury associations and available to individuals with a brain injury and their family members.

If you are interested in participating in this program, reach out to the OBIA Helpline at 1-800-263-5404 or by email at [email protected].

OBIA has been conducting research for more than 25 years. Many things have changed over the years, including the incidence and impact of concussion being brought to the forefront. For our research to remain relevant, we are transitioning from the Research Questionnaire to the Brain Injury Impact Study.

The Brain Injury Impact Study has two questionnaires, one for those with a brain injury/concussion and another for family members and caregivers. Both questionnaires are available in a paper format or online.

The purpose of this important research is to advocate for services, raise awareness about the needs and long-term outcomes of those living with a brain injury, and to provide relevant data to better inform those who are looking at ways in which people living with a brain injury can be better served.

By participating in this study, you will receive a FREE membership to OBIA and a participating local association of your choice.

Join Our Research Study, Make a Difference!

Click Here – Individuals with a Brain Injury/Concussion (Ages 16+)

Click Here – Family Members and Caregivers

If you would like a paper copy of the questionnaire mailed to you or you have questions, please contact [email protected]

The Brain Injury Speaks Network is a community of survivors and their caregivers or family members. The goal of the Network is to empower those who are living with brain injury to share their experiences, engage in dialogue, and advise on the future direction of brain injury care in Ontario. The network will promote fluid communication among policy makers, allied healthcare providers, organizations representing persons with lived experience and the ABI community.

Click Here to Join the Network 

If you would like more information about Brain Injury Speaks, contact Bronwyn Cooper a at [email protected] or by phone 905-641-8877 ext. 250.

The Ontario Brain Injury Association in conjunction with Brock University has developed a Certificate Training Program to provide professionals with the tools and knowledge to assist clients with recovery and function in everyday life following acquired brain injury.

These courses are directly primarily at individuals working in the community or home-based care; however, family members and individuals with a brain injury are welcome to participate. The program consists of two levels of courses and welcomes guest lecturers specializing in brain injury from across North America.

For more information about these courses, visit http://obia.ca/brock-university-certificate-courses/ or email [email protected].

Caregiving After Brain Injury is comprised of a series of six modules along with resources to assist caregivers looking after a loved one with brain injury. The website is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, the same grant that enabled OBIA to offer the “Support, Hope & Resiliency: An Education and Training Program for Caregivers of Acquired Brain Injury Survivors” workshops throughout the Ontario. Please visit: caregiverinfo.ca