Support groups can give survivors and caregivers a sense of community and identity.
In addition to the programs provided by Brain Injury Services for our clients and caregivers, below are groups and programs available in the community.
Brain Injury Services does not host the programs below. Please verify the information and/or RSVP by calling or emailing with the provided information.
IEP University, presented by PEATC in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education
May 6 – May 26
The IEP process can be difficult and stressful. Everyone comes to the IEP table with thoughts about their responsibilities, perspectives, and individual concerns. PEATC, in collaboration with VDOE, has developed IEP University (IEPU) to help provide families and professionals with accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings.
IEPU is a FREE self-paced online training course that provides easy-to-understand guidance on the special education process, the IEP document, and ways to develop collaborative relationships among schools and families. It will target practical strategies for making future IEP meetings more positive, productive, and collaborative for everyone involved.
The online training will take approximately six hours and can be accessed anytime from May 6 to May 26.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1215242?
Caregiver Virtual Meeting | Wednesday, May 1, 6 PM
BIAV offers caregivers a safe place to receive support and strength and share their experiences with others. Meeting on the first Wednesday of the month. Contact: Debra at debra@biav.net
Trauma Survivor Network Trauma Patient Support Group | Thursday, May 2, 6 – 7:30 PM
This monthly support group for trauma survivors offers support, coping skills, and education. Meetings are on the first Thursday of every month. Contact: Courtney Caton at ccaton@vhchealth.org
Front Royal Stroke Support Group | Monday, May 6, 4:30 – 6 PM
Meetings are on the first Monday of the month in the Front Royal, VA area. Locations will be determined based on activity. Contact: Juhi Vora, CCC-SLP, at 812-369-9180 or jvora@valleyhealthlink.com
Fredericksburg Stroke Support Group | Tuesday, May 8, 6:30 – 8 PM
Virtual or in-person, the John Fick Conference Center, 1301 Sam Perry Blvd, Fredericksburg
Free monthly support group for stroke survivors and caregivers. Meets the first Tuesday of the month.
Contact Susan Halprin at 540-741-4815 or Susan.halpin@mwhc.com
Inova Fairfax Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Support Group | Tuesday, May 8, 7 – 8:30 PM
Share your story and help others. Learn about reducing the risk for stroke and find community services available to you. Meeting on the first Tuesday of the month. Contact: Katy Brown at 703-776-3715 or Katherine.brown2@inova.org
VHC Health Stroke Survivor’s Group | Wednesday, May 8, 5:30 – 7 PM
1851 N. George Mason Dr, Garden Level Conference Room, Arlington — Attend in-person or virtually.
Our group provides friendship, education, and information on resources. Meeting on the second Wednesday of every month. Contact: strokesurvivors@vhchealth.org
CLiC Care | Tuesday, May 14, 7 – 8:30 PM
A free online support group for brain injury survivors, caregivers, and loved ones across Virginia. Meetings occur on the second Tuesday of each month. Contact stacey@bissolutions.org to sign up.
CLiC Social | Wednesday, May 29, 7 – 8 PM
Brain Injury Services of Southwest Virginia offers a free online social group for adult brain injury survivors across Virginia. Register at https://bisolutions.webex.com/weblink/register/r6629f7227fe466adafb03c25dd40b7f2
Brain Injury Association of America’s THE Challenge! magazine is available for free online.
This edition focuses on the lifelong journey of brain injury. It includes articles about chronic pain and TBI, why brain injury is a chronic health condition, and tips on resilience. Download the magazine here: https://bit.ly/3TqefQu
Stroke & Brain Injury Support Group | Thursday, May 16, 4 – 5 PM
An in-person AND virtual support group to share personal experiences, listen to others with a stroke/brain injury history, and learn about new research and information. Meeting on the third Thursday of every month.
Contact Hannah Balberde at Hannah.Balberde@Encompasshealth.com
Living With Brain Injury Support Group | Every Friday, 10 AM – 12 PM
The Living with Brain Injury group is a unique and supportive community of individuals recovering from brain injury. This support group is intended to improve our recovery experience through respectful sharing and connective experiences.
Contact: Kristen Galles at kgalles@comcast.net
TBI Caregiver Support Group
A private Facebook group to exchange ideas, thoughts, and positive affirmations on being a caregiver to a loved one who sustained a traumatic brain injury.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tbicaregiversupport/
LoveYourBrain Community Retreats are Open for Applications
Over five days, people with brain injury & caregivers experience the science-backed benefits of mindfulness, movement, nutrition, art, and community-building curriculum. Explore what it means to love your brain in a co-created space of vulnerability, trust, and belonging. https://www.loveyourbrain.com/retreat
OrderAhead: Fredericksburg Area
OrderAhead is a fast, private, and easy way to order free groceries online.
https://www.orderahead.org/ and click the blue [Get Started] button in the lower left corner.
Virtual Support Group | Tuesday, May 28, 6 PM
BIAV offers a group for people with brain injury, their families, and friends. The group is a safe place to explore the challenges of brain injury and exchange ideas and information with others who really “get it.” Meeting on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Contact Christine Baggini at christine@biav.net
Speaking on Purpose | First and Third Wednesday, 12 PM
Many people join Toastmasters to become better speakers. Speaking on Purpose is a supportive online community for those with physical and neurological impairments, such as brain injury, to come together, practice speaking, learn new skills, and have fun! https://sop.toastmastersclubs.org/
The Helping Hands Stroke Club | Every Friday, 1 – 2 PM
Meeting topics vary and include open discussions, guest speakers, fitness demonstrations, cooking classes, potlucks, health expos, game days, and creative therapies such as art and music therapy. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/speech-hearing/services
Music Therapy Support Group for Caregivers and Care Partners
Anderson Music Therapy is hosting a monthly music therapy support group for caregivers and care partners of individuals. Contact Rachel Lofton at Rachel@amusictherapy.com or 540-384-1788.
CLiC Program Survey
Brain Injury Solutions offers the CLiC programs open to all affected by brain injury in Virginia. They request feedback as they prepare for next year’s program offerings through this online form by 5/24/24 https://forms.office.com/r/LsWZKYpHKQ
BIAA webinar on Discovering Purpose after Brain Injury with Ali Rheaume
https://www.biausa.org/public-affairs/media/discovering-purpose-after-brain-injury
In this webinar, Ali Rheaume shared her journey of living and her experience of navigating a different life, in addition to providing insight and strategies that can be applied to your quest. She addressed how to help you honor the past, acknowledge the present, and move toward the future of your life.
Help Develop Disability Inclusion Training
VisitAble helps educate potential employers, institutions, and organizations on interacting with and treating people with disabilities as valued equals. As part of their research, they do surveys of individuals with different abilities. To help support their research, you are invited to participate in their research as someone impacted by brain injury. https://forms.gle/BS6Cfv2UtpaZe3Un6