Brain Injury Advocacy Day
📣 Ohio Brain Injury Awareness Day
🗓 March 12, 2026 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Ohio Statehouse
Join us at the Ohio Statehouse for a powerful day of advocacy as we work together to keep brain injury top of mind with Ohio’s state legislators.
What to expect:
☕ Breakfast Reception: 9:00–10:00 AM
🏛 Legislator Visits: Scheduled throughout the remainder of the day
🧠 Advocacy Training: Provided virtually in February (details coming soon!)
Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, professional, or advocate, your voice matters. This is a meaningful opportunity to share lived experiences, elevate priorities, and help shape policies that impact Ohio’s brain injury community.
✅ Registration is free.
💙 Help us keep brain injury on the agenda—join us!
More details and training info coming soon—stay tuned.
Caregiver Retreat
Caring for someone with a brain injury can be deeply meaningful—and emotionally and physically demanding. This weekend retreat is designed to give caregivers dedicated time to rest, reconnect, and be supported by others who understand the journey.
Held at a peaceful lodge-style home in Northeast Ohio, the retreat offers a calm, restorative setting surrounded by nature. The weekend includes a thoughtfully curated mix of wellness and creative activities such as yoga, hiking, paint & sip, guided reflection, and peer connection. Participants may attend overnight or join for Saturday’s full day of programming. All meals and activities are included.
This retreat offers caregivers the opportunity to step away from daily responsibilities, focus on their own well-being, and leave feeling renewed, connected, and reminded that caring for yourself is an essential part of caregiving.
This is a free event, but a deposit will be collected at registration to hold your spot due to the limited space. The deposit will be returned upon your attendance at the event.
AHEAD Group
AHEAD – Achieving Healing Through Education, Accountability, and Determination
AHEAD is a free, virtual psychoeducational program designed specifically for individuals impacted by traumatic brain injury. Adapted from the MindSource Colorado model, AHEAD focuses on building understanding, practical skills, and confidence over time—supporting participants as they move forward in their healing journey.
AHEAD provides a supportive, structured space to learn, reflect, and grow alongside others who truly understand the challenges of life after brain injury.
This 7-week program begins January 13 and meets virtually. Topics covered include:
Understanding traumatic brain injury and symptom recognition
Memory strategies and goal setting
Emotional regulation
Communication skills
TBI and anger
Stopping to think before reacting
Grief and adjustment after brain injury
Registration for this session is currently closed, but stay tuned—registration for the next session will be opening soon.
AHEAD is offered at no cost and is open to adults impacted by traumatic brain injury who are seeking education, tools, and connection in a supportive environment.
November Caregiver Webinar Series
November is National Caregiver Month, join us as we share 3 webinars dedicated to the caregivers in our community. Please register in advance for EACH webinar here
Cere-bration Walk, Roll, Run
Join us for the 2025 Cere-bration Walk, Roll, Run!
Celebrate strength, resilience, and community at one of our five fun-filled events across Ohio—or participate virtually from anywhere! Enjoy a day of connection with food, entertainment, prizes, and activities for all ages. All proceeds support free programs and services for brain injury survivors and caregivers through the Brain Injury Association of Ohio.
Walk, roll, run—however you move, you belong.
Let’s Cere-brate together!
Cere-bration Walk, Roll, Run
Join us for the 2025 Cere-bration Walk, Roll, Run!
Celebrate strength, resilience, and community at one of our five fun-filled events across Ohio—or participate virtually from anywhere! Enjoy a day of connection with food, entertainment, prizes, and activities for all ages. All proceeds support free programs and services for brain injury survivors and caregivers through the Brain Injury Association of Ohio.
Walk, roll, run—however you move, you belong.
Let’s Cere-brate together!
Cere-bration Walk, Roll, Run - Akron
Join us for the 2025 Cere-bration Walk, Roll, Run!
Celebrate strength, resilience, and community at one of our five fun-filled events across Ohio—or participate virtually from anywhere! Enjoy a day of connection with food, entertainment, prizes, and activities for all ages. All proceeds support free programs and services for brain injury survivors and caregivers through the Brain Injury Association of Ohio.
Walk, roll, run—however you move, you belong.
Let’s Cere-brate together!
Cere-bration Walk, Roll, Run Mt. Vernon
Join us for the 2025 Cere-bration Walk, Roll, Run!
Celebrate strength, resilience, and community at one of our five fun-filled events across Ohio—or participate virtually from anywhere! Enjoy a day of connection with food, entertainment, prizes, and activities for all ages. All proceeds support free programs and services for brain injury survivors and caregivers through the Brain Injury Association of Ohio.
Walk, roll, run—however you move, you belong.
Let’s Cere-brate together!
Cere-bration Walk, Roll, Run - Cincinnati
Join us for the 2025 Cere-bration Walk, Roll, Run!
Celebrate strength, resilience, and community at one of our five fun-filled events across Ohio—or participate virtually from anywhere! Enjoy a day of connection with food, entertainment, prizes, and activities for all ages. All proceeds support free programs and services for brain injury survivors and caregivers through the Brain Injury Association of Ohio.
Walk, roll, run—however you move, you belong.
Let’s Cere-brate together!
Webinar: Return to School
It is August and that means BACK TO SCHOOL!
Whether you are a teacher hoping to learn more about TBI in a classroom setting, a parent with a kiddo headed back into the classroom or just curious about TBI this webinar is for you.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/94I26iNbQSKNWaMb_ypyHg
Healthy Minds on the Go-PINS Mechanical
Join us at Pins Mechanical on July 31st from 5-7PM for Healthy Minds on the Go!
Caregivers and Survivors are welcome, we will have 2 lanes reserved, a space to socialize and unlimited soda.
Please RSVP to Chanda at ckelley@biaoh.org before July 24th
NeuroSparks
Join Us for NeuroSparks 2025 at Cleveland State University!
The Brain Injury Association of Ohio (BIAOH) is excited to announce the return of NeuroSparks, a transformative three-day retreat designed for traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors and their caregivers. This year's event will take place from July 28 to July 30, 2025, at Cleveland State University.
What is NeuroSparks?
NeuroSparks is an innovative program tailored for brain injury survivors who are 2–3 years post-injury and have reached a plateau in their recovery. The retreat aims to "spark" renewed progress by engaging participants in interactive sessions that focus on building new skills and fostering personal growth.The Brain Injury Association of Ohio+1Brain Injury Association of America+1
Event Highlights:
Interdisciplinary Evaluations: Participants will receive comprehensive assessments from professionals in fields such as speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Personalized Plan Development: Each attendee will work with specialists to create individualized plans that address their unique goals.
Caregiver Education and Resource Fair: Specialized sessions and resources will be available to support caregivers in their vital roles.
Technology Support: Participants will be provided with tablets loaded with personalized applications to assist in their ongoing recovery journey.
Cost: Free of charge for all participants.
Registration:
Space is limited and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register or learn more about the event, please visit our NeuroSparks web page.
Don't miss this opportunity to reignite your recovery journey and connect with a supportive community dedicated to brain injury survivors and their caregivers. We look forward to seeing you at NeuroSparks 2025!
Healthy Minds on the Go-Essential Oils
Join us for Healthy Minds on the Go! We will be learning about the benefits of essential oils and making jewelry. This event will occur during the Edwin Shaw Brain Injury Support Group, all are welcome- survivors and caregivers.
Advocacy Day Training 2: Story Telling Workshop
Dr. Becca Monteleone, Assistant Professor of Disability Studies at the University of Toledo, will host this workshop to help survivors and caregivers gain the skills and experience necessary for self-advocacy. Participants will learn how to tell their own stories with tools that will help them to share what is important to them.
Advocacy Day Training 1: Advocacy Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Mike Toman, Anthony Aquillo, and Ella Roxey from The Success Group will discuss what to expect at Brain Injury Awareness Day at the Statehouse.
Fielder's Choice: A Journey of Triumph with Tim Berta
Join Us for an Inspiring Evening: "Fielder’s Choice: A Journey of Triumph with Tim Berta"
On November 7, 2024, the Brain Injury Association of Ohio invites you to an unforgettable evening of resilience, recovery, and hope at "Fielder’s Choice: A Journey of Triumph with Tim Berta" in Columbus, Ohio. This special event will feature Tim Berta, a brain injury survivor and author of Fielder’s Choice, who will share his remarkable story of courage and perseverance after a life-altering accident.
An Evening of Inspiration
Tim Berta’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. A former assistant coach for the Bluffton University baseball team, Tim survived a devastating bus crash that claimed the lives of several of his teammates and left him with a traumatic brain injury. His powerful story, chronicled in his book Fielder's Choice, is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome immense challenges. As our guest of honor, Tim will deliver an inspiring presentation and share insights from his book, followed by a personal book signing.
Event Details:
Date: November 7, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: High Bank Distillery, 1051 Goodale Blvd, Columbus, Ohio
Keynote Speaker: Tim Berta, brain injury survivor and author of Fielder’s Choice
Special Features: Silent auction, book signing, and a buffet dinner reception.
Cash Bar/Books available for purchase with cash or check.
Why Attend?
Whether you're a survivor, caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone who believes in the power of community and resilience, this event is for you. "Fielder’s Choice: A Journey of Triumph with Tim Berta" is more than just an evening of stories—it’s a celebration of the strength that unites us all.
We hope you'll join us for this inspiring and impactful event. Together, we can continue to raise awareness, foster recovery, and build a brighter future for the brain injury community.
Reserve your tickets today and be a part of this remarkable evening!
2024 Ohio Brain Injury Summit
Announcing the 2024 Ohio Brain Injury Summit – Join Us In Person or Virtually!
We are excited to invite you to the 2024 Ohio Brain Injury Summit, our annual conference dedicated to advancing the knowledge and care of brain injury survivors. This year’s event will take place from November 6th to November 8th, 2024, at the Ohio State University Energy Advancement and Innovation Center in Columbus, Ohio, and will also be accessible virtually via Zoom.
The Ohio Brain Injury Summit is a premier event that brings together experts, professionals, survivors, caregivers, and advocates from across the nation. This year’s theme focuses on sharing the latest updates in brain injury research, treatment, and support while fostering a collaborative community dedicated to improving outcomes for brain injury survivors.
Why Attend the Summit?
The 2024 Summit provides an invaluable opportunity to:
Learn from National Experts: Hear from leading professionals and researchers who are shaping the future of brain injury care and rehabilitation.
Earn Continuing Education Credits: We are offering CEU opportunities for professionals in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nursing, athletic training, and social work.
Network and Collaborate: Meet with other professionals, survivors, caregivers, and advocates who share your passion for improving the lives of those impacted by brain injury.
Participate in the World Café: As part of the conference, we will be hosting a World Café session to address critical challenges the brain injury community faces in Ohio, including the lack of awareness, service availability, and funding. Join the conversation and help shape solutions for the future!
Event Details:
Dates: November 6th – 8th, 2024
Location: Ohio State University Energy Advancement and Innovation Center (In Person) and Zoom (Virtual)
Registration: Now Open!
Whether you are attending in person or online, the 2024 Ohio Brain Injury Summit will offer a wealth of knowledge, insights, and networking opportunities to help you stay at the forefront of the field. Don’t miss this chance to expand your expertise, connect with peers, and contribute to the future of brain injury care in Ohio.
Register today and secure your spot at this important event!
For more information, please visit our event page here or contact us at membership@biaoh.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Healthy Minds on the Go-Pegasus Farm
Next Healthy Minds on the Go will be at Pegasus Farms in Stark Co. Registration is limited, you can register here:
Please expect a waiver that MUST be completed before attending.
