Making visible the invisible since 1982

BIAC BUZZ
April 2026

Letter from our Executive Director

Spring is finally here, bringing longer days, warmer weather, and more opportunities to get outside and connect with one another. It’s a great time to enjoy simple moments like taking in fresh air, sunshine, and the company of friends.

At the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut, we’re looking forward to a season full of social and recreational activities designed to bring people together and support our community of survivors. Look for details about our Spring Social and Fun in the Sun Picnic later in this newsletter. We hope to see you soon and wish you a happy, healthy spring.

Cynthia Bidorini

Executive Director

Thank You for Making Our

2026 Conference a Success

Keynote speaker, Paul Mounds, Jr., Vice President of Community, Corporate and Government Relations at Yale New Haven Health

Our Annual Professional Conference, held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Yale West Campus, was a meaningful and energizing day made possible by the collective support of many.

We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors. Your support not only makes this event possible, but also enhances the experience through your shared resources, expertise, and engagement.

We are equally grateful to our speakers for bringing valuable knowledge and real-world perspective, creating meaningful learning opportunities throughout the day.

And of course, thank you to our attendees! Your engagement and presence made the conference truly impactful.

Together, you helped create a day that was both informative and inspiring.

Join Us April 23 for BIAC's Spring Social

Coming up this month. Don’t miss it!

Mark your calendar and join us for BIAC’s Spring Social, a relaxed and welcoming evening created especially for brain injury survivors, along with their families and caregivers.

Location: 200 Day Hill Road, 1st Floor, Windsor, CT

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

RSVP by: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

This free event is all about connection. You'll enjoy food, music, games, and good company in an easy, friendly setting. Whether you come on your own or bring a family member, friend, or caregiver, you’ll be among a supportive community.

Dress up or keep it casual, it’s whatever you want it to be.

Spots are limited, and registration is required.

We hope you’ll join us for a great evening of conversation, laughter, and community as we kick off the spring season together.

Upcoming Events Save the Date

April Raises Awareness for Distracted Driving,

Youth Sports Safety & Child Abuse

As Brain Injury Awareness Month concluded in March, we are grateful to our community of survivors, families, professionals, and advocates who helped elevate awareness. April also brings several national awareness themes that have significance for brain injury, including:

Distracted Driving Awareness Month. BIAC is proud to partner with NJM Insurance Group to promote safe driving and prevent brain injuries through teen driver safety initiatives, including evidence-based programming from Impact Teen Drivers available to Connecticut schools and communities. Learn more here: BIAC driver safety

Child Abuse Prevention Month raises awareness about protecting children from abuse, including abusive head trauma - one of the leading causes of serious brain injury in young children. Learn more here: CDC abusive head trauma

National Youth Sports Safety Month focuses on keeping young athletes safe through concussion awareness, proper training, and safe play. Guidance on youth sports safety and concussion prevention can be found here: cdc.gov/heads-up/

By continuing to promote education and prevention, we can work together to reduce the risk of brain injury and build safer communities for children, athletes, and everyone on our roads.

Thinking About a Support Group?

WHY BIAC Support Groups Help-

One Survivor’s perspective:

Finding your way after a brain injury can feel overwhelming, isolating, and confusing … but you don’t have to navigate it alone. BIAC’s Support Groups offer a welcoming space to connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through. As one survivor, Brendan, shared: “The support groups have been invaluable. They help me navigate resources, share ideas, and feel understood in a way I don’t find anywhere else.”

Our groups meet virtually and in person, making them accessible no matter where you live or how your symptoms fluctuate. Each session is guided by a trained BIAC facilitator and often includes a theme or shared topic, along with plenty of time for open conversation. Survivors exchange practical tips, emotional support, and the kind of lived‑experience wisdom that can make daily life feel more manageable.

Whether you want to listen, share, or simply feel less alone, there’s a group here for you.

Learn about BIAC SUPPORT GROUPS

In the News

Research on Music after brain injury - This review looks at research on music therapy, sound frequencies, and binaural beats after stroke and traumatic brain injury. The evidence isn’t conclusive, especially for specific “healing frequencies,” but there’s promising support for music as an adjunct tool for relaxation, mood, and aspects of rehab. Interesting read if you’re curious about the science behind sound and brain health.

Traumatic Brain Injury: From Trauma to Triumph

After a traumatic brain injury left Army veteran Shawn Cheshire blind, she chose resilience over defeat. Today, she is a Paralympian and multi-time national para-cycling champion—proving that life after brain injury can still be powerful and full of purpose.

Traumatic brain injury can affect anyone. With the right support, hope and recovery are possible.