Friday, June 05, 2026

Save the Date for the Life with Brain Injury Annual Conference!

 


Focus Forward: a newsletter from the Brain Injury Association of SC
Registration Opens June 10!
Life with Brain Injury: 2026 Annual Conference

Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, family member, or professional, this event offers practical tools and shared inspiration to help navigate life after brain injury. 

Friday, July 24
R2i2 - Richland Two Institute of Innovation

763 Fashion Dr, Columbia, SC

Learn More

Brain Injury Fundamentals Training
Medical worker with arm around an elderly person walking away from camera
An essential certificate program designed for direct care staff, family members, and individual caregivers. The training course covers essential topics such as cognition, medical complications, and medication safety and management. Registration deadline June 12

Register Now!

Leadership Training Program

Partners in Policymaking® is a leadership training program that teaches adults with disabilities and the parents of young children with disabilities how to advocate for themselves and others in all settings. Participants attend five two-day sessions, one weekend per month, and will receive training and resources about local, state, and national issues affecting people with disabilities.

South Carolina Partners in Policymaking
 

Sessions begin in October.
Apply Now!


Cyan ribbon

Many veterans living with BI may also experience PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.

As part of BIASC’s commitment to creating a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education, and advocacy, Veteran Outreach Coordinator Mike Simmons will present to the SC Governor’s Challenge coalition on how BI and mental health conditions can intersect in veterans’ lives and why education and prevention matter. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can find support and resources through the National Center for PTSD.


Inflatable balloons in the shape of letters floating in a pool spelling "SUMMER"
Living with brain injury (BI) doesn’t mean missing out on summer fun; it simply means planning ahead, pacing yourself, and paying attention to your body’s needs. With a few thoughtful adjustments, summer can still be a season filled with connection, relaxation, and enjoyable experiences. Learn tips for making the most of Summer. 

Disability Rights SC needs you!
Pinned yellow sticky note with a doodled turned on lightbulb
Share your feedback to help shape their priorities and improve services for people with disabilities across South Carolina. Surveys are open through June 30. To request a paper copy or other accommodations, please contact info@disabilityrightssc.org
Complete the English survey.
Complete the Spanish survey.

BIASC Quick Links

BI Survivor Resources
Support Groups – Virtual and In-Person

SC State Museum Accessibility Mornings
2026 Online BI Survivor Series

Keep up with all the happenings on our calendar of events. 


Thanks to our community sponsors
Community Sponsors enable BIASC to provide vital services and programs to individuals navigating life after brain injury.
Find out how your organization can get involved.
List of sponsors
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Website

Thursday, June 04, 2026

Meet Dani Plan. Your Care Plan Made Easy - Register Now!

 

Aqua dotted line and Autism Society logo
A young man wearing an AAC around his neck. Text reads Join Us. Webinar. Dani Plan and Autism Society Logos shown


Hello Autism Society Community,


We are pleased to announce a new partnership that is focused on providing our community with greater clarity, confidence, and peace of mind in managing the essential details of your loved one's care.


The Autism Society of America is officially partnering with Dani Plan to offer their secure cloud-based software as a valuable resource to you. Dani Plan is designed to help you organize and consolidate important information, ensuring nothing gets lost in the shuffle of daily life.

What is Dani Plan and how will it help you?


Dani Plan creates one secure, accessible place for everything your loved one’s caregivers, doctors, and teachers need, whether it’s daily routines, medical history, or educational records.

A link to a YouTube Video with a short overview of Dani Plan

With Dani Plan, you can:


  • Build a personalized care plan
  • Upload and organize key documents
  • Share plans securely with trusted individuals
  • Set text reminders for caregivers
  • Prepare for the unexpected with confidence


Join us!


We’re excited to invite you to a live Zoom demo of the Dani Plan, a powerful, easy-to-use online tool designed to help families create a personalized life plan for their child or loved one with a disability.


Choose from two dates and times:


Date: Tuesday, June 23 Time: 12:00 p.m. PT/3:00 p.m. ET

Date: Thursday, June 25 Time: 5:30 p.m. CT/6:30 p.m. ET

Register for the Webinar

This is more than just a tool, it’s peace of mind, all in one place. 

🔗 Learn more about Dani Plan and access Autism Society of America discounted pricing: https://autismsociety.org/daniplan/



Hope to see you there!

Your Autism Society of America Team

Wednesday, June 03, 2026

Register Now for Brain Injury Fundamentals Class!

 

Brain Injuy Association logo

Training Opportunity: Brain Injury Fundamentals

Are you a caregiver of a person with a brain injury, direct support professional, or other professional and interested in receiving a Brain Injury Fundamentals Certificate? 
Then this is the class for you!
Picture of an elderly woman with a caregive reaching out to her.  The picture also contains the words: Now Avaialbe Brain Inury Fundamentals

Brain Injury Fundamentals is an essential training and certificate program designed for direct care staff, family members, and individual caregivers. The training course covers essential topics such as cognition, medical complications, and medication safety and management. Certificate is good for 3-years.

Target Audience: Caregivers, Direct Support Staff, and Professionals

Fees: Based on SC residency unless otherwise specified. Cost includes workbook, training, and exam

Instructors:

Kay Brooks, MA, CBIST, Director, Head and Spinal Cord Injury Services, Thrive Upstate

Meghan Trowbridge, LISW-AP, CBIST, C-ASWCM, Assistant Director, Center for Disability Resources, USC School of Medicine

If you have questions, please contact Kristi Hartwell at BIASC at 803-731-9823 or coordinator@biaofsc.com.

Registration Deadline is June 12, 2026.

*Class is limited to 25 participants.

Class Dates and Times:

Tuesday, June 23: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM (virtual)

Tuesday, June 30: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM (in-person ONLY in Columbia) Lunch will be provided.  Address will be provided after registration is complete.

Tuesday, July 14: 9:30AM - 1:30PM (virtual)

If you have any questions, please contact Kristi Hartwell at 803-731-9823 or coordinator@biaofsc.com.
What?
Brain Injury Fundamentals Class

When?
Tuesday, June 23:  9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Tuesday, June 30:  10:00 AM - 4:30 PM (in-person ONLY in Columbia) Lunch will be provided.
Tuesday, July 14:    9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Where?
June 23 and 30:  Online via Zoom Platform
July 14:  In-person in Columbia (Address provided after registration is complete.)

Fees?
$130.00:  Includes a workbook, training, and exam

Ways to Donate to Our Organization:

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

AAIDD 150th Annual Meeting - Plenary & Concurrent Sessions

Blue AAIDD 2025 Annual Meeting Banner

Plenary Sessions

The 150th AAIDD Annual Meeting features engaging plenary sessions and inspiring talks from leading experts in the field. Gain valuable insights, explore new ideas, and be part of thought-provoking discussions that shape the future of IDD.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from top leaders, expand your knowledge, and leave feeling inspired!

View Plenary Sessions

Concurrent Sessions

Be part of the conversation with AAIDD's concurrent sessions featuring engaging panels, timely issue briefs, and dynamic poster symposia, delivering fresh insights across a wide range of topics and formats. 

Start building your schedule today!

View Concurrent Sessions

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

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Levin & Perconti Logo
IntellectAbility Logo
PCHC Logo
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LetMeDoIt Logo
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aaidd annual meeting 2026