Friday, February 06, 2026

Brain Injury Association of SC: Newsletter

 


Focus Forward: a newsletter from the Brain Injury Association of SC
Image of people in blue walking for the Walk, Run & Roll Event for Brain Injury Awareness.
Sunday, March 22, 2026


March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and there's no better time to rally for BI survivors and their families. This year, we're hosting three events with one mission: to create a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education, and advocacy.
 
Register now for the event nearest you!
Charleston Button
               Columbia Button
Upstate

Image of brain injury awareness playing cards


Join us on Feb. 28
at Soda City Market

in downtown Columbia as we kick off Brain Injury Awareness month! Register at Soda City for the Walk, Run & Roll for BI Awareness, and receive a free deck of BI awareness playing cards!

Headshot of Cinelle Barnes smiling at the camera.

Free monthly virtual creative writing workshop.

Hosted by Cinelle Barnes, award-winning essayist, memoirist, editor, educator, and brain injury survivor. Designed specifically for BI survivors, this supportive program invites participants to explore storytelling, reflection, and self-expression in a way that honors individual experiences and abilities. Held on the third Wednesday of each month beginning in March. No prior writing experience is required.  Register Now!

National Endowment of the Arts

Logo of SC Partnership of Disability Organizations
Disability Advocacy Day
Join us on March 4, 2026 for Disability Advocacy Day at the South Carolina State House as advocates, families, professionals, and community partners unite for bold, collective action. Together, we uplift disability rights, strengthen services across our state, and empower every voice to be heard.
View the Program.
Register Now!

Text: The Brain Injury Association of America’s 2026 National Conference and Awareness Day: Advocacy, Empowerment, and Community
The Brain Injury Association of America’s 2026 National Conference and Awareness Day brings together the brain injury community for dynamic sessions, networking, and advocacy on Capitol Hill. Designed for survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, the conference offers tools, resources, and connections to inspire action and strengthen our collective impact. Learn more and register!

Headshot of Larry Lucas
A Message from Our New Board President
We’re excited to welcome Larry Lucas as BIASC’s new President. Larry shares his personal connection to brain injury and outlines priorities for strengthening and expanding BIASC’s impact across South Carolina.

Read the full message on our website.

Respite Awareness Day 2026
Text: South Carolina Respite Coalition

 
This is your chance to make your voice heard! We are fighting for the necessary rest, recharge, and renewal that caregivers need. Connect with fellow caregivers, dedicated advocates, and community partners who are essential in this fight.
Register Now!


Wednesday, Feb.11th
10 a.m. – Noon
South Carolina State House
Columbia, SC

Text: Certified Brain Injury Specialist
Professional Training
The Brain Injury Association of America’s Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS) is the nation’s premier brain injury certification program. Acquiring a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) credential is the next step in ensuring you remain a valuable, marketable, and well-informed asset in the field of brain injury services. Classes begin Wednesday, April 1.
Register by March 15!

Proposal Deadline
BIASC and the SC Brain Injury Leadership Council (SCBILC) are seeking presenters to lead discussions for professionals, survivors, and caregivers at the statewide Life with Brain Injury Annual Conference on Friday, July 24, 2026. Submit your proposal by Feb. 9!
Text: Life with Brain Injury 2026 Annual Conferece

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. 


Text: 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.
Sponsor List: Prisma Health, Heart of the Carolinas, Statefarm, Rosen Hagood Attourneys at Law, National Safety Council, Coastal Carolina National Bank
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Email

Copyright © 2026 Brain Injury Association of South Carolina, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website or at an event.

Our mailing address is:
Brain Injury Association of South Carolina
4400 Saint Andrews Rd
Suite E

Wednesday, February 04, 2026

Family Connection: Hopes & Dreams Conference 2026



Family Connection South Carolina Logo
 
Girl smiling and joining hands. Headlines: Hopes & Dreams Conference 2026
  Hopes & Dreams Conference  
Partnerships Spark Possibilities
R2i2 Conference Center  March 25, 2026

Hopes & Dreams brings families, professionals, and community partners together to learn, connect, and imagine what is possible for children and youth with disabilities in South Carolina. 

This year’s conference celebrates one powerful idea: when we work together, possibilities grow! Visit our conference page for details about the day's agenda!

Register Now !
Image of people in a large conference room.
Image of people walking in an open hallway.

More ways to Invest in Families and Amplify Your Impact!

Sponsorship of Hopes & Dreams not only helps make this conference possible, it also supports statewide training and advocacy for children with disabilities.

Join us as an exhibitor and showcase your services, products, or programs to families and professionals from across the state! 

Sponsorship Opportunities
Reserve Exhibitor Space
 

More updates from Family Connection!

 
Video thumbnail of "Understanding Your Child's Individual Education Plan (IEP)."
Training Spotlight!
Family Connection has a library of our video trainings covering a variety of topics. With IEP meetings a trending topic, we are sharing a training presented by Dr. Susan Thomas, retired Special Education Director. Click the arrow to watch. View more videos on our YouTube page
 

Summer State of Mind

Winter is definitely here but if you are thinking about summer camp options for your child, visit our Summer Camp Page!

Summer officially starts June 21st!😎

Informational listing the Summer Camps in South Carolina. Listed ones are: Camp Burnt Gin, Camp Cole, Camp Sunshine, Camp Sertoma of SC, Camp Spearhead, SCSDB Camp, Camp Ability, Pattison's Academy, SOS Care Camps, and Camp Rise Above
 

Did you know? 🤔

The number of families seeking our services has more than doubled over the past five years?

                                                                             2020                        2025
Number of families requesting 1:1 assistance:        3,046                             6,864

Top Reasons Families Reach out for Help

Help Navigating Healthcare
Support for School Challenges
Connecting to Community Resources
Mental Health Needs
Emotional Support and Understanding

Give Today and Help Build A Brighter Future for Children!
 

Have questions or need assistance? Call our Support and Information Line: 1-800-578-8750

 

Thank you to our Hopes & Dreams 2026 Sponsors! 

South Carolina Bluecross blueshield of south carolina logo.
Hidden Talents ABA logo
Bright light logo
ABS Kids logo
Healthlinks magazine logo