Brain Injury SA

20/04/2026

📣Our next Reconnect Transition Program (RTP) is starting in May at our Southern Hub!

Facilitated by a Brain Injury SA Specialist Psychologist, the 10-week RTP program supports participants to connect with others with lived experience of ABI and explore topics related to brain recovery.

Topics covered include:
🧠 Learning more about the brain and neuroplasticity
🧠 Exploring the challenges of brain injury and strategies that may support recovery
🧠 Relationships, values and identity
🧠 Mental health, wellbeing, and hopes for the future

The sessions are joined by our Brain Injury SA Peer Mentors who offer support and insights from their own recovery journeys.

Our next RTP starts Friday 22 May, running for 10 weeks:
📅When: Fridays
🕛 Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm followed by lunch until 1pm
📍 Where: BISA Southern Hub – 15 Alexander Kelly Drive, Noarlunga Centre
📅 Dates: Starts Friday 22 May, running until Friday 24 July

RTP is FREE to attend, registrations are essential. Complete your registration of interest form via our website → https://ow.ly/rQny50YKLuP

🤝 Brain Injury SA's RTP is proudly supported and funded by Lifetime Support Authority of South Australia.

15/04/2026

📣 A Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy in Australia has been announced, and they are asking people to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas.

If you or someone you care about lives with epilepsy, your voice can help shape better support and services.

Submissions close on 15 May 2026.

The inquiry is looking at issues such as:
• Delays or barriers to getting a diagnosis
• Access to treatment and specialists (including neurologists)
• Challenges faced in regional or remote areas
• Costs of care
• Cultural and language barriers
• Drug-resistant epilepsy and its impact on people and families
• Community awareness and understanding of epilepsy
• Barriers to access support services after diagnosis (including the NDIS)
• Funding for epilepsy research in Australia

How to make a submission:
You don’t need to write a long report.
Just share your experience and ideas for change.
• Address one or more of the issues (you don’t need to cover everything)
• Start with a short intro about yourself
• Keep it clear and concise (up to ~4–5 pages)
• Share your personal experience or perspective
• Include ideas or suggestions for improving support and services
• Include your name and contact details on the front page, not in the body of your letter or submission.

Only include information you’re comfortable being published online. If you do not want your letter or submission published, clearly state this on the front of the submission and the reason why.

Not comfortable writing?
You can use the dictation feature on your phone or computer to speak your story and convert it to text.

Your story matters. The more voices they hear, the stronger the case for change.

Learn more and submit via the Parliament of Australia website here:

Community Affairs References Committee Date referred: 11 March 2026 Submissions close: 15 May 2026 Reporting date: 10 September 2026 Terms of Reference Epilepsy in Australia, with particular reference to: barriers to diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment options, in

15/04/2026

🧠💛 The April 2026 edition of BISA News is out now!

Stay informed on everything happening at Brain Injury SA — programs, resources, and community news, delivered straight to your inbox every month.

Not subscribed yet? Here's what you're missing:
✅ BISA updates & services
✅ Upcoming programs
✅ Community stories
✅ Events & opportunities
✅ Plus more!

📖 Read the April 2026 edition → https://ow.ly/HuQB50YGifO
📩 Subscribe for free → https://ow.ly/BUt850YGifQ

Because staying connected makes all the difference!

14/04/2026

Following FND Awareness Day, we're sharing an opportunity for people living with FND to participate in a research survey 🧠📝

Do you have Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?

You’re invited to participate in a research study to understand the needs of those living with FND.
This research aims to generate the first large-scale dataset on physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour, and quality of life in adult with FND.

Your experience could shape future support and treatment pathways for those living with FND.

If you are:
• 18 years of age and over, and
• Have FND
You are able to take part in the study.

What’s involved?
You will complete one, short, anonymous online survey.

For more information, please contact Laura Graham via email Laura.Graham@yorksj.ac.uk

Learn more and complete the survey → https://ow.ly/iAyE50YGjfE

13/04/2026

Today is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Awareness Day 🧠

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) refers to a range of symptoms caused by a problem with how the nervous system functions - specifically, how the brain and body communicate with each other.

FND is best understood as an umbrella term for symptoms that are neurological and functional in nature. Unlike many medical conditions, FND doesn't fit a straightforward cause-and-effect model, which can make it a confusing and often misunderstood condition.

Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and may include:
➡️ Movement symptoms - such as weakness, tremors, spasms (dystonia), or difficulty walking
➡️ Communication and swallowing difficulties
➡️ Sensory symptoms - including numbness, tingling, pain, or changes in vision or hearing
➡️ Non-epileptic (dissociative) seizures
➡️ Cognitive symptoms - such as memory and concentration difficulties or problems finding words

Because symptoms can be so variable and inconsistent, people living with FND often find that their experiences are not believed or validated. It's important to recognise that FND is a very real condition that can be extremely debilitating for those affected.

At Brain Injury SA, we provide individualised support for people experiencing FND. Our approach centres on an inter-disciplinary framework, where therapists work closely together and alongside the individual to help them reach their goals. With a focus on building understanding, developing self-management strategies, and improving daily functioning and independence, we believe in empowering each person to take an active role in leading their own care.

The more we talk about FND, the better equipped our community becomes to recognise it and believe those living with it, helping ensure people can access the care and support they need sooner.

🔗 Learn more about FND and the support available at Brain Injury SA → https://ow.ly/x1P450YGj7B

11/04/2026

Today is World Parkinson’s Day 🧠

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Today we recognise the millions of people living with Parkinson’s and other progressive neurological conditions.

Parkinson’s occurs when the brain cells that produce dopamine are damaged or lost, affecting a person’s movement and other functions.

Symptoms can differ widely between individuals, influenced by brain differences, disease causes, and the areas of the brain affected. Factors may include age, genetics, environment, medical history, and lifestyle.

Progressive neurological conditions like Parkinson’s are considered a type of acquired brain injury. With the right support, people can maintain independence, stay active, and continue living meaningful lives.

❤️ Let’s continue to raise awareness, show understanding, and support those living with Parkinson’s and other acquired brain injuries.

🧠 Learn more about Parkinson’s via the Parkinson's Australia website → https://ow.ly/JJlN50YEMVu

09/04/2026

📣 Our next Be Well Plan for Carers begins in May!

Designed specifically for families and carers of someone living with a brain injury, our Be Well Plan supports you to better understand your own mental wellbeing and introduces practical, evidence-based tools to support your wellbeing while caring for others.

Each session explores a different focus area, including:
🧠 Building a wellbeing foundation
🧠 Understanding your wellbeing profile
🧠 Exploring personal resources and challenges
🧠 Managing stress and building resilience
🧠 Creating and living your Be Well Plan
🧠 Using the Be Well Tracker and digital tools

Join us for our next Be Well Plan in May:
📆 Dates: Fridays, for 6 consecutive weeks, commencing Friday 15 May (final session Friday 19 June)
🕘 Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm
💻 Where: Online
🎟️ Cost: FREE

Registration is essential. Register to participate in Be Well in May → https://ow.ly/mZXO50YC6zH

08/04/2026

📣 We have immediate capacity for Positive Behaviour Support Services at our North Hub!

🧠 Brain Injury SA has recently expanded its team of Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners based at our North and City Hubs, and we currently have immediate capacity at our North Hub!

A brain injury can change the way a person behaves which can create significant barriers to success and impact on their relationships. Our PBS Practitioners specialise in understanding the impact of brain injury on a person and the people around them.

Our PBS Practitioners use a person-centred approach to understand the impact of brain injury, environment, and triggers, working with individuals and their supports to implement tailored strategies that improve communication, enhance quality of life, and reduce behaviours of concern.

📝 We welcome you to submit a referral for our PBS services via our website → https://ow.ly/WaVH50YBzLE
📞 or by calling us on 8217 7600.

06/04/2026

⏰ It's not too late to register for our upcoming Carers Information Session ‘Finding the Right Support Worker’!

During this session, we’ll explore the role of Support Workers, what carers can expect from them, and how to select someone who is the right fit for your family member and the care they need.

We’ll also discuss the importance of formal supports within care arrangements, helping carers create space for their own wellbeing. In addition, we’ll share strategies for managing challenging situations when things don’t go to plan.

By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of how to identify and work with the right supports for your family member and your caring role.

📅 When: Tuesday 14 April 2026, 1.30pm to 3pm
📍 Where: In-person at BISA City Hub (70 Light Square, Adelaide) or Online
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend.

📝 Registration is essential. Register to attend here → https://ow.ly/MPs950YC57h

We also have some other sessions coming up you can register to attend (topics to be advised):
➡️ Thursday 21 May, 1.30pm to 3pm - In-person at BISA City Hub or Online
➡️ Thursday 25 June, 10.30am to 12pm - In-person at BISA North Hub or Online
➡️ Wednesday 29 July, 1pm to 3pm - In-person at BISA South Hub or Online

05/04/2026

🐰🥚 Happy Easter from all of us at BISA!

We invite you to get involved in our Easter Challenge! 👀

How many bunnies can you find hidden in this image? 🐰

💬 Comment your answer below ⬇️

We’ll reveal the answer when our hubs reopen on Tuesday 7 April!

Hoppy finding! 🐇✨

01/04/2026

Our Brain Injury SA Hubs will be closed tomorrow, Friday 3 April and Monday 6 April for the Public Holidays, reopening on Tuesday 7 April.

We wish everyone a safe and happy long weekend! 🐇

01/04/2026

👋Meet our students, Mia and Caitlin!

Mia and Caitlin have been working together to deliver therapy sessions as part of the first block of our BISA Connect Clinic this year.

Mia is a Physiotherapy student and Caitlin is a Speech Pathology student — and in this video, they share what they’ve enjoyed and learnt so far during their placements at Brain Injury SA.

💙 Thank you both for sharing with us!