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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T193000
DTSTAMP:20260811T180000
UID:7e4f9c124af7b22e88498de776f29fa9
SUMMARY:North AL Brain Injury and Stroke Support MeetUp
LOCATION:802 Shoney Dr SW Ste A\, Huntsville\, AL\, 35801
URL:https://therapy-a.com/event/north-al-brain-injury-and-stroke-support-meetup/
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp!
 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support is a group of patients and caregivers with brain injury or stroke that meet monthly to learn about a relavant topic, share their stories and give each other support. We meet on the 2nd Tue of every month from 6:00 to 7:30 at Therapy Achievements, 802 Shoney Dr SW, Ste A, Huntsville, AL  35801.  Want to connect with other people with stroke and brain injury?  Join us!
Upcoming North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support Events:
August 11, 2026 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Topic:  Vivistim for Hand Function
Our meeting will NOT be at Therapy Achievements this month but at Bonefish Grill.  Registration is required! 

Join us for a FREE Vivistim Info Event and learn how this groundbreaking technology is helping improve arm and hand function years after their stroke. 
Past North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support Events:
July 2026 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
PoNS® - Learn how groundbreaking technology acts on neuropathways from the tongue to the brain to induce lasting changes.
June 2026 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with trying to keep track of all your to-dos, where you put things, and keeping up with the demands of work and family? Join us for "Tips for Organizing: How to break bad habits and achieve your goals".
May 2026 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
May is Speech Therapy month and what better time than to talk about how Brain Injury and Stroke impacts communication! Join us as we learn tips for Navigating Social and Family Communication With Brain Injury and Stroke.
April 2026 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Join us to hear Mayo Clinic’s Neurosurgeon Dr. Jonathon Parker explain how a combination of rehabilitation and the Vagus nerve stimulation helps brain injury and stroke survivors gain more mobility compared to physical therapy alone.
March 2026 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Join us to hear Shawn Phipps, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA share how the power of Occupational Therapy and Neuroplasticity build new pathways in the brain through the ordinary and extraordinary activities of daily life.  Using the CAPE Recovery Model - challenge, action, practice, and evaluation – you can support to live life to its fullest!
February 2026 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
The process of successfully applying for disability can be challenging - 7 out of 10 applicants are denied at the state level! Learn from Charles Forsythe, an experienced disability advocate, what you can do to make your application successful.
January 2026 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
For most people, brain injury or stroke is an unexpected diagnosis, oftentimes hitting them out of the blue.  And for many, the fear of reoccurance can leave a cloud of anxiety hanging over their head.  In 2018 former NFL quarterback Alex Smith was hit by a tackle that snapped his leg and almost took his life.  Join us to listen to the story of how he found a way to overcome fear, self-doubt and anxiety and envision the future again
December 2025 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Foot drop is something that affects many people with brain injury and stroke. Join us this month to hear Dr. Eric Beck talk about Stepping Forward: Understanding and Managing Foot Drop.  His information will be teamed with a Cionic Neural Sleeve demonstration  The Cionic Neural leg sleeve uses AI-powered electrical stimulation to help muscles move more naturally for walking. Want to see if it helps you?
November 2025 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Join us for a special Thanksgiving gathering to celebrate the season with friends and fellow support group members! We’ll provide a variety of holiday finger foods, and members are welcome—but not required—to bring treats to share.  This is a relaxed, festive opportunity to connect, share stories, and enjoy some holiday cheer in a supportive environment. Come celebrate, socialize, and take a moment to appreciate the community around you.
October 2025 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Brain Injury, Stroke & Stress - Finding Balance Again:  Recovering from a brain injury or stroke can be physically and emotionally challenging. Added stress can make the journey even harder, affecting your mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Join us as we outlitne strategies to help you manage stress, share experiences, learn practical coping strategies, and connect with others who understand the challenges you face.
September 2025 North AL Brain Injury & Stoke Support MeetUp
How to have Better Balance:  Did you know up to 70% of people with stroke or brain injury experience at least one fall within the first year of their injury?  September is Fall Prevention Month and we want to give you tips to prevent falls.
August 2025 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Did you know that up to 60% of people with brain injury have heat sensitivity?  It's a condition that causes difficulty with body temperature regulation and increases a person's risk for heat exhaustion.  Join us to find out more about this phenomenon and learn strategies to Beat the Heat!
July 2025 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to the brain, most often as a result of a stroke. But did you know there are different types of aphasia? Each type affects communication in unique ways—and different strategies are needed to connect effectively, depending on the specific challenges a person faces.  
In our July meeting, we will be discussing different types of aphasia and identifying strategies to make communicating less awkward and more enjoyable. 
May 2025 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
May is Stroke Awareness Month.  Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. This month we will present an overview of how stroke can change people’s lives.  Then we'll share insights on how to cope with those changes and not only survive but thrive!
April 2025 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
April is Occupational Therapy Awareness Month.  Occupational Therapists help people with Activities of Daily Living - the things you need to do every day like get dressed, cook meals, shop, drive a car and go to work.  In other words, the "occupations of life". 
This month we will share insights on how to tap into neuroplasticity with occupational therapy and use assistive technology to improve independence with activities of daily living.  Want to become more independent?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have Multiple Sclerosis.
March 2025 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Did you know that in the U.S. about 586 people are hospitalized and 190 die from brain injury every day?  Wow!
 March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and we will be talking about resources available to people with brain injury and stroke and how you can access those resources.
Join us to tell about your experiences with brain injury and stroke and share resources you've discovered.  Come be an encouragement to others!  
February 2025 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Did you know that Brain Injury and Stroke can cause changes in your vision?  Sometimes changes are fleeting but sometimes changes are significant and have long lasting effects on a person's ability to function. 
February is Low Vision Awareness Month and we will be talking about how brain injury and stroke can change your vision, what you can do to improve your vision, and resources available to people with vision loss.
Join us to tell about your experiences with changes in your vision.  Share how you coped, strategies you found and be an encouragement to others.
January 2025 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
We have a special guest speaker for our January meeting! Parker Lord will be sharing how he maintains a positive attitude after an accident left him with paralysis, cognitive and visual impairment. 
In March of 2023, one split second was all it took to change Parker's life forever. Parker will tell how he survived spinal cord and brain injuries and how he has learned to cope with the resultant impairments.  He will share insights he has gleaned on how to cultivate and maintain a positive outlook as you navigate the challenges of recovery. 
Kick off the new year by sharing experiences, strategies, and encouragement so you can build resilience and find hope in your journey.
December 2024 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
The holiday season is here, and we’d love to celebrate together! Join us for our annual Holiday Party, where we’ll share laughter, connection, and delicious food.  Enjoy a festive meal and great company.  Guests are welcome! Please RSVP with the number of attendees.
Optional: Bring a small gift (under $10) for a fun holiday exchange.
 Let’s make this a joyful celebration to remember. We can’t wait to see you there!
November 2024 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
We have a special pop-up event planned for November - Stretch Lab!  Come learn about the benefits of stretching and see what a stretch lab experience feels like. 
Want to move better?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have multiple sclerosis.
October 2024 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp

October is Physical Therapy Awareness Month, and we want to recognize the value of P.T.  Physical Therapists help people re-gain movement and strength that has been lost.  They help reduce pain, improve balance, and prevent falls.  They assess and treat gait disorders to make sure you can walk and access your community.  
Our guest speaker for this month is Sheri Betts.  Sheri works in outpatient rehab and will share insights on how MS changes your ability to walk and move.  She will explain how physical therapy can help.  
 Want to move better?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have multiple sclerosis.

September 2024 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Living with brain injury & stroke can be stressful and it's easy to feel overwhelmed.  And feeling overwhelmed can lead to anxiety or depression.  Just like music calmed King Saul over 3000 years ago, you too can use music to help you stay centered and calm.   
Our guest speaker for this month is Abby Whitlock. Abby is a music therapist at UAB who helps people use music, rhythms and sounds to regulate mood and emotion and live with more joy.  She will share insights on how to use music to reduce your stress and accomplish what is important.
 Want to live a better life using music?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have brain injury & stroke.
August 2024 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Do you feel overwhelmed by too many commitments?  Or resentful about how much others expect of you?  Or guilty about asking others for help?  If so, you won't want to miss our August Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp!
Our guest speaker for this month is Kate Bartley. Kate is a physical therapist and Life & Health Empowerment Coach.  She helps people surrender burdens & embrace boundaries so they can focus on doing the things they love from a place of joy, energy & ease.  She will share insights on how to set and accept boundaries to reduce your stress and accomplish what is important.
Want to learn how to set better boundaries?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have brain injury & stroke.
July 2024 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Spasticity affects between 40-80% of people with brain injury and stroke. It can range from a minor annoyance to having a significant impact on daily life and quality of life.
Our guest speaker for this month is Dr. Eric Beck.  He will share insights on how to manage spasticity to improve your pain and better control your movement.  
Want to get a grip on spasticity?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have multiple sclerosis.
June 2024 North AL Brain Injury & Support MeetUp
Join us for Game Night!  We'll have popcorn and snacks and a chance to share.   Share your favorite game or learn a new one.  Share what's going on in your life and learn what's happening with others.  Share strategies for how to deal with the curves life throws you.
Want to get connected and have some fun?  Join us for Game Night!
May 2024 North AL Brain Injury & Support MeetUp
May is Speech Therapy Awareness Month.  Speech Therapists help people with speech and language problems.  They assess and treat communication, cognition and swallowing - the components you need to express your thoughts and understand what other people are saying to you.  
Our guest speaker for this month is Joey Farris, SLP, CCC.  Joey works in outpatient rehab and will share insights on how brain injury and stroke change your ability to think and communicate.  She will explain how speech therapy can help.  
Want to communicate better?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have brain injury and stroke.
Apri 2024 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
April is Occupational Therapy Awareness Month.  Occupational Therapists help people with Activities of Daily Living - the things you need to do every day like get dressed, cook meals, shop, drive a car and go to work.. Our guest speaker for this month is Ryan Coody, OTR/L.  Ryan works in outpatient rehab and will share insights on how to tap into neuroplasticity and use assistive technology to improve independence with activities of daily living,  Want to become more independent?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have brain injury and stroke.
March 2024 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
March is Social Worker Awareness Month and most people who have experienced brain injury or stroke, at some point in their recovery, have worked with social workers.  Social workers help people assess their needs and situations, then develop plans and support networks to work toward their goals. Our guest speaker for this month is Alison Drost, LMSW.  Alison has extensive experience in the healthcare and eldercare fields and will share insights on how to build a support network.  Want to build your support network?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have brain injury and stroke.
February 2024 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
There are numerous adaptive sports groups in North Alabama and David Kyle will be sharing some of the adaptive sports opportunities that are available in the Huntsville area. David is the director of the Ability Sport Network and Assistant Professor of the Kinesiology Clinical program at at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. Come find out about what's happening and where the fun is!
January 2024 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
The January meeting is cancelled due to illness.  We will meet again Feb 13 at 5:30 at Therapy Achievements.  Stay Well!
December 2023 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Help us celebrate and plan as we head to the end of 2023!  We will have an end-of-year party with food and games. Family and friends are welcome to attend.  Most importantly, thank you for allowing us to come together and support each other this year.  Looking forward to what 2024 has to bring!
October 2023 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
H.O.W to Survive and Thrive Brain Injury & Stroke: Changes after a Stroke or Brain Injury can be subtle and difficult for others to see or understand.  Join us to discover H.O.W honesty with yourself, openess to listen, and work can help you to Survive and Thrive when battling pain, diminished mental capacity, anger, panic attacks and depression. 
September 2023 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
After a Stroke or Brain Injury, a frustrating and embarrassing thing can happen - pseudobulbar affect!  Have you experienced uncontrollable laughing or crying?  Is your laughing or crying disconnected from how you are feeling?    Join us to learn more about how this happens and what you can do about it.
August 2023 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Stop Trying to Fix Yourself and Value Who You Are:  After a Stroke or Brain Injury, much time and energy is spent in recovery trying to regain skills that were lost.  Your focus shifts to all the things you can't do anymore, and often leaves you stuck in sadness and loss.  Are you chasing the elusive person you used to be?  In this TED Talk, Natalie Forstbauer shares how she moved from Brain Injury to Brain Upgrade by letting go of the "old Natalie" and embracing the "new Natalie".  We will discuss strategies for how you can begin to embrace and celebrate the "new you".
June 2023 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
How to Take Ownership of Your Recovery:  In our June meeting we will discuss why it's important for brain injury survivors to take ownership of their recovery process.  We will identify discuss strategies for how to do so and will explore how to be open to trying new therapies.
April 2023 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Our topic for April will be Changing Your Brain with Neuroplasticity.  Come learn about strategies for improving function and share ideas for how to make life easier. 
March 2023 North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support MeetUp
Our topic for March will be Unmasking Brain Injury and Stroke.  Come share your story and through creation of a mask.
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