Resources for People with Brain Injury in Alabama
Have you experienced concussion or brain injury? If so, then you know firsthand it can create challenges that impact your everyday life. Everything from daily routines to long-term independence. So knowing where to turn for support is crucial. Fortunately, Alabama offers a variety of resources—from medical care and rehabilitation services to financial assistance and support groups—that can help individuals and families navigate the recovery journey.
Here are some of the resources available to people with brain injury in Alabama. We hope this guide will provide guidance on where to find help, how to access services, and what to expect along the way.
The Alabama Head Injury Foundation -
The mission of the AHIF is to improve the quality of life for survivors of traumatic brain injury and their families.
Services Include:
- Zoom Support Groups: Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1:00-2:00 p.m. AHIF is also introducing a new Mindfulness Monday Zoom meeting aimed at ways of relaxing and reducing stress to start the week. These meetings are at 10:00 a.m. every Monday. If you would like to be added to the Zoom e-mail reminder list, please e-mail your request to info@ahif.org.
- Caregiver Support Groups: AHIF utilizes "Breakout Rooms" through Zoom to divide caregivers into groups of 3-4 to ensure that all have an opportunity to share and discuss, and not get lost in a large group of participants. For more information, or to be matched into a group, please e-mail us at caregiver@ahif.org.
- AHIF Recreational Camps: Contact our Camp Director Lydia Thorpe at 205-823-3818.
Camp ASCCA Weekend Camp - March 7-9, 2025
Camp ASCCA Week-Long Camp - August 3-8, 2025
Camp McDowell Weekend Camp - October 24-26,
- AHIF Counseling: AHIF provides free counseling with Katie Bee Counseling together with several other certified AHIF staff, to clients and caregivers struggling with the often extreme challenges and emotions of living with a TBI.
- Book Club: AHIF uses the book Hope For The Caregiver, and its content to create discussions with our caregivers.
Contact Info: If you would like to receive invitations to future sessions, please e-mail us at caregiver@ahif.org.
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
ADRS has a comprehensive array of programs and partnerships. It coordinates with the Alabama Head and Spinal Injury Registry. Every effort is made to enhance current services for a higher quality of life.
Services Include:
- Information and referral
- Educational assistance
- Pre-vocational resources
- Employment assistance
- Extended support provision
Contact Info: For more information on traumatic brain injury, contact the State Head Injury Coordinator at 334-293-7116.
Pilot Club of Decatur
The Pilot Club of Decatur focus their energy toward:
- Community awareness and prevention of brain related disorders
- Supporting those living with those disorders and their caregivers
- Making our community a safer and better place to live
Services Include:
- Alabama District TBI Camp: Pilots host up to 25 campers and caregivers at Camp ASCCA (Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults) for a weekend of fun and fellowship.
- BrainMinders: BrainMinders is a family of brain-safety educational programs for elementary-aged children designed to help educate children about injury prevention and brain-safe practices.
- Project Lifesaver: Project Lifesaver provides police, fire/rescue and other first responders with equipment and training to quickly locate and rescue “at risk” individuals with cognitive disorders who are at risk to wandering including those with Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, and Down syndrome.
Contact Info: For more information email: decaturpilot71@gmail.com
Disability Resource Network
The Disability Resource Network is a Center for Independent Living headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama.
Services Include:
- Information and Referral: Find answers to your questions about living with a disability. Get information about disability rights, resources, groups or programs that may help you, a family member, or a business.
- Independent Living Skills: Learn the skills you desire to have to be independent everyday and/or to live on your own .You can pick the areas you want to work, like budgeting, cooking, running your home, communication, transportation, relationships, and even how to speak up for yourself.
- Advocacy: Learn how to advocate for yourself and have your voice heard while acting for change that offers equal opportunity for people with disabilities. We can help you contact your government officials, write letters or make phone calls, travel to Montgomery for special events or just figure out how to stand up for your rights in your own life.
- Peer Support: Learn problem-solving solutions, share successes and build relationships with other individuals with disabilities who may share your needs or concerns. Learn about new topics, such as healthy living, couponing, and job skills while making new friends and being part of a team.
- Transition into the Community: Receive assistance relocating from an institution into your own place. Get help learning about the things you will need to be successful – such as finding housing, setting up utilities, and arranging and getting support from others.
- Youth Transition Services: Extra help for youth who are in school or have just finished school. Get help understanding your disability at any age, discovering what is important to you, and how to set goals for yourself.
Contact Info: For more information email drnal256@gmail.com or call 256-403-0033
Facebook Groups:
Facebook groups can provide a sense of community and connection for people with brain injury. It can be a platform to share experiences, seek advice, and find emotional support. It can function as a forum to share resources and stay informed about disability-related topics. And it can help combat isolation, promote self-advocacy, and provide a safe space for encouragement and empowerment. Here’s some facebook groups from the Huntsville/Madison area:
- North AL Brain Injury & Stroke Support
- Connections Huntsville/Madison Stroke & Brain Injury Support Group
Informational Websites
Informational websites offer a better understanding of brain injury by providing specific information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. They frequently offer valuable information on legal rights, assistive technology, and community support services. By offering reliable and up-to-date information, these platforms empower individuals to make informed decisions, gain independence, enhance their quality of life, and connect with supportive communities.
AlabamaTBI.org: AlabamaTBI.org is a comprehensive site for service providers, individuals with brain injuries and family members, providing links and resources to the information you are seeking. The site also provides online training on numerous topics such as sports concussion, law enforcement, classroom strategies or customized training can be requested to meet an organization’s needs.
American Brain Injury Association: The American Brain Injury Association website offers three types of information:
National Brain Injury Information Center
- What is a Brain Injury?
- Brain Injury Diagnosis
- Brain Injury Treatment
Community
- Personal Stories
- Speakers Bureau
- BIAA Champions
- Public Awareness
- Butch Alterman Memorial Webinars
- Find an Attorney
Research
- TBI Behavior Study
- Research Grants Program
- TBI Model Systems
BrainLine | All About Brain Injury and PTSD: BrainLine is a national multimedia project offering authoritative information and support to anyone whose life has been affected by brain injury or PTSD: people with brain injuries, their family and friends, and the professionals who work with them.
Those whose lives have been affected Through video, webcasts, articles, personal stories, research briefs, and current news, can learn more about brain injury symptoms and treatment, rehabilitation, and family issues associated with care and recovery.
Navigating Brain Injury: You're Not Alone
Brain injury can be complex, and the problems associated with it can be subtle. But you don’t have to figure out how to navigate it by yourself. Whether you're looking for specialized treatment, community programs, or legal and financial assistance, connect with people, professionals and groups that can help.