The Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL) is excited to announce the revival of our Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support Group, designed to provide a space for brain injury survivors in the Dayton area and surrounding communities to learn, connect, and gain support from each other.
“ACIL previously hosted a TBI Support Group that concluded in 2018 due to staffing and administrative changes. We always intended to reinstate it, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused further delay,” said Melody Burba, co-facilitator of the TBI Support Group and an Independent Living Specialist. “Finally, after noticing an ongoing need and limited support in the community, we spoke to the Brain Injury Association of Ohio and decided to start offering the support again.” she said.
ACIL emphasizes a participant-driven approach to our support groups. The TBI group is intended to be a safe space for open discussion and peer support. Facilitators, including an individual living with an acquired TBI, will guide the conversation, introduce relevant topics, and invite guest speakers depending on the needs and interests of support group participants. Potential discussion topics could range from managing anger and sleep difficulties to coping strategies and accessing resources.
“The main goal of the TBI Support Group is to create a helpful community for people who have survived brain injuries, especially during tough financial times and personal struggles. ACIL wants the group to help members make friends, share useful information, and learn good ways to cope,” said Melody.
As co-facilitator of the TBI Support Group, Melody is taking steps to ensure a positive and supportive environment for meetings.
“The TBI Support Group will operate under a set of shared guidelines including respect, confidentiality, a ‘what is said here stays here, what’s learned here leaves here’ principle, an ‘ouch-oops/check-in’ approach for navigating potentially sensitive conversations, a commitment to non-judgment, open-mindedness, a focus on positivity while acknowledging frustrations, and mindful listening and speaking. The overarching principle is to seek to understand before being understood,” she explained.
The TBI Support Group is designed for adults aged 18 and older who are brain injury survivors. Potential participants should know that they will be asked to complete a brief, confidential information form upon joining the group, including emergency contact details, to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.
The newly revitalized TBI Support Group began earlier this month and will continue to be held on the second Tuesday of every month from 11:00am to 12:00pm. Currently planned to run monthly throughout 2025, the schedule is subject to adjustments based on federal holidays and the preferences of group participants. Meetings will be hybrid, offering both in-person and virtual attendance options.
For those who prefer to attend in person, meetings will be held at the Access Center for Independent Living, Inc., office located at 165 E. Helena Street, Dayton, Ohio 45404. For those who prefer to attend virtually, meetings will be held via Zoom.
Individuals interested in joining the TBI Support Group, whether in-person or virtually, are encouraged to register. To register or request the Zoom link for virtual participation, please email Melody at [email protected] or the other TBI Support Group co-facilitator, Barb Butler, Youth Transition Coordinator & IL Specialist, at [email protected]. In your email, clearly indicate your interest in the TBI Support Group and whether you plan to attend in-person or online. Registration is requested at least three days prior to each meeting to facilitate planning and accommodate any accessibility needs. Participants will need to register for each meeting separately to ensure accurate attendance tracking and communication.
ACIL is committed to making the support group accessible to everyone. Zoom captioning will be automatically enabled for virtual participants. For individuals needing an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or C-Print/CART captioning, please make your request via email to Melody or Barb at the aforementioned addresses no later than 9:00am the Thursday before the meeting.
“Barb and I are available if needed to speak with any TBI support group participants or potential participants about any other accommodations needed to make sure that they feel comfortable and are fully able to participate in virtual or in-person meetings,” said Melody.
As a reminder for in-person attendees, the Access Center is a fragrance-free environment to protect individuals with chemical sensitivities, asthma, or respiratory conditions. Participants are kindly asked to refrain from wearing scented products when visiting our office.
The re-launch of the TBI Support Group is part of ACIL’s ongoing commitment to serving the needs of individuals with disabilities in Dayton and surrounding communities. TBI survivors are encouraged to take advantage of the support, as it is a valuable resource that will help you to connect with peers, gain knowledge, and build a stronger support network. Ultimately, ACIL aims to ensure that individuals living with brain injuries know you are not alone in your journey. For those who might prefer individual support, ACIL also offers one-on-one peer support options.
For more information or to register for the upcoming TBI Support Group meeting, please contact Melody at [email protected] or Barb at [email protected] or call ACIL at 937-341-5202.
