The Minister for Human Services, the Hon Cassy O’Connor MP, today officially launched Synapse Training
in Tasmania.
With assistance provided through a grant from the Motor Accident Insurance Board (MAIB) Injury
Prevention and Management Foundation (IPMF), the Synapse Training project aims to build the capacity of
services, community groups and individuals in the community to identify, understand and respond to the
complexity of issues surrounding acquired brain injury (ABI).
Acquired Brain Injury is a common but hidden disability in our community. For this reason it is often named
‘the invisible disability’, as the nature and impacts of brain injury are neither well understood nor
recognised.
Brain Injury Association of Tasmania (BIAT) President, Dr Roger Chung said the sometimes subtle cognitive,
behavioural and emotional changes that can come with acquired brain injury are often not recognised by
those who do not have knowledge of ABI.
“Instead there is potential for the effects to be mistaken for a character flaw, drunkenness or ‘other
condition,’ leading to inappropriate treatment and services, or exclusion,” Mr Chung said.
“The initial Synapse Training project comprises a series of specifically tailored brain injury workshops
developed and delivered across the state over the next 18 months by BIAT in partnership with Synapse
(formerly the Brain Injury Association of Queensland).
Synapse CEO Jennifer Cullen said Synapse was universally regarded as leaders in the provision of training
and the authority on education programs about acquired brain injury.
“We welcome the opportunity to partner with BIAT in this project, and anticipate it will lead to the
development of nationally consistent brain injury training that is affordable, accessible, and achievable to
anyone, anywhere in Australia,” Ms Cullen said.
The training offered through the Synapse Training project will support generic and specialist agencies to
improve responsiveness for people with ABI across the full spectrum of care – from acute, sub-acute and
rehabilitation through to community and allied health, general practice and services supporting
maintenance of independence in the community. The project will also provide opportunities for general
information workshops to be delivered across Tasmania, which are specific to people living with ABI, family
members or carers, and members of the community.
BIAT Executive Officer Deborah Byrne said raising community awareness of brain injury is crucial in the
lives of people living with ABI in order that they can receive appropriate and timely services and support.
“It is also essential in the prevention of ABI, as prevention is the only known cure for brain injury,” Ms
Byrne said.
The Department of Health and Human Services Review of Funded Services for People with Acquired Brain
Injury Final Report clearly states “Education was seen as one of the major gaps in the current service
delivery system. Throughout the consultations, education as continually raised as a priority area. If this
service is provided correctly it may impact on the level of pressure that is placed on other service types by
this client group.”
Minister for Human Services the Hon Cassy O’Connor MP said partnerships, such as BIAT and Synapse have
established with the assistance of the Motor Accident Insurance Board, deliver essential services to
prevent, understand and respond to acquired brain injury.
“I warmly congratulate BIAT and Synapse for working together to respond to an unmet need for education,
information and training and for delivering this to service providers and families,” Minister O’Connor said.
The Brain Injury Association of Tasmania is the peak body representing the interests of the community
brain injury sector in Tasmania. It provides a voice for people living with or affected by brain injury, and
interested organisations and individuals.
Synapse Training. Brain Injury Association of Tasmania
