National Brain Injury Awareness Week 12-18 August

The Minister for Human Services, the Hon Cassy O’Connor MP today launched National Brain Injury Awareness
Week in Tasmania. The week, which incorporates the national BANGONABEANIE campaign, will this year focus
on the introduction of DisabilityCare Australia.

Brain Injury Association of Tasmania (BIAT) Executive Officer, Deborah Byrne, said that while BIAT – the peak
advocacy organisation representing the needs of Tasmanians living with or affected by acquired brain injury
(ABI) – welcomed the launch of the national disability insurance scheme, it had concerns that people living with
ABI could be disadvantaged due to their disability.

“DisabilityCare Australia has the potential to maximise recovery, improve outcomes, promote social integration,
and meet the support needs of the many Australians living with acquired brain injury,” Mrs Byrne said.

“However, ongoing cognitive disability, such as poor memory, concentration and impulse control, and a
reduced ability to learn, to plan, organise and problem solve, could result in people experiencing difficulties in
navigating the new world of DisabilityCare Australia or exercising control and choice over their individualised
funding.

“BIAT is actively working with Brain Injury Australia to ensure support co-ordination services are available to
assist people with ABI develop and manage their own individualised plan, identify and then choose from the
services and supports best qualified to meet their needs.”

Whilst the main focus this year is on DisabilityCare Australia, the main aim of National Brain Injury
Awareness Week is greater community understanding and awareness of ABI.

“One of the biggest barriers for people living with acquired brain injury is the lack of community awareness and
understanding; the week is the perfect opportunity for people to learn more about ABI,” Mrs Byrne said.

A highlight of Brain Injury Awareness Week 2013 was today’s launch of the contemporary arts project Angels of
our Better Nature Art Teller Machine at the Hobart Town Hall.

Headway Rebuilding Lives, Executive Director, Darren Osborn said since late 2012, five professional artists from
Kickstart Arts have worked with 21 people with ABI, their partners, parents, friends and carers to produce
Angels of Our Better Nature.

“The Art Teller Machine is a 2.3 metre tall, steel plated sculptural object featuring stunning digital art exploring
the unique life experiencesing with acquired brain injuries,” Mr Osborn said.

Another feature of the week is the opening of the Tasmanian Acquired Brain Injury Services (TABIS)
Art Exhibition in Launceston on the 15th of August by Mr Geoff Lyons MP.

Deborah Byrne said another aspect of the Week is the BANGONABEANIE campaign which encourages
people to buy and proudly wear a blue campaign beanie in support of Brain Injury Awareness Week.

“Whether you realise it or not, we all know someone affected by ABI; they contribute to our community and
deserve our support,” Mrs Byrne said.

Download:
KSA_Angels_DL_Invite-Final.pdf
Deborah Byrne, Brain Injury Association of Tasmania