ABOUT BIAKS: A NONPROFIT

Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City (BIAKS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for those affected by brain injury.

As the only organization in Kansas and Greater Kansas City area serving individuals with brain injury, their loved ones and the professionals who treat them, we work to create a better future through prevention, education and advocacy.

Brain injury rehabilitation and available resources are a recent phenomenon. Until the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, more than half of those who sustained a brain injury died; many others were released from the hospital with a simple, “Good luck” to the family. The consequent emotional, physical, mental and financial hardships to the survivors and their families were not even acknowledged–let alone– addressed by the community and social service agencies.

BIAKS was founded in 1982 by the sister of a survivor of traumatic brain injury concerned by the lack of available information about long-term memory and behavioral changes that occur after brain injury. Starting with a budget of $3,000, and a volunteer force of 23 survivors including family members, and professionals, the organization sought to address this growing need.

Today BIAKS touches the lives of thousands of individuals though the following programs:

Information & Referral: BIAKS staffs a toll-free information line that provides information and referral services for individuals throughout Kansas and Greater Kansas City. This program also provides support to persons with brain injury and their family members by assisting them with identifying and utilizing local, state and national resources to improve their quality of life. BIAKS provides resource materials, including the “Red Book” publication, pamphlets, and online information to survivors and their family members free of charge.

Education: Training, education and professional development events are held throughout the year for BIAKS members and non-members. Events include an annual professional conference, survivor and family member seminars, and a national certification program. Monthly lunch and learn sessions are held throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan area for health professionals working with survivors of traumatic brain injury.

BIAKS also provides a pre-vocational training program for survivors transitioning to the workforce.

BIAKS coordinates with over 16 support groups located throughout Kansas and the Kansas City Metropolitan area.

Safety Prevention Program: The brain injury prevention program each year provides more than 1,000 quality bicycle helmets free-of-charge to children in need. In addition to individually-fitted helmets, children are educated on the importance of protecting their brains, and helmet safety. Helmets are distributed at school assemblies, bike rodeos and community safety fairs.