Brain Injury SA History
In 1991 a group of people who had experienced brain injury, their families, interested professionals and community members came together to form an organisation in South Australia that would address issues for persons with an ABI.
Brain Injury Network of South Australia was established that same year and applied for recognition as a public benevolent institution in April 1992. The organisation was incorporated in September 1992 and initially operated out of premises at Julia Farr Services with Dawn Brooks as the first Executive Officer (EO from 1992–2008).
Since then, Brain Injury Network of South Australia has continued to make its mark, providing a range of services and programs that respond to the needs of those affected by an ABI in South Australia.
Brain Injury SA Today
At the AGM in November 2015 Brain Injury Network of South Australia officially changed their name to Brain Injury SA.
We are a dynamic organisation that empowers and supports people living with an ABI, and we deliver specialist services and programs to see them achieve their very best.
Our ultimate goal is to see that ABI will never be a barrier.
Brain Injury SA is now recognised and funded as the peak body in South Australia for people with an acquired brain injury (ABI), and those who care for them. It engages with people with an ABI and their families, service providers, ABI specialists, and people and agencies that are interested in the impact of ABI in South Australia.
Brain Injury SA is governed by a volunteer board, comprised of people with a range of backgrounds and skills that are committed to Brain Injury SA’s aims and objectives. The Board is responsible for Brain Injury SA’s strategic directions and operational priorities.
The day to day operational and financial management of Brain Injury SA is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer, Liz Forsyth, supported by a team of highly qualified and experienced staff and the many wonderful volunteers who contribute to every area of Brain Injury SA’s operation and without whom Brain Injury SA would be unable to complete its valuable work.
Brain Injury SA’s Purpose, Beliefs and Values
Brain Injury SA ensures that anyone with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is given equal consideration in all services, support and care. People with ABI are often not recognised as having any form of disability due to the sometimes ‘hidden nature’ of their injury. This may mean that they don’t receive the consideration given to others whose disability is more visible.
Therefore Brain Injury SA holds the following at its core:
Purpose
- Identify needs and represent issues
- Advocate for action on issues that cause disadvantage
- Identify, develop, and initiate improved services
- Be well-informed and actively share information
- Deliver specialised services where appropriate
Beliefs
- People with an ABI, their partners, and families are entitled to the protection of their human, legal, civil and consumer rights
- People with an ABI deserve the highest standard of care and support
Values
- We give voice to people with an ABI
- We demonstrate mutual respect and courtesy in our respective roles.
