Community Resources
Listed below there is a list containing some of the resources available for assistance in the Austin, TX area. For more resource options, be sure to check out the Texas Office of Acquired Brain Injury (OABI).
Things that have helped our members:
Insight Timer Meditation App: https://insighttimer.com/
Balance Meditation App: https://www.balanceapp.com/
Guiding reading strips: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QNSGBJN/
Task bracelets to remember what task we were doing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9CFG512/
Dietary recommendations that have helped some: https://www.amazon.com/How-Feed-Brain-Nutrition-Function/dp/099950021X/
Ice wrap for headaches: https://www.amazon.com/Comfitech-Migraine-Headache-Wearable-Therapy/dp/B09874FNR7/
Magnesium Glycinate for sleep: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K5WDLBG/
Earplugs that our community loves:
Tish: https://www.flareaudio.com/
Gabs: https://us.loopearplugs.com/
If you would like to help our community, consider making a tax-deductible donation here: https://donorbox.org/brain-injury-association-of-austin-donation-fund
Finding Help
Psychologists specializing in individuals with brain injuries
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/traumatic-brain-injury
Psychiatrists specializing in individuals with brain injuries
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/psychiatrists/traumatic-brain-injury
Advocacy
Austin Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: 512-974-3256
A volunteer advisory committee to the Austin City Council and City Manager, regarding any issues or concerns affecting persons with disabilities. It was established to enable persons with disabilities to participate in the full social and economic life of the city, achieve independence, become gainfully employed, and access all public and private facilities.
Texas Civil Rights Project: 512-474-5073
Attorneys who specialize in discrimination law and other ADA related issues.
DisabilityRights Texas: 512-454-4816
Formerly named Advocacy, Inc., this agency provides services that include specific case investigation, mediation, negotiation, and legal counsel and representation. This agency also offers training for people with disabilities on their individual rights, how to self advocate, and accessing services from state agencies.
Brain Injury Support Groups
Brain Injury Association of Austin Support Group
St. David’s Rehabilitation Hospital: support group meets every 3rd Monday of the month from 2-3pm at St. David’s Rehabilitation Hospital 3rd floor gym at 1005 E. 32nd Street
Rehabilitation Services
Baylor Day Neuro Program: (512) 759-6438
Centre for Neuro Skills: 800-922-4994
CRS: 877-787-8999
Mary Lee Foundation Rehabilitation Center: 512-443-5777
NeuroRestorative: 800-743-6802
Normlife of Texas: Contact Moses Resendez at 512-644-6086 or normlifeoftx@gmail.com
Rehab Without Walls: 888-299-3998
St. David’s Rehabilitation Hospital: Lisa Hyde (Lisa.Hyde@stdavids.com) 512-544-0408
The University of St. Augustine: contact Nicole Capell (ncapell@usa.edu) for pro bono PT, OT, and Speech Therapy for any Texas resident
Brain Injury Resources (Specialized)
ImproveAbility (assistive technology): 512-522-1705
Small Victories Foundation (healing through art): 512-799-5609 (Derrick Wright)
Love Your Brain (yoga & mindfulness): 512-380-9800
BrainHQ (online brain training)
Hope After brain injury: 817-983-1807 (Deana Adams, Ph.D.)
A faith based organization that offers online and personal support for brain injury survivors and their families.
Hope TBI: hopetbi4ever@gmail.com
How to Help Someone Who Has a Brain Injury (Mayo Clinic)
More Than Survivors: 512-444-1141 (Phyllis King)
MTS is a monthly Christian support letter for the brain injury community. The monthly publication allows others to share notes, letters, articles, artwork, and poetry with the brain injury community. One can also request a Pen Pal.
Office of Acquired Brain Injury (HHSC):
The Office of Acquired Brain Injury (OABI) 512-706-7191 is Texas’ premier resource for providing education, awareness, prevention, and service referral and coordination in regard to brain injury. The office has a wide array of materials available to help to understand brain injury, raise awareness, and to find the resources you need.
Texas Brain Injury Alliance: 512-910-7108
Formerly the Brain Injury Association of Texas, this organization provides statewide resource information, holds conferences, and advocates for public policy for the benefit of survivors of brain injury, their families, and caregivers.
Pilot International adopted brain-related disorders as its service focus. BrainMinders and traumatic brain injury camps are the signature projects for their organization with the support of 43 Chapters in Texas. Pilot supports three weekend camps and one day camp for adult traumatic brain injury survivors. Texas Pilot has created the TBI Camp Foundation to help support these camps.
General Resources
AGE – Austin Group for the Elderly: 512-451-4611
A nonprofit agency that empowers caregivers and their families through education and support. The mission is accomplished through their programs below. Address: 3710 Cedar Street, Box 2, Austin TX 78705. Program offers an Adult Day Care, a Computer Learning Center , an equipment lending program and caregiver Resource Center.
Austin Resource Center for Independent Living (ARCIL): 512-832-6349
Provides assistance to adults and children with disabilities to achieve independent living goals. Provides information and referrals for housing, education, attendant services, and assistance in completing Social Security forms and appeal process if denied.
Austin Somatics: 512-348-6014 email: Anagha@AustinSomatcs.com
Somatic movement therapy retrains the nervous system to improve coordinated movement, balance and pain reduction.
Brain Injury Association of America: 1-800-444-6443
Provides nationwide resource information, holds national conferences and educational seminars, and advocates for congressional public policy change.
Brain Injury Association of America: 1-800-444-6443
Dedicated to supporting anyone who has been affected by birth injuries, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and other developmental disabilities
Obtain this 237 page paperback book by writing to: Gray Panthers of Austin, 3719 Cedar Street, Box 15, Austin TX 78705-1449 (a small donation to defray publication is not mandated, but graciously accepted)
Center for Music Therapy: 512-472-5016
Center is dedicated to making music therapy and other sensory-based interventions more accessible to consumers by providing traditional and non-traditional therapies, treatment services, programs, and classes in Austin.
SafePlace-Disability Services: 512-267-7233
ASAP (A Safety Awareness Program) provides education to people with disabilities to increase awareness about sexual abuse/assault, domestic violence and abuse by personal care providers, personal safety planning, healthy relationships, and sexuality. Presentations and training are also available to professionals and families.
Counseling Services are available for individuals with disabilities who have experienced sexual or domestic violence or abuse by a partner, spouse, family member, or personal care provider. Counseling is designed to promote healing, reduce the risk of future abuse, and information and resources for exploring safety options.
Government Resources
Website provides a list of pertinent and helpful information regarding each City Department in Austin.
Texas Workforce Solutions (TWS)
TWS (by Texas Workforce Commission) has programs that help people with disabilities secure employment.
State Office: 800-628-5115
Austin Regional Office: 512-451-9579
Other Resources
Birth Injury Center: (contact form)
Mesothelioma Center: (877) 325-1360
Mesothelioma Hope: (855) 242-6492