Journal

Yesterday’s Bike Rodeo was one of those events you cross your fingers for… and it turns out better than you could’ve imagined.

We’d had 23 people register in advance, which honestly had me nervous. I was quietly preparing myself for a low-key event, thinking maybe we’d end up with more hot dogs than helmets. But wow — was I ever wrong!

Living with an invisible disability, such as an acquired brain injury (ABI), presents unique challenges. I’ve come to realize that, thanks to what I “learned” from Kerry Goulet, is that by changing my perspective how I see myself is that being visibly-disabled is actually not too bad. No matter where I am, or when, if I need help in pretty much any way, someone’s there. Unlike physical disabilities, invisible ones are not immediately noticeable, which can make it harder to receive the understanding or support one needs. However, there are ways to increase visibility and foster a more supportive environment.

One method is through open communication. Sharing one’s condition with trusted colleagues, friends, or community members can help people understand the unseen difficulties. Wearing a badge, bracelet, or symbol that indicates a hidden disability can also serve as a subtle but clear signal that one might need additional patience or help.

I’ve seen a whole bunch of things about Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI), some of which are about people who’ve suffered one, and continue to work. Mine was “catastrophic”, in that what it did to me is at the “holy <beep>” level, which meant that continuing to go to work is impossible. Today I’ll talk about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Often what’s forget about a significant yet hidden part of the workforce—those living with invisible injuries. Invisible injuries, like acquired brain injuries (ABIs), mental health conditions, or chronic pain, aren’t immediately apparent to others. This invisibility can lead to misunderstandings, discrimination, and a lack of appropriate support. For employers, creating a supportive environment for employees with invisible injuries is not just a moral obligation but also an essential component of fostering a healthy, productive, and diverse workplace.

I was pretty heavy into tech before the crash and thankfully what I’d lost wasn’t the core understanding of technology. What’s out there has evolved to offer more than just entertainment or productivity tools; it’s become a significant player in the field of cognitive recovery. Whether you’re recovering from an acquired brain injury (ABI) or managing cognitive challenges due to other conditions, apps and gadgets can provide practical support and enhance day-to-day functioning. This post will explore some of the top technological aids available to help with cognitive recovery.

There’s nothing quite like a packed room on Trivia Night—laughter, friendly competition, and the shared goal of supporting a great cause. Our most recent trivia event was not just a night of fun; it was a massive success, raising the funds needed to officially launch Iam.BrainSTRONG—just in time for biking season!

Iam.BrainSTRONG is more than just a helmet safety initiative. It’s a movement designed to encourage kids to want to wear their helmets, rather than feeling forced to. We all know that helmet laws exist to protect riders, but let’s be honest—many kids resist wearing them simply because they don’t want to be told what to do. Parents struggle with this battle daily, and enforcing safety through rules alone isn’t always effective. That’s where Iam.BrainSTRONG changes the game.

You’d think by now, I’d know better than to assume anything. Yet, here I am, writing this blog post because I went ahead and did just that. I assumed that giving away door prizes at our upcoming Trivia Night would be simple. A nice little bonus, an easy and fun way to say thank you to everyone attending.

Well, turns out, it’s not easy. It’s not even possible.

And for that, I owe you all a massive, grovelling apology.

Here’s the problem: when I naively envisioned handing out door prizes, I pictured a magical system where people would just…get stuff. No strings attached, no logistical nightmares.