Journal

Let’s be honest—sometimes people say things that make you stop and think, “Wait, did they really just say that?” If it’s someone living with a brain injury, the words might come out a little too blunt, too fast, or just not quite what they meant. But here’s the thing: it’s not about rudeness. It’s not about being thoughtless. It’s about something deeper that most people don’t see—something called impulse control and word retrieval issues. And understanding this can change everything.

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!

#IamBrainSTRONG 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.

BrainSTRONG Trivia Night: Fun, Food, and Fundraising!

Get ready, Richmond! On February 7, 2025, Danby’s Roadhouse, your favourite better-than-awesome restaurant, will transform into a trivia battleground as we host our third BrainSTRONG Trivia Night! It’s your chance to show off your smarts, enjoy great food, and make a difference in our community.

Gather your team, or come solo and join others, for a night filled with brain-teasing questions, laughter, and delicious eats. With categories to challenge trivia buffs and casual players alike, there’s something for everyone. Don’t worry—this isn’t just about knowing obscure facts; it’s about coming together for a great cause.