Traumatic brain injury affects different people in different degrees, but everyone with TBI experiences similar emotions. Dealing with TBI is challenging for both the patient and his or her family, but sharing your experiences with people who have had similar experiences can help. TBI support groups provide the opportunity to make friends and learn more about TBI.
Different TBI support groups have different focuses, so check out several, if possible, to see which one best meets your needs. Some TBI support groups emphasize learning about TBI, while others emphasize offering adaptive recreational opportunities for TBI patients. Some groups have meetings for patients and separate meetings for caregivers and family members, while others invite any one interested in TBI to the same meeting.
We have tried to make the following list as complete as possible Since support groups change or disband without warning we advise you to call before traveling to the group’s meeting place for the first time. If you cannot find a group in your area, you may wish to start one. Information about starting your own TBI support group can be obtained from the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island:
Cranston
TBI Support Group–Families and Survivors
This group meets on third Wednesday of the month from 3:30 – 5:00 pm.
The group facilitator is Lisa Onorato. (Sign Language interpreter services are available for the Cranston meeting: requests for Interpreter services must be submitted 48 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting)
Meeting Place:
Brain Injury Resource Center
935 Park Ave. Suite 8 (front 1st floor)
Cranston, Rhode Island
Contact:
Lisa Onorato 888-824-8911, or 401-461-6599
East Providence
Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island Support Group
This group meets from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Meeting Place:
Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island
1029 Waterman Avenue
East Providence, Rhode Island
Contact:
(401) 228-3319
Smithfield
Northern Rhode Island: Families and Survivors TBI Support Group
This group meets from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. No days given; call for dates. The facilitator is Linda Silva, P.T.A.
Meeting Place:
Pulmonary Rehab Room, Rehab Hospital of RI
116 Eddie Dowling Highway
North Smithfield, Rhode Island
Contact:
Linda Silva, P.T.A. 401-766-0800, ext. 5311
Warwick
Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 2nd Friday of the month.
Meeting Place:
Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL)
1944 Warwick Ave
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
Contact:
(401) 228-3319
Virtual
Zoom: Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. 4th Friday of the month.
Meeting Place:
Zoom: www.zoom.com/87244268078
Contact:
(401) 228-3319