About Us

BIAPH was founded in 1986 by parents, spouses, and service providers of individuals suffering the effects of a brain injury. These advocates were the driving force in the repatriation movement; an initiative that brought Ontarians receiving ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) services in the United States, back to Ontario and to their families. Gaining the attention of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Housing, this movement triggered the foundation and the organization of Peel and Halton Acquired Brain Injury Services (PHABIS), a service that initially provided a residential setting and outreach program under the direction of the BIAPH Board of Directors. In 1992, with a focus on rehabilitation, PHABIS formed an independent Board of Directors, which allowed BIAPH to continue with its original goals of advocacy, support, community awareness and education.

The association is made up of a volunteer board of directors who commit time and energy to facilitate the various services provided. We provide information on services and resources to our members either by telephone or in person at monthly meetings.

BIAPH is a child agency to the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) with many sister agencies across Ontario. Headed by OBIA, the Ontario associations are united through the, OAC, OBIA Advisory Council that meets four times each year. It enables the associations to share current ideas, research, educational materials, trends, and fundraising initiatives. We are also connected to a larger family network across Canada, BIAC (Brain Injury Association of Canada.)

How BIAPH Fits in the Community

BIAPH, the Brain Injury Association of Peel and Halton is one of the provincial organizations that are under the umbrella of OBIA, Ontario Brain Injury Association. These started as grass roots groups who were parents, spouses or caregivers for individuals living with the effects of a head injury. They had identified the need for education of the community and support of the family and individuals living with an ABI (Acquired Brain Injury)

Each of these associations has a representative on the provincial advisory group PABIAC. This group meets quarterly. PABIAC membership also includes the provincially funded ABI service providers, PHABIS, CHIIRS as well as hospital programs specifically for ABI at Chedoake in Hamilton, and the Toronto ABI Network.

There is an advisory group at OBIA called the OBIA Advisory Council (OAC). This council includes two representatives from all the regional ABI organizations noted above. This group meets quarterly.

BIAPH has representation on both of these groups. This enables the board to have current information about ABI issues across the province. Each BIAPH representative will bring the information back to the BIAPH board and provide advice in determining the action of the organization.