The most comprehensive listing of brain injury resources in Arizona is at www.biaaz.org.  Finding information on TBI has never been easier. 

The Brain Injury Association of Arizona (BIAAZ) has developed a wide-ranging database of resources for people with brain injuries.  This easy-to-use online resource guide, funded by the Arizona Governor’s Council on Spinal and Head Injuries, displays books, Web sites, information packets, videos, as well as tip cards — practical information that’s easy to use.

Clicking on a resource allows the user to view a short description of the resource.  It also provides a phone number, which can be used to order or reserve materials or to get more information.

Much of the information on this site is available for download in the form of information packets.  Those packets that aren’t downloadable can be requested from the “request information packet” link or from the phone number listed on the same page.

BIAAZ will send an information packet to anyone who requests one for free.  Professionals requesting more than one packet are asked to donate $7-$25, to help cover the cost of shipping.

Mattie Cummins, Executive Director of BIAAZ, says that visitors to the site find the tip cards particularly useful.  “If a visitor is looking for quick information on a certain subject, they can find it on tip cards that are provided to our office by Lash and Associates, a publishing company that specializes in brain injury.”  The information found on these cards pertains particularly to behavioral and life skills issues – issues such as returning to work, going to college, or dealing with family members after a brain injury.

The “services” section of the Resource Directory allows the user to select from services ranging from art and music therapy to transportation.  The user is then presented with details and contact information for the service.  The site has a special directory for providers that are able to offer services in Spanish.

Ms. Cummins says that the BIAAZ is continuing to expand and improve the site.  In particular, she is “looking forward to making the Web site more accessible by creating a ‘definitions’ page.  This page will let visitors better understand the terms used by the Brain Injury Association and other professionals.”