Easterseals Colorado and its Neuro Rehab Participants Celebrate Brain Injury Awareness Month

Lakewood, Colorado – The participants of Easterseals Colorado’s Neurological Rehabilitation Adult Day  Program (NRADP) kicked off March by honoring and celebrating Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Brain Injury Awareness Month, recognized every March, is a time to acknowledge and support the millions of Americans impacted by brain injury. The theme for the current awareness campaign is More Than My Brain Injury – which aims to de-stigmatize the injury, highlight the diversity of the brain injury community, and empower those who have survived. 

Using a combination of “tape resist” and “inspirational splatter paint” – the NRADP participants created unique works of art as a way to share their own personal stories and help to amplify the voices of all those living with a brain injury. As NRADP Program Manager Marianne Soliz described, “The participants  started with a blank canvas, and then with the help of our rehab team, utilized paint tape and acrylic  paint to create their own individual designs.” Once the paint was dry, the tape was peeled back to reveal a blank space for encouraging and inspirational messages. 

The participants defined what living with a brain injury means to them using words of self-affirmation like Survivor, Determined, Hopeful, Parent, Friend, Creative, and Perfect, just to name a few. Oftentimes, people with disabilities have their lives defined for them. By celebrating the #MoreThanMyBrainInjury campaign, the participants of the NRADP have a chance to overcome those definitions, tell their own stories and change the narrative of their lives. A participant who goes by the name of Red chose the words Strong and Independent for her artwork. “I enjoyed the project,” said Red. “It inspired me to do  other projects and paintings at home.” As with all therapeutic and rehabilitative activities offered at the  NRADP, this project was adapted to each participant’s individual needs and required level of assistance.  

Easterseals Colorado’s NRADP offers a specialized day program for people living with neurological disorders including but not limited to stroke, TBI, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and anoxic injuries. In addition to Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies offered at the NRADP, it is a place for survivors to find community, support, and friendship, as well as a source of respite for caregivers and family members. More information about the NRADP is available on the Easterseals Colorado website under the “Our Programs” section – www.eastersealscolorado.org.  

About Easterseals Colorado: 
Easterseals Colorado is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. Since 1926, Easterseals Colorado has worked tirelessly with our partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. And we won’t rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted.  

Each year, we serve more than 12,000 Coloradans with disabilities and their caregivers through essential services and on-the-ground supports, including neurological rehabilitation, disability benefits services,  employment services, camp and recreation programs, respite care, and more.  

Together, we’re empowering people with disabilities, families, and communities to be full and equal participants in society. Learn more at eastersealscolorado.org.