Anyone, at any time…
…can be affected by a brain injury that results in a devastating impact on the individual and their family. It is impossible to be prepared for, or fully able to cope with, the sudden reality of living with a brain injury, or unexpectedly becoming a caregiver.
Together, we work to simply make life better.
Our History, Our Promise
“I can help you.”
These four simple words were uttered by Audrey Morrice in 1972 to her friend, Alice Laine. Alice’s son, Mel, lay in a comatose state in the hospital. Critically injured by a hit-and-run driver, Mel sustained a severe brain injury. Unfortunately, his family was given no hope for his recovery by the medical system. That’s when Audrey blurted out those now famous words.
Audrey lived up to her promise. She worked tirelessly on Mel’s rehabilitation—six hours a day, six days a week. Her creativity and determination helped Mel relearn how to talk, walk, think and write, allowing him to lead a meaningful life once again.
Six years later in 1978, Audrey, Alice, and a team of volunteers founded the Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (ARBI). Here, they began helping other brain injury survivors in the basement of the Woodcliff United Church in Calgary, AB. By 1989, the number of individuals requiring therapy services had grown, and ARBI expanded into its current flagship location on Spruce Drive. The team at ARBI started expanding to include multidisciplinary therapists, front-line staff, and an increasing number of volunteers.
Alice Laine, Mel Laine, Audrey Morrice
Audrey and Alice received countless awards for their pioneering work in developing community-based brain injury rehabilitation. In 2003, Audrey was inducted into The Alberta Order of Excellence, the highest honour the Province of Alberta can grant a citizen. One year later, in 2004, Audrey was recognized as a trailblazer and appointed to the Order of Canada, which honours individuals who make extraordinary contributions to the nation.
Mel’s courage, determination, and positive spirit were an inspiration for many over the years. Mel went on to spend nearly 25 years working at The Venturers Society in Bragg Creek, AB, and was recognized as CTV’s Inspired Albertan in 2015. His story and accomplishments will continue to provide hope for brain injury survivors and their families for years to come.
For over 45 years, ARBI has been recognized as a pioneer in community-based brain injury rehabilitation. Our dedicated and compassionate professionals strive every day to keep Audrey’s promise alive by inspiring clients, families, and volunteers to believe in what might seem impossible—to give every survivor a second chance at life.
Making Life Better
Our Vision: Everyone impacted by acquired brain injury lives the best life possible.
ARBI is the only non-profit organization in Canada that utilizes a combined professional and volunteer service delivery model to provide long-term neurorehabilitation and family support for survivors of severe acquired brain injury, caused by:
- Traumatic injuries (falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, sports injuries)
- Non-traumatic injuries (brain tumors, strokes, infections, aneurysms, lack of oxygen)
ARBI is dedicated to making life better for individuals with acquired brain injuries. Using an approach that blends science and compassion to create hope for survivors, thousands of individuals across Alberta have benefited from ARBI’s innovative treatment model. Our team of accomplished healthcare professionals and committed volunteers, many of whom are enrolled in medically related studies, provide intensive rehabilitation through a variety of programs.
Our neurorehabilitation experts assess each individual and give a personalized treatment program based on their objectives and goals. ARBI’s programs are based on the principles of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire new pathways after an injury. These principles are the foundation of the activity-based therapy we provide through our Rehabilitation Services and Recreation Programs.
Recognizing the profound impact of brain injuries on survivors and their families, our Wellness Services extend essential support. These services empower clients and caregivers to navigate life after a brain injury, fostering reconnection with the community and promoting overall well-being.
We believe that every client and every family deserves to have hope for the future.
With tailored and timely rehabilitation, significant improvements in recovery can occur for many years following an injury. Our expertise and experience have shown us that survivors can regain lost abilities, increase their independence and reconnect with their communities.
ARBI helps individuals achieve their dreams of re-engaging in the community and living a fulfilling life. Together, we help families rebuild their lives after brain injury.
Accreditation
Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured is proudly accredited by the Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS).
Our Mission
Our Values
HOPE
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
CONNECTIONS
We hold the conviction that everyone has the ability to act in a way that can make things better. This hope is built on our experience supporting many remarkable recoveries firsthand and seeing our work's impact on individuals and families affected by brain injury.
We respect the diversity of our community and work to ensure all those we interact with feel they have a purpose and connection to places they can belong in the community. Working with community partners, we advocate for more inclusive opportunities for people with brain injuries to engage in society.
We value the dignity of each person and their opportunity to rebuild a purposeful life. We partner with individuals, families, and other professionals to empower individuals and families to experience meaningful connections and change throughout their recovery.
Advocate
Promoting the Power of Community
Recovery from an acquired brain injury (ABI) or stroke is a lifelong process. ARBI plays a strong role in advocating for clients and families throughout their rehabilitation journey and beyond. We promote brain injury awareness in our community to bring attention to this critical, but often overlooked cause.
ARBI’S ROLE IN ADVOCACY
- Promote stroke and TBI recovery by connecting clients and their families to appropriate resources
- Refer and follow-up with health care professionals and public/community organizations, enhanced communication and further education
- Establish a strong sense of community
- Build a shared resource base among members of the brain injury community to address and accommodate varying needs
- Create a strong support network
- Represent stroke and TBI survivors’ interests
- Establish partnerships and liaisons with community-based stroke and TBI associations or agencies
