1. AIM: How did your Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occur?

Barb: It happened on June 10th, 1974.  I was 15 going on 16.  I was with a friend of mine. He was driving the car when we got in the accident, and we both were not wearing seatbelts.  He only got a cut on his forehead and my head hit the rearview mirror, and I think some other windows…at least that’s what I remember people telling me what happened.

  1. AIM: What were the days and months following your TBI like, and who was your support?

Barb: I spent a really long time in the hospital. I was in a coma for about 3-5 months. I know I was out of the coma just before I turned 16. I couldn’t walk after the accident. I would try to use a walker but I couldn’t get very far. There wasn’t much help after my accident. In the late ‘70s visiting nurses would come to help, but that stopped after I kept asking them to take me out partying!  My family was a big support too; my mom, sister, Frank (father figure). They would just socialize with me and that would help.

  1. AIM: How did you find AIM Services?

Barb: I had a counselor named Chris who told me about AIM, and I moved to Schuyler (a home at AIM Services) in the late ‘90s. I remember at the time the house seemed so big I think it was just getting built.

Woman in a light purple hoodie in a wheelchair outside with a bright blue sky
Barb on a trip to Maine
  1. AIM: What is your home like now?

Barb:  I’m really happy I moved to James Ct. (apartment).  My previous home was too big and too many people were around.  At my new house, I can get out more and can get more attention because it’s smaller (only 4 roommates total).  I like my house now, it’s pretty, but one day I want my own apartment.

  1. AIM: What would you like to share about TBIs?

Barb: First, not all brain injuries are the same. Second, people treat me in all types of ways; some treat me better, some treat me worse. Just talk to me.