The mission of Unmasking Brain Injury is to promote awareness of the prevalence of brain injury; to give survivors a voice and the means to educate others of what it’s like to live with a brain injury; to show others that persons living with a disability due to their brain injury are like anyone else, deserving of dignity, respect, compassion and the opportunity to prove their value as citizens in their respective communities.
How it works:
First, an individual requests a mask kit to be sent to them.
Design your mask however you’d like! Some people tell their journey with “before” and “after” brain injury, “early” or “now” in rehabilitation, or things they like and enjoy. Though BIANC may not supply art supplies to everyone, we do have a packet to help with generating ideas, gathering thoughts, and a practice mask so that your mask is the best it can be.
The mask is sent back to BIANC, explanations are typed up, and mounted. Now the mask is part of the BIANC's North Carolina Collection of Unmasking Brain Injury!
The NC Collection of Unmasking is displayed at community events, conferences, and online to bring awareness to brain injury in a visual and powerful way.
Gallery
Learn more & get involved:
Story Behind the Project
The Unmasking Brain Injury Project was inspired by the National Geographic article depicting masks completed by soldiers with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. A provider in NC, Hinds Feet Farm, saw the project being beneficial to individuals with brain injury as well – and an awareness and advocacy movement was born! Click below to review the article that inspired the Unmasking Brain Injury project.
Unmasking Brain Injury Website
The Brain Injury Association of NC is the main contact for North Carolina masks, but that's just the beginning! Check out masks from around the world, pictures, and learn more about the expanding advocacy project.
Request a Mask, host a Mask Workshop, or Display the Masks
Mask making can be done individually or as a group! Each mask is different, telling a personal story, and using a variety of different types of materials from chains to lightbulbs, stickers to feathers, paint or magazines.
Interested in displaying the masks and raising awareness about brain injury in your community? Common places may include libraries, organizations, art galleries, community buildings, or events!
For more information please email Susan Fewell at susan.fewell@bianc.net