On this week’s episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey speaks with Sinéad Crawley, National Service Manager, and Sara Prodoni, Training & Employment Facilitator, from Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABII). They discuss the causes of acquired brain injury, the life-changing impact it can have, and the vital supports ABII provides to survivors and their families.
What Is an Acquired Brain Injury — and How Common Is It?
Sinéad explains that an acquired brain injury (ABI) can happen to anyone, at any time.
It may be:
- Traumatic, such as from a road traffic accident, a fall, a sports injury, or an assault
- Non-traumatic, such as from a stroke, aneurysm, tumour, or brain bleed
The scale is striking: 19,000 people in Ireland acquire a brain injury every year — that’s 92 people every day.
Behind each number is not only an individual survivor but an entire family facing sudden, life-altering change.
Symptoms and Daily Challenges
ABI affects every person differently, but common symptoms include:
- Changes in movement or mobility
- Speech or communication difficulties
- Memory loss and cognitive challenges
- Barriers to returning to work, education, or everyday routines
- Severe fatigue, which Sinéad describes as one of the most common and debilitating effects
These symptoms can dramatically reshape a person’s role at home, at work, and within their community.
Rehabilitation: Setting Goals, Rebuilding Independence
ABII specialises in rehabilitation — helping people regain skills, confidence, and independence.
Their services include:
- Assisted living with 24-hour supports
- Home and community rehabilitation
- Case management for people leaving hospital
- Clubhouses and local groups, which reduce isolation and help survivors reconnect socially
Rehabilitation looks different for everyone.
For one mother, it may mean learning to cook for her family again.
For someone else, it may be walking independently to the local shop.
Each success — no matter how small — represents enormous effort, courage, and determination.
Supporting Families Through “Own with Life”
Sara highlights that families also need support as they adjust to life after ABI.
ABII’s family programme, Own with Life, began in 2019 and now has three strands:
- Own with Life – Adults: For families of adults with ABI
- Own with Life – Parents, Carers & Siblings: For families of children under 18
- Own with Training & Employment: Helping family members return to education, work, or training
During the pandemic, support groups moved online, allowing ABII to reach families all over Ireland. Today, they run both in-person and remote sessions.
Helping Carers Return to Work or Education
Sara leads the Training & Employment strand, launched in 2023.
Many carers pause their own careers after a loved one’s injury, and restarting can feel overwhelming.
The results from the first year are impressive:
- 13 participants returned to education
- 12 to part-time work
- 2 to full-time work
Beyond employment, participants gain confidence, rebuild identity, and rediscover a sense of future.
Funding, Fundraising & Community Support
While ABII’s core services receive HSE funding, many essential programmes — such as transport, family supports, and community groups — rely on fundraising.
Current and upcoming initiatives include:
- Stroke for Stroke – a swimming challenge running this month
- Bake for Brain – a national event each March/April during Brain Awareness Week
All fundraising opportunities and donation options are available on the website.
How to Get Support
For rehab services, group supports, or to explore resources
👉 www.abiireland.ie
For family members interested in the Training & Employment programme, Sara is available directly at:
📞 086 168 1396
Acquired Brain Injury Ireland continues to support survivors and families across the country as they rebuild independence, reconnect with their communities, and rediscover hope after sudden change.
This interview aired on Disability Matters with John Comiskey on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
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