Brain Connect

Welcome to the Brain Connect program!

With generous support from Community Foundations of Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the Brain Connect program continues to provide seniors and survivors with much needed technology assistance.

Throughout this pandemic period and beyond, we know that many seniors and brain injury survivors are isolated and need to rely on technology to stay connected with family, friends, and professional services.

We also know that many seniors and survivors may need to learn how to use what they have or may even need an upgrade!

Our Brain Connect program supports our members as well as older adults in Waterloo Region, the City of Guelph, and Wellington County to utilize technology, develop a deeper tech confidence, enhance their lifestyle, and support their rehabilitation journey.

If you are interested in Older Adult Education, please reach out to our Virtual Support Coordinators Emily and Greg by email at virtual@biaww.com!

The Brain Connect Program has several components:

White line art of a cellphone, iPad and computer.

Device Program supports survivors of brain injury in obtaining needed tech devices to support their ongoing recovery and lifestyle needs

Line art of a lightbulb surrounded by gears.

Tech Talks provide survivors and seniors the opportunity to learn about technology on a weekly basis through a main topic of discussion/education and an open Q&A offered via Zoom

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Older Adult Education comprises of an 8- to 10-week digital literacy program for seniors living in retirement homes or older adult communities focusing on confidence and safety

Device Program

The device program helps support survivors to obtain needed devices that facilitate social connectedness, enhance their lifestyle, and support their rehabilitation journey.

Survivors meet with our virtual support coordinators who assess their needs and challenges to match them with the perfect device. Eligible devices include laptops, tablets, device trackers, smart home devices, and many more.

Learn More

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Tech Talks

Brain Connect aims to ensure that all participants are able to use devices effectively. Tech Talks, How-To Guides and support sessions are available to ensure the technology remains accessible and useable.

Learn More

Online Resources

YouTube Tutorials

Visit our YouTube channel to find a collection of videos to follow along to expand your tech skills.

Youtube

Tech Guides

Read our collection of easy to follow tech guides that will help you with skills such as using a Google Nest or useful iPad accessories.

View Tech Guides

Testimonials

Two senior women smiling next to their iPads.

"I'm not alone. There are others who are experiencing what I am experiencing. I was able to meet these people virtually through my new iPad from the brain connect program. Staff introduced me to new apps as well as help me learn how to use different devices that I had. I am very grateful."

- Brain Connect Participant

Ashley Tindall, a brain injury survivor holding her iPad.

"For somebody with a brain injury, you can't see what their struggles are, the fatigue or word-finding difficulties.
I personally was provided with a Google Nest Hub, which is a device that responds to audio commands which is fantastic for me with my low vision."

- Ashley Tindall, Brain Connect Participant