Kelly Buttiglieri, J.D. Ambassador Program Coordinator (508) Presentation by: Sarah Duchesne

Joanne Susi

Maria Kidd

Michael Gray

Sean Rowell

Ambassador Program Opportunity for TBI survivors and family members to share their stories. Portion of speech conveys the same message about our organizations, TBIs/ABIs, Stats and Prevention. We have questions to ask self when writing your portion. Audiences include Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs and more….

The Process of Becoming a Law in Massachusetts 1. Bill is Filed 2. Committee Hearings, Decision, and Further Review: The committee holds a public hearing on each bill. Anyone can attend, testify, or submit written information 3. House and Senate Consider the Bill: The House and Senate must each pass the bill twice in order for it to move onto the next step. 4. Conference Committee: If the House and Senate pass different versions of the bill, then 6 members from each body meet to work out an agreed version. 5.Bill Sent to Governor: The governor has 10 days to approve the bill and sign it into law. If he rejects the bill, the it is sent back with amendments. If the governor does nothing, the bill becomes law after 10 days.

Purpose of Advocacy Speaking with state legislators and government agencies to ensure appropriate services are available to survivors and their families Pushing for new legislation for improved services Brain injury prevention and services become law.

Past Success Stories Hutchinson v. Patrick Class Action Settlement (2008) Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP) Secondary Seat Belt Law

Services Needed Services level-funded Programs to keep families together Promoting self-sufficiency Only 2 day programs in the state Strengthening residential services

Current BIA-MA Advocacy Efforts #BrainInjuryAffects Committee Hearings Budget FY’15-Line Item ( )

Line Item ( ) Head Injury Treatment Services

Line Item ( ) Head Injury Treatment Services

2013 Advocacy Campaign HITS fund supports community based services, case management, respite services, etc under the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. HITS Fund was increased to 75% for 2013 and 100% this year. Funding for the HITS fund comes from fines collected in the courts for speeding, DUI and DWI offenses. Our office spent 832 hours advocating for HITS.

How Can You Help? #BrainInjuryAffects Are you a brain injury survivor, mother, father or caregiver? BIA-MA is looking to put a “face” to brain injury by sharing how they’re affected by brain injury through anecdotes and personal stories. Go to to download the forms. Submit your story and a picture of yourself holding up the #BrainInjuryAffects sign. Your story may be used to talk to your representative about the services you need.

#BrainInjuryAffects

Contact Information For more information about becoming an advocate you can visit our website: You can also contact our office for more information. Kelly Buttiglieri, J.D. Ambassador Program Coordinator(508) (P) (F) 30 Lyman Street, Suite 10 Westborough, MA 01581