ARTICLE II

The mission of the Brain Injury Association of Arkansas is to improve the quality of life of persons with brain injuries, their families and to develop and support programs to prevent brain injury. In that connection, the goals of the Association include, but are not limited to the following:

(a)	To promote the welfare, rights and dignity of persons experiencing a disability caused by an acquired brain damage secondary to trauma or non-degenerative diseases. To promote and foster the empowerment of persons with brain injury through active participation in the Association and community.
(b)	To promote the creation of support groups for families, friends and persons with brain injuries and to support their activities which are consistent with the goals and mission of the Association.
(c)	To increase awareness to persons with a brain injury, their family, friends, public and professionals who have special experience and knowledge of the incidence and the consequences of brain injury.
(d)	To serve as an information and resource center for persons with brain injury, their family, friends, professionals and providers in the field of brain injury, including treatment and rehabilitation.
(e)	To promote, support and create programs established for prevention of brain injuries.
(f)	To foster and assist in the establishment of rehabilitation programs and services for persons with brain injury, from coma to community. To promote independent living and the least restrictive living environments for persons with brain injury.
(g)	To encourage support groups to provide emotional support for the persons with brain injury, their families and friends. Promote recreational and social activities for support.
(h)	To promote advocacy by persons with brain injury, their families, friends and caregivers for public policy which recognizes and addresses the problems of these individuals.
(i)	To support and promote research-on all aspects of traumatic brain injury, as well as research on innovation, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and lifelong care.
(j)	To support legislation aimed at promoting the dignity and respect of persons with brain injury. To support legislation aimed at prevention of brain injuries and fatalities, with particular attention to highway safety prevention and bicycle safety.