About Brain Injury Community Re-entry

Brain Injury Community Re-entry (Niagara) Inc. (BICR) is a non-profit organization that provides support services and rehabilitation to individuals living with the effects of an acquired brain injury.

Our administrative office is located in Thorold and services are provided throughout the entire Niagara region.

BICR was founded in 1988 by a group of concerned parents and professionals who felt that specialized services were needed in the region.

A volunteer board of directors oversees our programs, and consists of:

  • An organization founder
  • Rehabilitation professionals
  • Community partners

Funding is provided by a variety of sources including:

  • The Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Government of Ontario The views expressed on this website are the views of Brain Injury Community Re-entry (Niagara) Inc. and do not necessarily reflect those of the LHIN, Ministry of Health or Government of Ontario
  • Third party payers
  • Fundraising and private donations

View our organizational chart

Our Philosophy

The provision of support services is based on the following beliefs:

  • Each individual is a unique adult and is deserving of respect and dignity.
  • Support should be flexible, individualized and reflective of the participants' choices, abilities and existing support services.
  • Choice often involves some elements of risk. Where possible, individuals will be permitted to experience the result of their choices to the extent that they are able.
  • Independence is a dynamic process of accessing people and services as challenges and successes change.

We rigorously promote the rights of the individual and promote recognition of acquired brain injury and how it affects individuals and families through ongoing advocacy and public education.

Mission Statement

Brain Injury Community Re-entry will provide support and leadership to individuals, their families and/or caregivers within the Niagara Region living with the effects of an acquired brain injury.

We promote self-direction, facilitate opportunities for meaningful adaptation, and contribute to the development of the agency and its people.

We participate in advancements in the field of rehabilitation, and participate in partnerships that foster ongoing dialogue with the individual and their support network.

Vision Statement

To lead in the field of acquired brain injury rehabilitation, providing advocacy for successful re-entry into the community.

Model of Support

Brain Injury Community Re-Entry (Niagara) recognizes the importance of empowering participants to make informed choices and to be actively involved in making decisions about their lives.
BICR is grounded in a community participation model: Whatever it Takes (i) and uses the following principles to guide services:

  1. Person Centered: This principle places the participant at the heart of decision-making and service delivery. BICR takes an approach that fosters dignity, empowerment and collaboration between participants and staff.
  2. Respect: Recognizing and respecting the individual‘s values, beliefs, and cultural background is paramount. The participant is the driver of the rehabilitation team and is actively involved in the processes of assessment, development of goals, implementation of programs, and the monitoring and evaluation of the plan.
  3. Collaboration: This principle focuses on building strong relationships between participants, their family and staff to ensure transparent and open communication. Staff will work with participants to develop SMART goals that are Specific, Measurable, Agreed upon, Realistic and Time-Based. Staff adopt this collaborative approach of “doing with” not “doing for” when working with participants. To do this, staff develop an understanding of the participant in the context of their previous lifestyle, relationships, abilities, values, patterns of behaviour and personality.
  4. Focus on Strengths: Rehabilitation efforts maximize strengths and focuses on adapting to new ways of doing thing with staff recognizing, appreciating, and educating participants on reasonable risks.
  5. Community Interdependence: BICR supports an increase in community and social participation that is meaningful to the participant. An increased level of community and social participation will reduce feelings of isolation and is an important element of the rehabilitation process.
  6.  Evidence-Based Practice:  BICR will implement interventions supported by current research and clinical guidelines. The agency will regularly assess program and services based on participant and family feedback.

 

Accredited since 1997

Accreditation Canada establishes national standards of excellence in quality care and service. We have been accredited since 1997 and have been awarded Accreditation with Exemplary Standing for 2016 - 2020.

Accreditation Executive Summary

Accessible Formats

Special accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats can be arranged by contacting Brain Injury Community Re-entry (Niagara) Inc. at 905-687-6788 ext. 663 or by email.

View BICR's Accessibility Plan

Send us your comments and feedback about accessibility at BICR