Ambassadors and

Advocacy

Kelly Buttiglieri, J.D.Ambassador Program

Coordinatorkbuttiglieri@biama.org

(508) 475-0032Presentation by: Sarah Duchesne

Joanne Susi

Maria Kidd

Michael Gray

Sean Rowell

Ambassador ProgramOpportunity 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….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3KHBczTYxA

The Process of Becoming a Law in Massachusetts1. Bill is Filed2. 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 AdvocacySpeaking 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 StoriesHutchinson v. Patrick

Class Action Settlement (2008)

Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP)

Secondary Seat Belt Law

Services NeededServices level-fundedPrograms to keep families togetherPromoting self-sufficiency Only 2 day programs in the stateStrengthening residential services

Current BIA-MA Advocacy Efforts

#BrainInjuryAffectsCommittee HearingsBudget FY’15-Line

Item (4120-6000)

Line Item (4120-6000) Head Injury Treatment Services

Line Item (4120-6000) Head Injury Treatment Services

Line Item (4120-6000) Head Injury Treatment Services

2013 Advocacy CampaignHITS 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? #BrainInjuryAffectsAre 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 www.biama.org/braininjuryaffects.html 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 InformationFor more information about becoming an

advocate you can visit our website:www.biama.org/advocacyYou can also contact our office for more

information.

Kelly Buttiglieri, J.D.Ambassador Program Coordinator (508) 475-0032 (P)kbuttiglieri@biama.org (508) 475-0040 (F)30 Lyman Street, Suite 10Westborough, MA 01581