2025 Spring Edition

Chair’s Welcome to 2025

Dear BI-ISIG Colleagues and Friends,

I cannot say that I ever imagined that my first months as your new Chair of the BI-ISIG would see us facing such unprecedented challenges, but I am honored and committed to continuing the good work of the BI-ISIG with all of you. Our members are tireless and dedicated when it comes improving the lives of persons with brain injury and their families, and we are needed now more than ever.  I want to emphasize that I am here to serve as an advocate for our BI-ISIG – for all of you – and so I ask you to voice your opinions, your concerns, your ideas so that I can best support you and represent the BI-ISIG as a whole. 

I know that many of us are afraid. Afraid of an uncertain future, of losing our jobs, of losing research funding, or watching as those already marginalized by oppressive systems have their rights and identities systematically erased. Afraid for the health and safety of those we love and those we have committed our lives and careers to helping. I firmly believe and will continue to advocate that now is not the time to be silent but rather to reaffirm our commitment to our mission and purpose here.

Consistent with ACRM’s Mission of “IMPROVING LIVES of those with disabling conditions” and Long-term Strategic vision “To be seen as the preeminent organization leading to the advancement of rehabilitation science through research aimed at improving the quality of life of people with disabilities,” I intend to remain committed to the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. These concepts are central to the very definition of disability and at the heart of the BI-ISIG and the work we all do. Though we may feel compelled to shy away from these words, know that we are stronger together, and together we can best stand up and speak out for those with disabilities.  

I am so very fortunate to have had the mentorship, support, and friendship of our immediate Past Chair, Angelle Sander, and our outgoing Past Chair, Tom Bergquist, from whom I have learned so much and who have stoked the fire in me to be a leader, like they have been, guided by empathy and advocacy.  I am so very grateful to our amazing Executive Committee members and Task Force Chairs. I know that, alongside the broader BI-ISIG membership, we will continue to do the good work that has defined the BI-ISIG for decades, regardless of the challenges in our path. Thank you all for your dedication and passion; let’s make this an amazing year!

Shannon Juengst, PhD, CRC, FACRM
Chair, Brain Injury Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group