Brain Awareness Month supports people with
cognitive disabilities such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), dementia,
and Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive disabilities affect communication,
memory, mood, and all aspects of daily living.
In addition to raising awareness of the life
experiences of people with various cognitive disabilities, Brain Awareness
Month emphasizes the need for accessible, supportive environment in order to
protect the dignity, independence, and safety of people with these conditions.
Around the world, 66 million people live with
Alzheimer disease or some other form of dementia. Yearly. 27069 million people
around the world experience a TBI. Two-thirds of the American population have
at least one major risk factor for dementia. There are around 500,000 people
who become permanently disabled by a TBI annually in the US.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
protects the rights of people with cognitive disabilities. The ADA ensures equal
access to healthcare, jobs, and public services. It requires reasonableworkplace accommodations, which may include flexible schedules, memory
aids, or written instructions.
This month also raises awareness about the
experiences of people with cognitive disabilities and promotes the need for
accessible, supportive environments that protect their dignity, independence,
and safety.
