Unheard Voices

Brain Injury Awareness Week 2025 calls on all of us to recognise the often-invisible impacts of brain injury, and to take meaningful action to improve the lives of those affected. While many individuals benefit from advocacy and support, far too many are still falling through the cracks.

This page shares the unheard voices of people whose lives have been shaped by missed diagnoses, lack of screening, and systemic gaps in care. These are stories of individuals living with the invisible disability of brain injury, many caused by assaults, undiagnosed health issues, domestic and family violence, or prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs, who were left without the support they needed.

Without understanding or intervention, challenges like fatigue, memory loss, impulsivity, pain, and emotional regulation can result in people being misunderstood, dismissed, or punished rather than helped. These real-world stories reveal the devastating impact of being unseen and unsupported in systems meant to protect and assist.

Invisible disabilities deserve visible change and unheard voices deserve to be heard.