Course Description:

The Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City (BIAKS) 2026 Professional Conference is a two‑day, multidisciplinary event dedicated to advancing knowledge, practice, and collaboration in the field of brain injury. Rooted in BIAKS’s mission to improve the quality of life for survivors and families across Kansas, the conference brings together leading clinicians, researchers, policymakers, assistive technology specialists, rehabilitation experts, legal professionals, and individuals with lived experience to explore the full continuum of brain injury care—from acute treatment to long‑term community reintegration.
This year’s program features national and regional experts presenting evidence‑based updates in traumatic and acquired brain injury, including sessions on federal policy trends, chronic condition modeling through TBI Model Systems research, ethical dimensions of clinical decision‑making, innovative neurorehabilitation technologies such as vagus nerve stimulation, pediatric rehabilitation best practices, responsible use of AI in brain injury care, and the complex psychosocial elements of identity, relationships, burnout, and resilience after injury. Presentations also address school re‑entry, family systems, assistive technology access, substance use intersections, driving rehabilitation, legal decision‑making frameworks, and statewide supports for survivors.
In addition to expert content, the conference elevates survivor and caregiver voices, including lived‑experience‑driven insights into recovery journeys, identity reconstruction, and the lifelong adaptation process following brain injury. Breakout sessions allow participants to tailor learning to their discipline or interest area, while networking opportunities, collaborative activities, and an evening reception strengthen community connections across the region’s brain injury ecosystem.
Designed for health‑care providers, therapists, educators, social workers, SLPs, case managers, neuropsychologists, policymakers, legal advocates, and community professionals, this conference delivers high‑quality continuing education grounded in current science, practical application, and person‑centered values. Each session includes discipline‑appropriate objectives to ensure alignment with CEU standards and real‑world practice needs.
Through comprehensive, cross‑disciplinary programming, the 2026 BIAKS Professional Conference offers attendees the opportunity to deepen clinical skills, explore innovative care approaches, understand emerging trends, and strengthen the statewide network supporting individuals living with brain injury.