Brain injury association honors WMU professor with education award

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Brain Injury Association of Michigan has honored a Western Michigan University professor with its prestigious 2015 Education/Public Awareness Award.

Dr. Barbara Barton, WMU associate professor of social work, received the award at the association's annual meeting May 2 in Frankenmuth.

"Through her work as a social worker and educator, Barb has brought brain injury awareness to the general public with her unique perspective," said association president Michael Dabbs, in presenting the award. "Barb's passionate presentations at BIAMI's conferences over the years have helped many professionals, family members and people with brain injury lead full and meaningful lives. She is valued as a speaker and educator because of her personal experience with neurologic disease, her presentation expertise and her academic leadership."

Barton's topics at the annual association conference have included: stress management, hope and resiliency, sexuality, compassion fatigue, and living with invisible disability. She is experienced in planning education for returning military veterans with combat disabilities and developing educational tools for brain injury survivors and their family members. Barton is a certified brain injury specialist with more than 20 years of practical experience in the brain injury and rehabilitation field.

About the association

The Brain Injury Association of Michigan is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by brain injury and to reducing the incidence and impact of brain injury through education, advocacy, support, treatment services and research. Founded in 1981, the Brighton, Michigan-based association is the primary conduit to the extensive statewide network of facilities, programs and professionals and has become nationally recognized as a center of excellence in brain injury treatment and rehabilitative care.

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