The brain can be damaged as a result of a stroke, a blow to the head, alcohol or drug abuse, tumour poisoning, infection and disease, near drowning, hemorrhage, AIDS and a number of other disorders. Acquired brain injury is not the same as intellectual disability. People with brain injuries usually retain their intellectual abilities but have difficulty controlling, coordinating and communicating their thoughts and actions.
Intellectual disability occurs from birth whereas acquired brain injury is acquired later.
People with acquired brain injury can experience significant recovery and their treatment differs from that used for people with intellectual disability. The ABI Workers' Forum largely relies on the energy of workers in the ABI field who volunteer their time to plan, organise and implement professional development events. The Forum offers a rare opportunity for workers from all kinds of services in the public and private sectors to come together to share information about services and practice issues, provide peer support and establish networks.