THERE'S ALWAYS LIFE AFTER ABI
About Us
Helping people live fulfilling, rewarding lives.
We understand families may feel tired, overwhelmed and isolated, seemingly with nowhere to turn – but they needn’t wander a lonely road alone. Toronto ABI Rehab Specialists (TABIRS) exists to support those living with the effects of ABI and their families. We are the reassuring arms around their shoulders when life gets tough. We want you to know we’re in this together. We believe there’s always life after ABI!
Established in 2005, TABIRS is no stranger to handling the most complicated and catastrophic brain injury cases in Ontario. Over the years, we’ve stood side by side with individuals who are struggling to deal with addictions, substance use and serious mental health issues. With first-hand access to two professional neuropsychologists, we’ve passionately provided a range of leading ABI rehabilitation and support offerings on a fee-for-service basis. Ultimately, these services have delivered life-changing results to individuals living with the effects of ABI, just like those you know.
Caring for ABI, collaboratively.
Working solely in collaboration with Community Head Injury Resource Services of Toronto (CHIRS), we provide a broad range of life-changing services to the ABI community on a fee-for-service basis. TABIRS benefits from CHIRS’ expertise and reputation developed and refined over 40 years. CHIRS is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization primarily funded by the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. CHIRS has held exemplary standing status through Accreditation Canada since 1997 and received a Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Support to Advance the Cause of Brain Injury in Canada from the Brain Injury Association of Canada.
When you work with TABIRS, rest assured that individuals are in good, capable hands. Our entire operation is underpinned by core values of dignity and respect, excellence and quality with integrity, accountability and ethical conduct considered in everything we do. We’ve always put people first so that’s why our services are flexible, innovative and entrepreneurial. Our accessibility and inclusiveness provides individuals and their families the best possible opportunity to live well with a brain injury.
Whether you’re a family member, insurance company, personal injury lawyer or a hospital discharge planner, contact us today to discover how our transformative services can make a difference.
Why choose TABIRS? Here’s how we’re different.
Practical Reports
Designed to be easily interpreted by clients and families, and readily translated into service and care plans.
Specialized Practice
Providing evaluation and intervention with complex co-occurring conditions such as serious mental illness and substance use.
Significant Expertise
Our assessors are experienced with medical legal evaluations and are confident courtroom experts.
Long-Term Care Specialists
As clinicians who provide ongoing intervention for clients in the community, we are well positioned to advise on long-term care needs and costs as well.
Discover the difference our rehabilitation and support services can make.
Please call us today at (416)-696-6031, toll free: 833-696-6031.
We transform lives.
Help us do more for the community.
living with ABI and their families. Your donations help with undertaking more ABI research,
consistently improving care facilities, and employing even more influential members of staff.
CHIRS has provided me with a greater sense of independence. Before CHIRS, and after my accident, I was living with my mother. Moving into a residence at CHIRS gave me a chance to step back into society. As well, I really love the music program at CHIRS; It gives me a chance to practice the harmonica and to join my friends in singing. I also like to mentor at the club. Doing laundry, serving coffee and washing dishes is a great way to feel productive and give back to CHIRS.
The quality of human beings in this building, from staff to volunteers to students to participants, is so far superior to what is found in the regular world. There is always someone here to lend a hand or provide a positive word when needed. There is always something to do at CHIRS. You will never be bored. Many people who attend have had their life change, going from working full time to having a lot of time on their hands. CHIRS gives us a place to go and meet people and have fun.
CHIRS is a good place to hang out. People are my ‘own type’ in that we all have brain injuries which means that we understand each other. It is good to know that at CHIRS people won’t dismiss me right away if they see that I walk funny or hear me talking in a peculiar fashion. I mentor at the club on Mondays and I do the work as needed. It keeps me busy and helps me feel needed. Plus the coffee is cheap which is a bonus!
My favourite thing about CHIRS is connecting with my peers and helping out. I prepare lunch at the club twice a week, run a Scrabble group on Tuesday and help with karaoke on Thursday. It helps to keep my brain stimulated and allows me to feel like I am doing something worthwhile with my life. I love the challenge of making the club a welcoming and positive place. It feels so good to turn frowns into smiles. If I didn’t have CHIRS I would feel isolated and would have far less to look forward to.
CHIRS has provided me with a greater sense of independence. Before CHIRS, and after my accident, I was living with my mother. Moving into a residence at CHIRS gave me a chance to step back into society. As well, I really love the music program at CHIRS; It gives me a chance to practice the harmonica and to join my friends in singing. I also like to mentor at the club. Doing laundry, serving coffee and washing dishes is a great way to feel productive and give back to CHIRS.
The quality of human beings in this building, from staff to volunteers to students to participants, is so far superior to what is found in the regular world. There is always someone here to lend a hand or provide a positive word when needed. There is always something to do at CHIRS. You will never be bored. Many people who attend have had their life change, going from working full time to having a lot of time on their hands. CHIRS gives us a place to go and meet people and have fun.
CHIRS is a good place to hang out. People are my ‘own type’ in that we all have brain injuries which means that we understand each other. It is good to know that at CHIRS people won’t dismiss me right away if they see that I walk funny or hear me talking in a peculiar fashion. I mentor at the club on Mondays and I do the work as needed. It keeps me busy and helps me feel needed. Plus the coffee is cheap which is a bonus!
My favourite thing about CHIRS is connecting with my peers and helping out. I prepare lunch at the club twice a week, run a Scrabble group on Tuesday and help with karaoke on Thursday. It helps to keep my brain stimulated and allows me to feel like I am doing something worthwhile with my life. I love the challenge of making the club a welcoming and positive place. It feels so good to turn frowns into smiles. If I didn’t have CHIRS I would feel isolated and would have far less to look forward to.
Latest News
Need holiday greeting cards? Buy CHIRS CardSharks+ today and support local artists
With holiday season just one month away, December’s festivities are the perfect excuse to purchase CHIRS CardSharks+ for your greeting needs. CHIRS CardSharks+ are original hand crafted works of art created by individuals whose life has been altered by brain injury. Established back in 1995, product lines have always included occasion cards but at this time of year, custom-designed holiday greeting cards are always a top seller. All money generated from the sale of CHIRS CardSharks+ helps cover the cost of materials with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the program.
TABIRS attending 2019 Provincial ABI Conference from November 6-8
We are proud and excited to announce that Toronto Acquired Brain Injury Rehab Specialists (TABIRS) will be attending the 2019 Provincial ABI Conference Niagara Falls from November 6-8. Taking place in the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, the conference is presented by The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) in collaboration with participating community associations, of which we are one. The theme of this year’s conference is forging new pathways, navigating challenges, and exploring breakthroughs with all spaces already filled for this eagerly anticipated event.
Health Standards Organization (HSO) accepts CHIRS’ Ethical Framework as a Leading Practice
We are delighted to reveal that our partner organization Community Head Injury Resource Services of Toronto (CHIRS) has seen their Ethical Framework accepted as a leading practice and published by Health Standards Organization (HSO). As documented in a recent letter of acceptance, it noted: “I am pleased to inform you that your Leading Practice submission “CHIRS Ethical Framework: Everyday Ethics in Acquired Brain Injury Community Support Services” has met all required criteria for acceptance as a Leading Practice.”
