Business Details
48 Years
experience
Community Neurorehabilitation Specialists
Founded in 1978, ARBI has dedicated over 45 years to transforming lives through community-based neurorehabilitation for brain injury and stroke survivors. Our interdisciplinary team combines scientific expertise with compassionate care, offering personalized rehabilitation programs grounded in neuroplasticity principles. With a unique volunteer-integrated model, we provide tailored therapy services, recreational programs, and wellness support that empower clients to regain independence and reconnect with their communities.Our Alberta-accredited organization has helped thousands achieve meaningful recovery through evidence-based practices, while advocating for broader brain injury awareness and accessibility. Backed by decades of clinical experience and continuous program innovation, we maintain transparent operations and client-centered communication to ensure trustworthiness in every interaction.
Services
Rehabilitation Services
Recreation Programs
Wellness Services
Community Living Programs
Bursary Program
Caregiver Support
Neuropsychology Services
Social Work Support
Mindfulness Programs
Community Connect Events
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- 45+ years pioneering community-based brain injury rehabilitation
- Personalized treatment plans using neuroplasticity principles
- Unique volunteer-integrated therapy delivery model
- Holistic approach combining rehabilitation, recreation, and wellness
- Advocacy and awareness leadership in brain injury recovery
Associations and certifications
- Alberta Council of Disability Services
What people say
Life-changing impact
Supportive community
Dedicated staff
Recovery progress
Emotional support
Services
Rehabilitation Services
Personalized neurorehabilitation combining physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. Our interdisciplinary approach addresses mobility, communication, and daily living skills through evidence-based techniques grounded in neuroplasticity research. Clients receive tailored treatment plans developed by registered professionals working alongside trained volunteers to maximize recovery outcomes.
Recreation Programs
Structured group sessions promoting social engagement and skill development through art, cooking, sports, and music therapy. These programs foster community connection while maintaining therapeutic benefits. Offered in both seasonal and ongoing formats, activities are designed to improve motor function, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being in supportive environments.
Wellness Services
Comprehensive mental health and caregiver support services addressing the emotional impact of brain injuries. Includes neuropsychological assessments, social work support, and specialized groups for caregivers. Our Calgary-based services extend to family counseling and community reintegration assistance, focusing on long-term emotional resilience and relationship maintenance.
Community Living Programs
Skill-building initiatives for daily living and community navigation. Focus areas include technology use, meal preparation, and public transportation training. Programs like SCL and CAPCC help clients develop practical abilities for independent living through personalized coaching and real-world practice opportunities.
Bursary Program
Need-based funding support covering 50-80% of service costs for eligible clients. Named memorials honor founders' legacies while providing critical access to rehabilitation services. Financial aid extends to therapy sessions, recreational programs, and wellness services when other funding sources are unavailable or exhausted.
People
Nora Molina
Executive Director
Nonprofit leader with extensive community service experience, including roles at University of Calgary and Human Resources Institute. Holds MBA and BA degrees, with personal family connection to stroke recovery. Oversees ARBI's strategic direction and operations.
Geri Turner
Director, Community Rehab & Wellness Programs
Registered social worker with Alberta College of Social Workers. Manages recreation and wellness programs, leveraging multicultural expertise and nonprofit management background. Founded Canadian Artists Against Poverty and brings international community development experience.
Dr. Alex Hillyard
Board Chair
45-year human services veteran with PhD in Educational Psychology. Former CEO of disability service organizations and advisor to Alberta universities. Recognized with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for public service contributions.
Janet Russell
Board Vice-Chair
30-year legal professional and Queen's Counsel appointee. Active volunteer with United Way's GAIN Committee. Brings personal perspective from family member's brain injury recovery experience. Provides strategic governance leadership.
Randy Fowler
Lifetime Director
Motivational speaker and brain injury survivor since 1982 accident. 20+ year volunteer with PARTY program educating youth about drinking and driving risks. Recipient of Prime Minister's Award for volunteer achievement.
Questions
What brain injury services does ARBI offer?
We provide neurorehabilitation therapy, recreation programs, wellness support, caregiver assistance, and community living skills training tailored to individual recovery needs.
How can I access ARBI's rehabilitation services?
Complete our online application form, then attend an intake assessment to determine program suitability and discuss funding options including bursaries.
Does ARBI accept Alberta Health Services referrals?
We work with various funding sources including Alberta Health Services, Workers Compensation Board, and private insurance while offering bursary assistance for those in need.
Are family members allowed to participate in programs?
Caregivers can join our support groups and wellness programs, while family members may participate in community events and recreational activities with clients.
What makes ARBI's approach unique?
Our volunteer-integrated model pairs trained community members with professional therapists, creating cost-effective, personalized rehabilitation programs focused on long-term recovery.
How long can someone participate in ARBI programs?
Community Living Program support lasts up to two years, while recreation and wellness services continue as needed based on individual recovery trajectories.
