Living with Traumatic Brain Injury: Survival, Injustice & Advocacy

Living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a survivor’s journey—one marked by isolation, misunderstanding, and ongoing struggle. My name is Craig Sears, and I am a TBI survivor. I share my experiences not only to shed light on the life-changing effects of TBI on individuals and their families but also to promote public awareness about systemic prejudices in the medical, legal, and social systems. My hope is that by telling my story, I can support others facing similar challenges and remind every survivor: you are not alone.

The Accident That Changed Everything

One summer afternoon in Connecticut, my life changed forever. At 20, I was living what many would call the American Dream—steady work, a loving family, good friends, and a bright future. In an instant, it was all gone. A motorcycle accident left me with a severe head injury, launching me into months of coma, surgery, and physical recovery. What no one recognized at first was the real damage—a traumatic brain injury that would shape every aspect of my future.

Falling Through the Cracks

Despite obvious signs, my TBI went undiagnosed for months. I relearned how to walk, talk, and care for myself, all while enduring constant pain and confusion. Instead of the support I needed, I was transferred to a locked mental health ward, where I spent nine months fighting for my freedom and my identity. Even after release, I faced isolation, unsafe housing, and daily struggles to reclaim basic skills.

Misunderstood and Mistreated

The lack of understanding about TBI in both the medical community and general public led to repeated misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and deep prejudice. My speech and balance were affected, but rather than compassion, I encountered suspicion and discrimination. Police officers and courts misinterpreted my symptoms and circumstances, leading to unjust arrests and institutionalization for minor offenses. The system failed to recognize my brain injury and instead criminalized my disability.

Trapped in a Cycle of Injustice

I was repeatedly arrested and institutionalized because of behaviors stemming from my TBI. The criminal justice and mental health systems offered punishment, not help. I endured abuse and neglect, from being attacked by police dogs to being restrained and drugged in mental institutions and prisons. My experiences mirror those of many TBI survivors who fall through systemic cracks and face harsh consequences for actions beyond their control.

Fighting Back and Seeking Change

Despite these hardships, I refused to give up. With my family’s unwavering support, I slowly rebuilt my life. I became involved in advocacy, joining a class action lawsuit that led to the creation of the Connecticut Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) waiver, allowing people with TBI to access community-based support instead of being institutionalized.

But my struggles with the justice system did not end. I was falsely accused, set up, and framed by law enforcement. Fabricated evidence and concealed misconduct became recurring themes in my life. Even when charges were dropped, records were hidden, and accountability was evaded, thanks in part to legal loopholes like the Nolle prosequi legislation.

Documenting Injustice, Demanding Accountability

I have maintained a thorough paper trail—documentation, court records, and evidence of police and judicial misconduct. I’ve shared my experiences with advocates and policymakers at the state and national levels to demand change and protect others from similar abuse.

A Call for Compassion and Justice

No two brain injuries are alike, and neither are the journeys of those who survive them. But what unites us is the need for understanding, support, and justice. My story is not just about personal survival, but about exposing and challenging the systemic failures that harm the most vulnerable.

To fellow survivors, past, present, and future: never give up hope. You are not alone. We must continue to raise our voices, demand accountability, and work for a system that recognizes, supports, and respects the dignity of every individual living with a brain injury.

As the saying goes, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

To learn more, explore my experiences with law enforcement corruption and disability justice in Connecticut—see my posts below.

The Truth About Disability Justice in Connecticut—And Why It Matters

Discover one advocate’s fight for disability justice in Connecticut, and how you can help push for real change and systemic reform.

From Connecticut to the Nation: A Stand for Disability Justice

Join the call for disability justice: demand accountability, share the open letter, and help reform Connecticut’s broken system.