Welcome To

We assist the needs and family of brain injury by providing guidance, support, resources and family assistance.

OUR MISSION

Refuse to Be Invisible, Inc is a nonprofit organization, founded by Michael McIntosh, operated by Executive director Dorothy Rawls. The organization aims to promote and provide support, guidance, financial resources, brain injury prevention information, and awareness.

Our Organization

Refuse to Be Invisible, Inc assess the needs of individuals and families of traumatic brain injury as well as help prevent brain injury.

Our Purpose

Refuse to Be Invisible, Inc is dedicated to finding ways to better the quality of living for individuals with brain injury, to create friendships, social confidence, and independence. RTBI believes that the only way to do this is through interactions and getting feedback from brain injury survivors.

Virtual Community Center for Brain Survivors

Refuse to Be Invisible, Inc created a full-service interactive online center for brain survivors to connect, engage, and gain friendship. This approach will reduce the feeling of isolation, cognitive declination while staying safe in the comfort of their home.

What Our Members Have To Say?

I had a brain injury in August, 2018, as the result of a blow to the head from a steel door. I had an acquired brain injury shortly after in January, 2019, from post-infectious encephalitis. It has taken a lot of hard work to get me this far. Despite my ongoing struggles, my hard-work, determination, and drive for independence got me to where I am today. My goal is to help people navigate the barriers they face due to their disability, since I went through so many struggles alone. I’m passionate about disability advocacy and education. I feel like no one should ever let their disability hold them back from accomplishing their goals in life. I have extensive knowledge on the ADA laws, and have helped many people with accommodations in the workplace, schools, and in public settings. I’m most passionate about advocating for workplace accommodations. No one should feel like their disability is holding them back from doing what they love. I got my Bachelor of Science from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri, double majoring in American Sign Language Studies and Equine Studies. I almost completed a third major in American Sign Language to English Interpreting, but my brain injury rendered me unable to finish my third major and I had to graduate early. I am still actively involved in the Deaf community, though I decided not to pursue American Sign Language Interpreting as a career. I am extensively involved in animal rescue, and hold a position on the board of directors of Happy Days Dog & Cat Rescue in Livonia, MI. I work as a veterinary assistant at a small general practice. I love dog training, especially working with my service dog, Atlas. We do obedience, agility, and many other fun activities. I would love to continue with service dog training and eventually hold service dog classes for others. I also have a horse, named Reacher, that I love to spend time with. Animals are a huge part of my life, and I love to incorporate them into my other passions however I can.
Lisa
RTBI Member