Download - Training, TBI
Andrea BueningIL Special Projects CoordinatorThe Independent Living Center
March 9, 2012
Traumatic Brain InjuryAfter Rehabilitation
What next?
I am just like every one of your patients
I continue to experience limitations caused by my brain injury
I choose to make something good from something very bad
This is who I am
VideoPersonal Stories [with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)](1).mp4
Life Experience May 16, 1997, began
my journey I have nearly 15 years
of life with TBI Rehab for 11.5 months Successful Outcome Advocacy – local and
legislative
Drawing From the Past
Survivors need role models who they listen to and take
seriously Like children
Impressionable
Vulnerable Impulsive Fragile
Provide Education Former teacher Current disability advocate
IL Skills Training Support group facilitator
Been there/done that Brain Injury Association of
Missouri Board member, 2nd term Be available for INR
Missouri Brain Injury Advisory Council member Systems Change
Carrying the torch ICANB Exposure to many
venues Abilities Availability Flexibility with
employer Graduate Certificate –
George Washington Univ. Proving ground EXAMPLE TO
OTHERS Survivors Non Survivors
Lead, Follow, or Get out of the Way!
Struggles that TBI survivors face
Financial Emotional – Mental Health Issues
What is primary? Brain Injury is
Lack of support Lack of control Being a burden Spousal exhaustion
“BI isn’t for sissys”
Family members have their own unique struggles
notice the similaries Supporting the survivor
Financially Emotionally
Dealing with the survivor Lack of support for themselves
Acceptance Counseling for both High percentage of relationship failure
Lack of control over the survivor and situation Role change in the family
Dealing with the burden of caregiving Spousal exhaustion Focus Change
Children? Friends and family?
Survivors Locate a Center for Independent Living
Four Core Services INR – Information and Referral IL Skills Training – EDUCATION Peer Support – Support Groups/Social
Activities, etc. Advocacy – Individually, legislatively
Loss of control Find a therapist
Behavior Modification Specialist
Goal Setting If you/they set expectations high, the
achievements will be higher – within reason
Ameliorating the Struggles
Helping Families Find respite
Adult Day Care National organizations
http://www.aoa.gov/ Find a volunteer position
Numerous opportunities BIAMO
Locate Support Groups
Survivors: How capable are they?
Driving? Vocational RehabilitationOnly one Certified Evaluator in the State
Neuropsychology What is their predicted outcome?Functional Outcome
Be sure prediction is not the expectation Teacher’s rule If you set your expectations low, the achievement will be low
The Unknown
Therapy vs. education Continued therapy becomes
“education” If no long-term cognitive rehabilitation is
available Family support and training Hobbies Planners, i.e. Smartphones and pocket
PDA’s DVBIC.org Lash and Associates Publishing The internet Computer training
Accommodations through Mo Assistive Technology
Utilize specific software
Therapy vs. Education Therapy IS education
IF No long term therapy IS available Brain Injuries are NOT progressive Survivors CAN learn
Through various methods identified through Neuropsychological evaluation
Find what motivates them
TBI survivors have many struggles they face
decision-making self-reliance self-confidence Malingering Illnesses not taken seriously
MotivationWhat makes a person desire to get
better?
SOMETHING they can do that is positive
Benefits SSDI
Benefit Specialists assist those who wish to work SSI
Limited income potential Available to survivors injured before age 22
Retirement If previously employed long-term?
MO. HEALTHNET PRIVATE INSURANCE PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT
VR Testing Driving
The Independent Living Center, Joplin
George Washington University Coursework for the Graduate
Certificate in Educational and Transition Services
Experience
PROFESSIONALS LIKE YOU
Resources