Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Community Integration after a Traumatic Brain Injury

• Published in: The Exceptional parent 2010-09, Vol.40 (9), p.42
• Main Authors: Barton, Barbara, Brouwers, Lynn, Ruoff, Janis, Trudel, Tina M, Valnes, Betsy, Elias, Eileen, Pines, Hayley
• Format: Magazinearticle
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescents; Behavior; Brain; Brain damage; Care and treatment; Change; Children; Children & youth; Community life; Consultants; Disability; Disabled persons; Educational Environment; Employment; Family Relationship; Federal Legislation; Head Injuries; Health aspects; Health services; Individualized Education Programs; Individualized Instruction; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Injuries; Interpersonal relations; Job Skills; Learning; Management; Neurological Impairments; People with disabilities; Physical therapy; Reentry Students; Rehabilitation; Rehabilitation Act 1973 (Section 504); Related Services (Special Education); School districts; School environment; Social aspects; Special Education; Special Needs Students; Speech therapy; Students; Training; Young Adults
• ISSN: 0046-9157; 2373-2881

"Rehabilitation," as a term in and of itself, implies a goal of bringing something back to its original state of being. However, for many people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI), rehabilitation means learning to live all over again. Through means of education and employment, this article explores the quest for inclusive community integration--supports and services that enable a person with disabilities to live in and participate in his or her community, instead of being confined to a medical facility. It also covers progressive steps that lead to successful career-based outcomes: (1) higher education; (2) vocational training; (3) employment preparation; (4) family involvement; and (5) personal acceptance. In regards to higher education, vocational training, employment preparation, and job placement/selection, details such as resources, employer adaptability and public awareness are recognized as important factors in attaining these outcomes, along with the nature and severity of the injury. Also, personal creativity, resilience and determination are important success factors. This article's purpose is to provide an understanding of the importance of rehabilitation after a TBI in helping children, adolescents, and young adults attain maximum functioning and a full community life, while learning to live with this incurred disability.