Living with TBI Resources
Curated resources tailored specifically for individuals living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, or from an object that pierces the skull and enters the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI.
Documenting TBI for SSI/SSDI
Maryland SOAR Conference Presentation: Brain Injury: An Often Hidden Disability (PPTX) and accompanying resource, Ohio State University TBI Identification Form (PDF).
TBI Advocacy Organizations
Brain Injury Association of America,
800-444-6443: The BIAA’s website has information for consumers and professionals concerning brain injury consequences, resources and prevention.
Brain Injury Association of Maryland, 410-448-2924: Maryland’s BIAA affiliate offers information and referral services for individuals with brain injury, their families and for professionals. BIAM has a library of information and sponsors an annual conference on topics related to the field of brain injury.
National Association of State Head Injury Administrators, 301-656-3500: NASHIA’s efforts are aimed at “assisting state government in promoting partnerships and building systems to meet the needs of individuals with brain injury and their families.” NASHIA offers information on a variety of brain injury related topics including domestic violence, employment and veterans for free. NASHIA also has many publications, CDs and Webcasts on a variety of brain injury related topics available for purchase.
TBI Research Institutions/Products
The Brain Injury Guide & Resources, A collaboration of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the MU Department of Health Psychology: This online resource is an excellent source of information for individuals living with brain injury, their families and human service professionals who are not brain injury specialists who wish to increase their knowledge and understanding of brain injury and its impact on a variety of populations including the impact of brain injury on the elderly and athletes and on families.
Ohio Valley Center for Brain Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, 614-293-3802: The Ohio Valley Center is one of the TBI Model Systems research centers in the country. John Corrigan and his colleagues conduct research and publish on a variety of topics including TBI and substance abuse, domestic violence and employment. The Center’s website provides information and tip sheets appropriate for professionals as well as consumers and families. This year, OSU added additional content for professionals working with individuals living with TBI, with a page entitled, Ask an Expert About TBI. This site offers information specifically designed for community services providers.
National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury: Developed by the Medical College of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University. This website has resources for both professionals, individuals living with brain injury and their families.
The UAB Home Stimulation Program: This program, created by the University of Alabama Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, offers many activities for use by individuals with brain injuries, their families and the professionals who work with them. The activities are designed to help support cognitive skills and can be done in the home setting.
Mayo Clinic Guide. “Understanding Brain Injury, a guide for families.”: This booklet contains information on the structure and function of the human brain, the causes of brain injury, the recovery process, and behavior and communication changes after brain injury. It also outlines a number of stressful behaviors and situations that may occur for people with brain injury.
New York Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, Mount Sinai Medical Center: Mount Sinai is one of the TBI Model Systems programs as well as houses the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Traumatic Brain Injury Interventions.
Cerebral Palsy
The Cerebral Palsy Group is an online resource for anyone who has been affected by cerebral palsy, brain injuries, or birth injuries. Cerebral palsy occurs as a result of brain injury sustained during fetal development or birth. The group is dedicated to providing information, material, and resources that are available to both families as well as those who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and have extensive information about cerebral palsy, treatment options, and support.
Employment Focused
The Job Accommodation Network: This site offers useful articles dealing with employment after brain injury. Information can be obtained regarding individualized workplace accommodations and strategies that can be used to maximize success on the job. A service of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.
Mayo Clinic Guide, “Understanding Brain Injury, a Guide for Employers.” (PDF) Intended to provide an overview of brain injury and suggested strategies employers can implement to support those living with brain injury in the workplace.
Consumer Centered
Brain Injury Resource Center: Good resource for memory aides and tips for utilizing strategies to maximize independence at home and in the community. This website is consumer centered and has a number of worksheets available to download for personal use.
Continuing Education and Technology Resources
The Michigan Department of Community Health, Web-Based Brain Injury Training for Professionals: This free training consists of 4 modules that take an estimated 30 minutes each to complete. The purpose of the training is twofold, to “ensure service providers understand the range of outcomes” following brain injury and to “improve the ability of service providers to identify and deliver appropriate services for persons with TBI.”
Lash and Associates Publishing/Training: This website offers information primarily on brain injury in children and adolescents. Lash publishes many tip cards and publications on related topics such as school reentry after brain injury. The website does offer some articles that can be downloaded for free, however the majority of the products are for sale.
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