Breaking Barriers:

Supporting Individuals with TBI’s through the Continuum of Vocational Rehabilitation Hollee Stamper, MSW, LSW, CBIS Jeff Noonan, M.Ed.,CBIS

March 2014

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/

Today’s Objectives

• To learn the definitions of Acquired Brain Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries • To identify barriers and strategies for individuals with TBI’s to return to work • To be knowledgeable of resources to support the vocational placement process

Today’s Objectives

• Learn how team approach can support vocational rehabilitation • Examine case studies of successful volunteer and vocational placements

Brief Introduction to Brain Injury

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI):

an injury to the brain, which is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma. An acquired brain injury is an injury to the brain that has occurred after birth.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

is an injury to the brain caused by an external force after birth

Brief Introduction to Brain Injury

Attention

Types of Attention: • Selective Attention • Divided Attention • Alternating Attention • Sustained Attention http://www.flashissue.com/b

Memory

Stages: •Encoding •Storage •Retrieval

www.examiner.com

Executive-Functioning

Executive-functioning

:

involves the integration and management of multiple cognitive skills. These complex processes enables individuals to attain goals and perform everyday activities.

Novel Problem-Solving Strategies • Define Problem • Identify Possible Solutions • • • Decide on Solution Implement Evaluate

Interpersonal Skills

Individuals May Encounter Difficulties with Interpersonal Skills Due to: \ • Limited Self-Awareness • Poor Impulse-Control • Cognitive Inflexibility www.combativemind.com

Team Approaches to Support Vocational Success

Team Approaches • Interdisciplinary • Transdisciplinary www.live-recruitment.co.uk

Case Study: AB

• Female • 46 Years Old Strengths Challenges Willingness to work Memory Participates in therapies Ataxia

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)

www.ncdhhs.go

v

Case Study: CD

• Female • 50 years old Strengths Challenges Eagerness to Return to Work Memory Participates in Treatment Attention

Case Study: CD

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Process Orientation Interview with Intake Counselor Neuro Functional Assessment Team Meeting to Determine Work Candidacy Strategies Memory Aids Role-Play Exercises Checklist

Case Study: EF

• Female • 30 years old • Pet Sales Associate

Strengths Challenges

Strong Work Ethic Emotional Regulation Strong Family Commitment Interpersonal Skills

Case Study: EF

Challenge Maintaining Professional Boundaries Strategies Define Boundaries Role-Playing Social Scripts

Case Study: EF

Challenges Non-Verbal Communication Engaging in Reciprocal Conversation Strategies Role-Playing Natural Supports

Case Study: GH

Strength Visual-Spatial Skills • Male • 56 Years Old Challenge Frustration Tolerance

Resources to Support Vocational Success

http://www.caveylaw.com/prudential-disability-insurance-program-begins-a return-to-work-service /

BIAA: Brain Injury Association of America

• Can give information on resources available in your state

Find Your State Brain Injury Association Website Link

: http://www.biausa.org/state-affiliates.htm

Ticket to Work

Video Link : http://www.chooseworkttw.net/about/index.html

Veteran Affairs Resources

• Employment Services • Education and Training • Disability Compensation

Additional Resources

• • • Volunteer opportunities within organization Volunteer opportunities in the community Transitional or therapeutic employment opportunities

Conclusion:

• Transdisciplinary Team/Interdisciplinary • Challenges to overcome • Resources

Questions?

Jeffrey Noonan, M.Ed, CBIS: [email protected]

Hollee Stamper, MSW, LSW, CBIS [email protected]