Breaking Barriers: Supporting Individuals with TBI’s

through the Continuum of Vocational Rehabilitation

Hollee Stamper, MSW, LSW, CBISJeff 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

AttentionTypes of Attention: •Selective Attention•Divided Attention•Alternating Attention•Sustained Attention

http://www.flashissue.com/b

MemoryStages: •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 SkillsIndividuals May Encounter Difficulties withInterpersonal Skills Due to:

• Limited Self-Awareness• Poor Impulse-Control• Cognitive Inflexibility

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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.gov

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

OrientationInterview 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

ChallengesNon-Verbal Communication

Engaging in Reciprocal Conversation

Strategies Role-Playing

Natural Supports

Case Study: GH

• Male• 56 Years Old

Strength Challenge

Visual-Spatial Skills 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: Jeffrey.Noonan@bancroft.org

Hollee Stamper, MSW, LSW, CBISHollee.Stamper@bancroft.org