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

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

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-areturn-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

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, CBIS
Hollee.Stamper@bancroft.org