Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Eligibility Criteria

Traumatic Brain Injury means an acquired injury to the brain caused by an external physical force, resulting in a total or partial functional disability or psychological impairment, or both, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term applies to open or closed head injuries resulting in impairments in one or more areas, such as cognition; language; memory; attention; reasoning; abstract thinking; judgment; problem solving; sensory, perceptual and motor abilities; psychosocial behavior; physical functions; information processing; and speech. The term does not apply to brain injuries that are congenital or degenerative, or brain injuries caused by birth trauma. 

Criteria: All elements listed below must be determined to establish eligibility. 

1. The student has an open or closed head injury that has affected the following: (Identify all that apply) 

• • Cognitive 

  • Language 

  • Memory 

  • Attention 

  • Reasoning 

  • Abstract Thinking 

  • Judgment 

  • Problem Solving 

  • Sensory, Perceptual and/or Motor Abilities 

  • Psychosocial Behavior 

  • Physical Functions 

  • Information Processing 

  • Speech 

2. The injury has resulted in a total or partial functional disability or psychosocial impairment. 

3. The injury adversely affects the student’s educational performance, and requires special education to meet the student’s needs.