Following a concussion or brain injury, a child's educational and emotional needs are often very different than prior to the injury.
Frequent complaints from students include difficulty with memory and comprehension, trouble completing the required amount of work within an allotted time, lack of energy, susceptibility to distraction, and confusion (Brain Injury Association of America [BIAA], n.d.).
School systems provide a variety of accommodations (e.g. 504, IEP, etc.), but many students/parents are unaware of what is available. It is important to stay informed about your rights and plan carefully for return to school.
Did you know graduation rates for children with disabilities is 17.5% less than the national average?
(National School Board Association, 2019)Parents meet with school's or district's administration to discuss the situation
A thorough evaluation of students academic and cognitive abilities is conducted. It is important to consult with a brain injury professional for assistance through this process
Documentation of brain injury is provided to the school as well as recommendations (by a health professional) for accommodations. If there is no documentation of injury, it is possible for the school to conduct an interview with the student and use as documentation of disability.
An Individualized Education Program or Plan (IEP) is developed to ensure the child receives specialized instruction or relevant services. This plan is flexible and can be changed as parents, school, and student learn more about what is necessary
Examples of accommodations: additional time to complete work. extra/extended breaks, grading quality of work over the quantity of work, providing student with instructor's notes, providing clear oral or written instructions, etc.
Center for Brain Injury Research & Training (CBIRT): CBIRT provides concussion and brain injury education and conducts research in Oregon
CBIRT Academic Accommodations Matrix: This tool created by CBIRT outlines various accommodations.
UGotBrains?: Provides information to help spread the word to teens about the serious consequences of brain injury
Get Schooled On Concussions: provides information on the Return to Learn process
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR): central source for information on disabilities and research-based information on effective educational practices
TBI & Inclusive Services: Has links to many education related resources such as concussion accommodations form, TBI technical assistance form, TBI early intervention eligibility form, TBI awareness video, regional inclusive services map, concussion education, and more
University of Oregon Brain injury/Concussion Services: 541-346-0923