In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month and of those who have been impacted by brain injury, we will focus our discussion on how to support learners who disclose brain injury.
I want to begin by sharing some resources that may be of value to educators:
- The Brain Injury Association of America - https://www.biausa.org
- Until a loved one suffered severe brain injury, I didn’t quite understand how it could impact every facet of someone’s life. This website offers information on a wide range of experiences. It also provides a link to resources by zip code in the event that a student needs referral to a service.
- Brain Injury Story Wall - https://concussionstorywall.org/storywall
- The stories shared depict a wide range of experiences. Apart from being empowering to the community of individuals who are impacted by brain injury, it also offers an opportunity to bring discussion of brain injury into the classroom in the words of those who live with BI every day.
In my experience working with students who have disclosed brain injury, using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) helps to ensure that I have offered numerous options for learners to engage with material and show what they have learned. I highly recommend the UDL modules offered in the LINCS Courses page (https://courses.lincs.ed.gov/static/about.html#UDL). In particular, the module titled Universal Design for Learning: Learning that Works for All is applicable to this discussion because it focuses on the unique needs of each individual within our classes.
What other resources have you used to reduce barriers in your classroom and help individuals impacted by brain injury to engage in learning?
Comments
It's great to see this post! Brain injury is a uniquely individual disability. The area of the brain and the severity of the impact greatly affect the challenges an individual faces post-injury, as well as their prognosis for recovery.
The UDL modules are a great resource for thinking about increasing access for learners with a TBI. In addition to the challenges with accessing prior and new knowledge, many individuals with TBI face significant emotional and behavioral challenges. It's important to consider where and how adult learners with TBI can access mental health services, especially when they may not be offered within the educational setting.
Another excellent resource for learning about both the learning and mental health needs of individuals with TBI is the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). MSKTC has evidence-based materials available in formats including printable PDF documents, videos, and PowerPoints, across topics ranging from Balance Problems & TBI to Voting Tips after TBI.
Michael,
Thank you for your insightful response and for sharing additional context and resources!
Thank you for these valuable resources! I’d like to add another one that provides insight into the mental and emotional aspects of brain injuries, which often play a crucial role in recovery and adaptation for those affected.
The Psychological Effects of Brain Injuries - This article delves into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by brain injury survivors, offering educators and support staff a better understanding of the personal struggles that students may experience. Recognizing these aspects can be beneficial when considering approaches like Universal Design for Learning, as they allow us to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
I’d love to hear if others have found helpful ways to address the psychological side of brain injuries in educational settings!