Educating Students with Brain Injury
It is likely that most educators will encounter students with brain injuries at some time - from the student who sustained a severe brain injury in a motor vehicle crash to the student who sustained a concussion on the soccer field. In an effort to assist school professionals, parents and students, the following materials were created. It is important to keep in mind that there is no one size fits all to meet the educational needs of students with brain injury, requiring a flexible approach for each student.
Helping Students with Brain Injury
The following links provide educators, students and others with additional resources for information about the brain and brain injury. A link to each organization’s web site is included where available.
Educational Resources for Parents
Navigating the educational system following a brain injury can be a daunting and challenging task for parents. The following are resources to assist parents in understanding their child's rights, and how to navigate the educational systeam as the parent of a child with a disability.
State Education Resource Center (SERC), Phone: 860-632-1485, Website: http://ctserc.org/s/ - SERC is a nonprofit agency primarily funded by the CT State Department of Education. SERC provides information dissemination in the latest research and best practices to educators, service providers, and families throughout the state.
LEARNet, Website: http://projectlearnet.org/project_learn.html - LEARNet is a resource for teachers, clinicians, parents, and students. LEARNet is an interactive web-based problem-solving program designed to enable families and school staff to create effective intervention and support plans for students with Acquired brain injury/ Traumatic brain injury.
Center on Post Secondary Education, Website: http://cped.uconn.edu/ - Lists Connecticut Resources for Assessment Services · For a listing of Disability Services contacts on the CT college and universities go to: http://cped.uconn.edu/learning-disability-ld-and-disability-services-ds-contact-personsfor-students-on-connecticut-college-and-university-campuses/
Gateway Community College Step Forward Programs: Contact for Step Forward is: Jaime French, Director 203-285-2505 jfrench@gatewayct.edu - A 10-month transition program for young adults (18-21) with mild cognitive disabilities. This non-credit program focuses on interpersonal communication skills, career exploration and workplace readiness. In addition to classroom instruction, students are placed in a community or campus-based work experience. Topics covered in the Step Forward I program may include vocational exploration & career planning, job search essentials, personal finances, interpersonal & workplace communications, self-advocacy & disability awareness, and nutrition & fitness. There is a follow up Step Forward 2.
Neuroscience for Kids - Brain Development - Created for students and teachers who would like to learn about the nervous system. Discover the exciting world of the brain, spinal cord, neurons and the senses. Use the experiments, activities and games to help you learn about the nervous system.
Your Brain & Nervous System - KidsHealth / Nemours Foundation (Written in kid friendly language)
Brain, Brain Information, Facts, News, Photos - National Geographic - Create a free online account with National Geographic to gain access to this and other useful information.
Brain Development: Frequently Asked Questions - Zero To Three
Inside the Teenage Brain - PBS Frontline
What’s going on in there? How science may help explain the mysteries of the teenage years.
The Baby's Brain - The Secret Life of the Brain, PBS
En Español
Traumatismo cerebral y de cabeza – Medline Plus