• Not relying solely on segregated, specialized programs.
• Providing transition opportunities from special services to generic programs.
• Offering simple, inexpensive beginner classes to teach the basic skills for participation.
• Incorporating repetition in your teaching. Allowing participants to repeat the steps/skills multiple times if they choose.
• Offering refresher classes that can be repeated.
• Providing simple, written instructions on site of the rules or steps of activity.
• Establishing predictable routines to your activity, meetings, or facility procedures.
• Including some programs that are not dependent on speed or precision.
• Borrowing adapted equipment from loan programs for individuals to try out at your facility site.
• Developing supports for individuals who are beginning a new activity such as short-term coaches or a volunteer training partners.
• Sharing information with brain injury support groups and rehabilitation programs.
• Find out what activities and programs their members are most interested.
• Surveying persons with disabilities to find out what activities and programs they would like to see offered.

 

 
 
 

After a brain injury, many individuals experience memory problems and reduced stamina. Some may experience changes in their motor skills, their cognitive processing, their language skills, their vision, their speech, and their impulse and/or emotional control. When working with someone with a brain injury, remember that each injury is unique. If the individual has communication deficits and concepts are not being understood, say it in a different way. If you are unsure of how to assist an individual, ask them and work together to come up with a solution. 

Click here for more info regarding the affects of a brain injury

What is this project?
Services and Supports for Persons with Brain Injuries is a community therapeutic recreation service designed to improve the social functioning and community skills of individuals with brain injuries. This project aims to: 

• Decrease social isolation and strengthen community skills,
• Strengthen resources and supports to family members,
• Enhance peer support groups' ability to respond to members social and recreational needs,
• Improve community responsiveness to individuals with brain injury,
• Disseminate a field tested model of services for future replication.

Why is this project needed?
Research confirms that therapeutic recreation has an extensive impact on the health and well being of individuals served. Through therapeutic recreation interventions, individuals with a brain injury have demonstrated improved memory, attention span, decision making, and organizational habits. In addition, therapeutic recreation interventions can teach individuals skills for better self-control of behavior and more satisfying social involvement. Recreation can be the medium which person with brain injuries gain the skills and confidence to return to previous responsibilities and employment. 

After injury, many persons become isolated and unproductive. With appropriate supports and resources, persons with brain injuries can be remain active and contributing members. Parks and Recreation programs, YMCA, arts and cultural programs, volunteer opportunities, church, civic, and other community events are a few examples of many possibilities that will mutually gain from welcoming persons were differing abilities. 
 
 

Community Resources for additional help

For info about this project or additional assistance--
Jan Hodges, Project Director, jhodges@email.unc.edu
Karen Luken, Project Coordinator, kluken@email.unc.edu
Betsey Zook, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, bzook@email.unc.edu