Personal Injury Law

Resources for the College Bound with Traumatic Brain Injuries

By Bruce Stern

The below entry is an article from a guest-blogger,  Emily Thomas, who writes about the Associates Degree. She welcomes your feedback at Emily.Thomas31@ yahoo.com.

While a traumatic brain injury can be a life changing and often difficult obstacle to over come, it is in many cases by no means an impediment from attending an institution of higher learning, getting a degree and pursing an independent career. There are a number of great resources out there that can help ease the transition into college life and help students who have problems with memory and abstract thinking. Here are a few that you can utilize and research before making the leap into college life.

1. College Living Experience – While based out of Maryland, this is only one of the many larger programs across the nation that offer support and help for TBI college students. Through it, students will get tutoring, help with time management, adaptive computer technology and assistance with household tasks. Additionally, staff members will help pave the way for students to engage actively in social activities on campus as well.
2. Brain Injury Association of America -This great organization has put out a pamphlet all about the challenges and rewards associated with attending college for those with brain injuries. Read it to learn how to choose a school, get assistance paying for it and to better access your options.
3. Post Injury Academics – One of the best ways to prepare for your own academic career is to learn from those who've been there and done it before you. Try reading this article from determined student Paul Gianni about his experiences as a student and where he failed and succeeded.
4. AHEAD: The Association for Higher Education and Disability can be an invaluable resource for families looking to learn more about their options and ways to make the transition easier.
5. DO-IT: Check out some of the programs and resources offered through this University of Washington organization dedicated to making it easier for those with disabilities to attend college and get jobs.
6. Peterson's Online Degree Search: For some, going to school online may be a simpler way to ease into college life, as not everything needs to change at once. See what your options are on this site.
7. Brain Injury Resource Center: Through this site you can find out just about anything about your rights and opportunities as a college student with a TBI.
8. Scholarships for Disabled Students: You may be able to qualify for a range of scholarships when you attend school, greatly reducing the cost. This link will highlight a few and show you where you can search for others.

Full post as published by Traumatic Brain Injury Law Blog on August 17, 2009 (boomark / email).