Any one can experience a brain injury. In fact, according to the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina, a traumatic brain injury occurs every 23 seconds. Brain injuries can happen in an instant and at any time: a car accident, a fall from a ladder or roof, an athletic injury, a stroke. Brain injuries can impact speech, memory, behavior and personality. A brain injury impacts every area of one’s life.
The road to recovery for brain injury survivors is often long. First, bodies need to heal and months of difficult physical, occupational and speech therapy may follow. But what happens once the initial rehabilitation is over? How do you get back to your family? Your job? Your life?
Brain Injury Support Services:
One of the first in its kind in the country, the Brain Injury Support Services program at Community Partnerships, Inc. helps individuals who have sustained a brain injury work toward gainful employment.
Program success is based on the understanding that everything in life impacts employment. We recognize that each brain injury and each individual is unique. We work to address the needs of each person.
Individual and group services include:
- Assessment — Participants begin BISS services with a comprehensive Assessment to identify their strengths and needs. The BISS staff uses both formal and informal testing to create a personalized summary of each participant’s needs related to: Cognitive Rehabilitation, Mental Health, Case Management, and Vocational Skills.
- Cognitive Rehabilitation — Cognitive Rehabilitation services are designed to provide intensive support based upon the results of the Assessment and upon each participant’s individualized service plan. Services provided include: Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy, Therapy & Counseling, Occupational Information, and Case Management.
- Career Exploration — This phase of BISS services includes:
- Career assessments, skill inventories, and analysis of
previous work experience. - Job shadowing and volunteer opportunities based on
each individual’s career goals. - Training on how to develop resumes, complete job
applications, and how and where to look for jobs. - Training on proper interviewing techniques, including
mock interviews. - Training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
and how it pertains to the interview process.
- Career assessments, skill inventories, and analysis of
- Employment & Job Retention –Employment & Job Retention services begin once the participant is ready to search for gainful employment. The BISS staff focuses on
- Job Development–Helping participants search for and secure jobs that match their personal career goals.
- Job Training–Helping participants transition into the workplace by providing on-the-job training and support.
- Follow-Along Supports–Helping participants keep their jobs by providing ongoing support as needed.