Advocacy

Brain injury advocacy involves identifying barriers to a better life and addressing those concerns with the right people and organizations. In many cases, a person with a brain injury will advocate for better healthcare treatment, better accommodations for their disability, and for better representation in legal matters.

Armed with basic information and helpful resources, anyone can become an effective advocate for themselves. Some people may choose to hire an advocate, such as a case manager or attorney, while others may ask family members and friends to help out.

Funding Assistive Technology and Accommodations
By: National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult | May 18, 2011
Learn about the various options available for funding assistive technology, equipment, and accommodations needed in the workplace.

Building Better Workplaces for Family Caregivers
By: National Partnership for Women & Families | March 22, 2011
Being a caregiver can be a fulltime job. How can you juggle a job, too? Learn more.

Identifying Brain Injury in State Juvenile Justice, Corrections, and Homeless Populations
By: Sharyl R. Helgeson, RH, PHN | January 13, 2011
Learn about "undiagnosed TBI" and why it is a significant societal problem.

When Libby Lost Her Smile
By: Naomi Parker | Personal Stories,BrainLine Kids | November 1, 2010
The story of a mother's relentless battle to help her daughter — in school and in life — after a brain injury.

Students with TBI: Learn About the IEP/504
By: Brain Injury Partners: Navigating the School System | BrainLine Kids | June 1, 2010
Know your rights as a student with a TBI; schools have systems in place to help.

Five Things to Consider When Setting Up a Special Needs Trust
By: Joanne Marcus, MSW | June 1, 2010
Don't delay setting up a special needs trust for your loved one with TBI.

Victimization of Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury or Other Disabilities: A Fact Sheet for Professionals
By: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | January 1, 2010
Learn how you can help and protect your clients.

Victimization of Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury or Other Disabilities: A Fact Sheet for Friends and Family
By: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | January 1, 2010
Victimization is harm caused on purpose. It is not an “accident.”

Self-Advocacy
By: HEATH Resource Center | BrainLine Kids | November 17, 2009
Giving students with disabilities the skills to self-advocate.

Employee Rights in the Workplace
By: Michael V. Kaplen, Esq. | Ask the Expert | April 1, 2009
Sometimes simple changes at work can make all the difference.

How Do I Know If I Need an Attorney?
By: Matthew A. Passen | January 1, 2009
Consider legal guidance you may need.

The National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan
By: National Advisory Board of The Sarah Jane Brain Foundation | BrainLine Kids | January 1, 2009
Learn more about the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury plan.

Advocacy Toolkit: Skills and Strategies for Effective and Peer Advocacy
By: Produced by Disability Rights Wisconsin | January 1, 2008
Information and skill-building exercises to develop and enhance advocacy skills.

Environmental Barriers
By: Craig Hospital | January 1, 2008
Learn how to sidestep environmental barriers that can get in the way of your recovery from a brain injury.

Addressing Concerns Related to Losing Social Security and Health Care Benefits
By: Virginia Commonwealth University | January 1, 2008
It's crucial to get accurate information and guidance on the potential impact of earnings on benefits after TBI.

Tips, Contacts, and Tools for State Agencies
By: National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) | BrainLine Kids | February 1, 2007
Contacts and information from the various state agencies.

TBI Consumer Report: Person-Centered Planning
By: Mount Sinai Medical Center | January 1, 2007
Every person with TBI is different  and unique.

Competency and Brain Injury: An Interview with Robert Denney, PsyD
By: Beth Hearne | January 1, 2006
Should the legal process make certain concessions for someone with TBI?

A Guide to Disability Rights Laws
By: U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division | BrainLine Kids | January 1, 2005
Know your rights — an overview of Federal civil rights for people with disabilities.

The Student with a Brain Injury: Achieving Goals for Higher Education
By: Janis Ruoff, PhD | January 1, 2001
Finding the right help to navigate through college and beyond.