For some people, returning to work after a traumatic brain injury can be difficult or impossible. But a good many people with traumatic brain injury do return to their old careers -- or to new ones that bring fulfillment and a sense of self-worth.
Obstacles, often referred to in context with traumatic brain injury as environmental barriers, can make returning to work difficult -- from stairs and long corridors to lack of transportation or the attitudes of other people. Existing laws can help overcome some of those barriers.
The Americans with Disability Act, which was passed in Congress in 1990, states that if a person has a condition that meets the definition of a disability -- and this can include a brain injury -- an employer is required to provide the individual with reasonable accommodations to perform his or her job.
Accommodating Employees with Traumatic Brain Injury
Employers can play a vital role in helping service members and veterans with TBI transition back to work by recognizing the challenges associated with TBI and making necessary adjustments and/or reasonable accommodations.
Training, Supervision & Other Natural Workplace Supports
When it comes to employment, promising practices exist to help transitioning service members with TBI and PTSD. Providing natural workplace supports is one of these practices.
Workplace Mentoring
When it comes to employment, promising practices exist to help transitioning service members with TBI and PTSD. One such practice is mentoring.
Tips for Communicating with People with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Not everyone has experience communicating with people with disabilities, but as with anyone, be respectful and courteous.
Customized Employment
Customized employment is one promising practice to help transitioning service members with combat-related TBI and PTSD succeed in the workplace.
How to Find Local or State Support After a Brain Injury
Learn what help is available before filing for disability benefits.
Universal Design and Assistive Technology in the Workplace
A diverse workforce means different and unique needs among employees. Learn how employees can meet these various needs.
Making a Difference #12: Erroll
Six years after a car wreck, Erroll teaches elementary school PE. "I'm problaby the most positive person you'll ever meet."
Transitioning to Adult Life for Kids with TBI
Studies are being done to find the best ways to help kids transition from the hospital back to school and from school to adult life.
Job Coaching
Learn how a job coach can help transitioning service members with TBI, PTSD, and other combat-related injuries succeed in the workplace.
El ADA: Sus derechos como individuo
Este folleto explica la sección del ADA que corresponde a la discriminación en el trabajo.
Compensatory Strategies for Studying
Kelli Gary talks about the compensatory strategies that she found through her own experience worked for her.
Going Back to School After My Traumatic Brain Injury
Kelli Gary talks about deciding to go back to school after her traumatic brain injury and her mom who supported her even when school didn't work out the first time.
Completing My Education After Traumatic Brain Injury
Kelli Gary talks about the struggles she faced when going back to complete her education and some of the ways she coped with the difficulties caused by her injury.
What Do I Tell My Employer?
Will my boss know that "mild" TBI is much more than mild?
Returning to Work After Brain Injury
Learn what the research tells us.
Dr. Tedd Judd Talks About Errorless Learning After Brain Injury
What exactly is this teaching tool used for people with TBI?
Que hacer y no que hacer al revelar información sobre su discapacidad
Esta guía ofrece conejos sobre lo que se debe hacer y no hacer al revelar una discapacidad.
Employee Rights in the Workplace
Sometimes simple changes at work can make all the difference.
Supporting Employees with TBI
Learn how job accommodations can help employers and employees.
La Red de Acomodación en el Empleo
Aprende más sobre La Red de Acomodación en el Empleo (JAN).
Parents’ Guide to the Transition of Their Adult Child to College, Career, and Community
Help your child return to school and life after brain injury.
Anyone Can Work, Really
Learn how to find and keep a job.
Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Brain Injuries
For employers to determine effective accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Job Accommodations for People with Brain Injuries
Learn about what job accommodations are available to you, legally, after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Preguntas y respuestas respecto a la Ley sobre Estadounidenses con Discapacidades
Este folleto contesta las preguntas más frecuentes sobre la ADA.
Acomodaciones en el empleo al retornar al trabajo
Aprende más sobre las acomodaciones útiles al retornar al trabajo después de una lesión cerebral.
Acomodaciones en el empleo para personas con lesiones cerebrales
Aprende más sobre las acomodaciones que pueden ser útiles para personas con una lesión cerebral.
Guía sobre las leyes de derechos de discapacitados
Esta guía explica las leyes federales que aplican las personas discapacitadas.
Preguntas frecuentes sobre los Títulos II y III de la ADA
Esta guía contesta las preguntas frecuentes sobre los Títulos II y III de la ADA.
TBI Research Review: Return to Work After Traumatic Brain Injury
Returning to work or school after a TBI can come with enormous challenges. Learn more.
Addressing Concerns Related to Losing Social Security and Health Care Benefits
It's crucial to get accurate information and guidance on the potential impact of earnings on benefits after TBI.
Individualized Support Needs and Traumatic Brain Injury
Individualized support and strategies are crucial for success in all areas of life.
Guía para personas con discapacidades en busca de empleo
Este folleto responde a preguntas acerca de los derechos laborales bajo la ADA.
Your Workplace Rights When an Immediate Family Member Suffers a Traumatic Brain Injury
Learn about your rights under the Family & Medical Leave Act.
The Great Leap Forward: Transitioning into the Adult World
Learn about services to support students with TBI before and after they leave public school.
Puntos destacados del Título III
Esta guía proporciona información sobre Título III de la ADA.
Información sobre discrimen por razon de impedimentos
Este artículo explica las leyes del Título I de la Ley para Personas Impedidas 1990.
Moving On: A Personal Futures Planning Workbook for Individuals with Brain Injury
A workbook to be used by people with TBI and thsoe who want to work with them on planning for a better future.
Understanding Brain Injury: A Guide for Employers
The effort employers put forth can make a tremendous difference to an employee with a brain injury.
¿Qué es una lesión cerebral? Guía para empleadores
Miles de personas con lesión cerebral se suman a la fuerza laboral cada año. Como empleador, usted tiene la oportunidad de contribuir al éxito vocacional de aquellos individuos que han sufrido una lesión cerebral. Este folleto denominado “¿Qué es una lesión cerebral?” explica las causas y tipos de lesiones cerebrales, menciona los cambios de comportamiento más comunes en las personas con lesión cerebral, y ofrece técnicas sencillas para ayudarles a manejar los posibles cambios. El interés que usted muestre puede hacer una gran diferencia en un empleado con lesión cerebral.