Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Resources Washington State

Latest News

Return to School – Washington State

The Return to School (RTS) platform is designed specifically for Washington educators, parents, and community providers who support students with brain injury.

Here you will find resources for RTS, webinars and instructional videos, and a conference registration portal.

The “In the Classroom” course is a FREE Online professional development series developed specifically for education working with students in a school setting.

All resources are provided FREE of charge.

Washington State RTS is found at – https://returntoschool.org/wa

 

TBI Informational Videos

What is TBI

Purpose - Provide a basic understanding of what is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to include signs, symptoms, and actions to take to support an individual.

 

Person Centered Planning

Purpose - An ongoing problem-solving process used to help people plan for their future. In person-centered planning, groups of people focus on an individual and the person’s vision of what they would like to do in the future. This generally includes assessment and planning tools that are focused on the participant’s strengths, choice, and self-direction in an effort to understand what is important to and for the participant.

 

Return to Learn

Purpose - Be persistent in getting services - K-12 / University / Job Training

Determine the Front doors that can exist along the pathway for an Individual from Early Education to Adult Learning and Employment skills.

 

Independent Living

Purpose - Foster Person-Centered independence by advocating for structured TBI supports throughout the system to promote resiliency and reduce isolation. 

The Front Doors that can exist along the Pathway that include Independent living supports for Individuals with a TBI.  To include skills courses, learning opportunities, and eligibility requirements for support resources.

 

Return to Work

Purpose - There are no negative outcomes in finding and succeeding in work

The Front Doors that can exist along the Pathway for an individual and employer that will empower each to understand opportunities, resources, and program(s) of assistance in Returning to Work.

 

TBI Virtual Support Groups: Virtual Education and Social Support

Virtual Support Groups are being offered on the “Hey Peers” platform

TBI Support Groups Information Flyer

The Washington State Traumatic Brain Injury Council provides Support Groups through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) that emphasize education and interpersonal support. The TBI Support Groups are predicated on the concept that a person-centered approach can empower and enrich an individual’s life following a Traumatic Brain Injury.

To that end, the emphasis of DSHS TBI Funded Support groups is to aid in developing long-term knowledge and generic problem-solving skills to help attendees overcome obstacles that may interfere with a fulfilling life. While these groups may provide a therapeutic effect, they do not provide therapy and instead focus on delivering organized bodies of knowledge and resources for the betterment of attendees.  

The universal shift to a single virtual platform for Support Groups continues the work previously started, and truly brings opportunities to all parts of Washington State.  Increased opportunity to attend and receive support, education, and resource information is an important part of the work that can meet even remote rural areas.  This shift allows for the outreach necessary to grow TBI programs, resources, education, and information under new systems.

Current Monthly Group Schedule

1st Tuesday 5-6 PM

1st Thursday 6-7 PM (Caregiver Focus)

2nd Wednesday 3-4 PM

2nd Wednesday 6-7 PM

3rd Monday 6-7 PM (Veteran Focus)

3rd Friday 5-6 PM

4th Monday 6-7 PM

4th Thursday 4-5 PM

 

Washington State Drive-In Wi-Fi Hotspots Location Finder

If you live in a rural Area, you can access the internet through Washington State Drive-In Wi-Fi Hotspots.  Locations can be found on the website WA Commerce Department.

 

TBI Training, Conferences, Webinars and Events

TBI Events Portal  https://tbieventsportal.org/

 

TBI Conference Series - Building Capacity in Brain Injury Series

The TBI Council and DSHS have built an amazing series of Virtual Conferences FREE to the all participants.

Register TODAY to be a part of the all opportunities.  As Conference agendas are finished and developed, additional information will be found at the Registration Portal.

 

Building Capacity in Brain Injury Series 

July 16th, 2021 - 10am-3pm - Building Capacity in Brain Injury: Understanding Current Policy, Legislation, and Advocacy Movements

Registration: https://uoregon.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_veZp0ww1Qbyrn83PX36Dvg

 

September 17th, 2021- 10am-3pm – Building Capacity in Brain Injury: Coordinated Care

Registration: https://uoregon.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TzsHHMKDSwy7tIW6dbKLqQ

 

November 12th, 2021- 10am-3pm - Building Capacity in Brain Injury: Person Centered Approaches

Registration: https://uoregon.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rpLEMsefRz-h0Q7fSBuIEw

 

January 21st, 2022- 10am-3pm – Building Capacity in Brain Injury: Transition and Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Registration: https://uoregon.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Tg7tKAQbTeGnT3AaggOTug

 

March 11th, 2022- 10am-3pm – Building Capacity in Brain Injury: Supporting Families and Social Systems

Registration: https://uoregon.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GA6MNAOCTJ62841scUgoRw

 

April 22nd, 2022-10am-3pm – Building Capacity in Brain Injury: Informed Practices in Corrections and Adjudicated Youth

Registration: https://uoregon.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Cl89NhxJQpi-FoCCw7Dp7A

 

May 20th, 2022- 10am-3pm – Building Capacity in Brain Injury: Intersectionality and TBI

Registration: https://uoregon.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z1BPqGkEStq6P3n1vCz8pQ

 

Brain Health and Wellness Classes

The BIAWA is sponsoring FREE Brain Health and Wellness Classes via ZOOM for anyone to attend.  A variety of topics will be discussed including health and fitness, managing fatigue, problem solving and much more.

Registration information

 

National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA)

NASHIA provides information on national trends, best practices, and state contacts to federal agencies, state and national associations and TBI stakeholders across the country.

Website: Trainings Archive — NASHIA | National Association of State Head Injury Administrators

Resource and Support Programs

The Washington Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Strategic Partnership Advisory Council is governed by RCW Chapter 74.31, and addresses issues related to TBI. The RCW requires that services are in place for Information and Referral (Resources) and Support Groups that have a statewide presence.

 

Brain Injury Alliance of Washington (BIAWA)

The BIAWA provides FREE services to individuals with TBI, including their family members and caregivers through information, referral, and resource management. BIAWA participates in a public awareness campaign, helping to explain services and prevention methods. Veteran and Spanish Assistance available.

BIAWA can be contacted at – 877-982-4292

 

TBI Virtual Support Groups: Virtual Education and Social Support

Virtual Support Groups are being offered on the “Hey Peers” platform

Washington State Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support

 

Veteran National Assistance

One phone number to reach VA – The number to call when you don’t know who to call.

For information on VA care, benefits, and services or to speak to a live agent for assistance!

VA can be contacted at 1-800-MyVA411 - (1-800-698-2411)

 

Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA)

The WDVA provides direct and indirect support to veterans and anyone living with, working with or supporting veterans who have incurred a TBI.  WDVA also provides a FREE smartphone app “Max Impact” TBI Assistant. 

 

Community Living Connections (CLC)

Programs to help navigate long-term services and supports for you or a loved one.  The CLC network of organizations works with you to learn about options and assist in connecting services that meet your particular preferences, needs, and circumstances.

 

Centers for Independent Living (CILs)

CILs provide services and advocacy by and for persons with all types of disabilities. Their goal is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential within their families and communities to achieve and maintain independent living.

 

Washington State Lifespan Respite (LRW)

Respite is planned or emergency care provided to a child or adult with special needs in order to provide temporary relief to family caregivers caring for that child or adult.  Respite is provided informally or in a more structured way through programs based on a variety of eligibility criteria.  Some respite programs may utilize an available bed in a healthcare facility for families who require extended respite options for a family member or friend requiring skilled care.
Lifespan Respite Washington

 

Housing and Homelessness Assistance – WA State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce has state and federal fund sources that support housing and homeless programs statewide. If you are homeless or about to become homeless you can connect a local sources through the Coordinated Entry Program (linked in the red banner at the top of the webpage) or call the BIAWA Resource Center 1-877-982-4292 for more information.

Learn more about the various housing programs supported by Commerce. Many of the providers are connected to other resources that can also provide wrap around services in other areas besides housing issues.

 

DSHS Housing Assistance

DSHS Housing assistance information also includes information about Adult Family Homes, Assisted Living Facilities and In-Home Care Assistance, plus much more. 

 

Washington State ABLE Accounts

Washington State’s ABLE Savings Plan allows people with disabilities like TBI and their families to save for future expenses without losing their state and federal benefits.

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