Traumatic Brain Injury / BrainSTEPS

 

The BrainSTEPS (Strategies Teaching Educators, Parents, & Students) Program is an initiative designed to support students with acquired brain injuries by providing education and training for teachers, school staff, and caregivers.  Acquired brain injuries (ABI) are brain injuries that occur after birth and include both traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and nontraumatic brain injuries (nTBI). The program aims to help these professionals understand the specific needs of students recovering from brain injuries, offering strategies for their successful integration and academic achievement in the school setting.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as defined by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act) is  “an acquired brain injury caused by an external physical force, resulting in a functional disability that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.” It changes the way the brain normally works.

 

Some Signs and Symptoms to look for

• Emotional symptoms ie changes in Behavior/personality, irritability, sadness, nervousness
• Problems with thinking/memory ie cant remember the event after it happened, repeats questions, trouble concentrating and remembering things, forgets class schedule 
• Physical symptoms ie headaches, nausea/vomiting, balancing problems, fatigue/feeling tired, sensitivity to light/noise
• Problems with sleep ie sleeps more than usual/less than usual

What Does The BrainSTEPS Team Provide?

• Identification of students with traumatic and nontraumatic brain injuries
• School re-entry planning
• Intervention selection and implementation
• Educational plan development
• Concussion management for return to academics
• Teacher training, peer training, family training
• Ongoing, annual monitoring until graduation
• Family support and resource sharing
• Awareness training to medical, rehabilitation, and community facilities

How are Referrals Made to the BrainSTEPS Team?
The BrainSTEPS Team will accept referrals from school districts, agencies, parents, physicians, early intervention service providers, or any other service providers within the CIU 10 region (Clearfield, Centre, and Clinton counties). Make a referral directly to BrainSTEPS for any student with a brain injury that occurred at any point after birth. This includes both Traumatic Brain Injuries (& concussion) and Non-Traumatic Brain Injuries.
 

Go to www.brainsteps.net
Click on Make a Student Referral to make an electronic referral
OR
Contact CIU 10’s BrainSTEPS team directly:
Stephanie King- sking@ciu10.org

Beth Colna- bcolna@ciu10.org

Jenna Marshall- jmarshall@ciu10.org

Brooke Walton- bwalton@ciu10.org

Make a Referral  

Important Links and Resources:  

Brain Injury Association of PA 

PA Department of Health

Brainsteps Brochure

Brainsteps Flyer 

Traumatic Brain Injury Information 

Tips for Teachers 

Brain Steps Brochure