Traumatic Brain Injury is considered a Regional (“low incidence, high need”) disability. A TBI occurs when an outside force traumatically injures the brain. It can be caused by falls, vehicle accidents, or violence. TBI is especially common among children and young adults, but is often under-identified and can make it difficult for students to be successful in school and social settings. TBI can affect a student’s ability to learn and perform in cognitive, behavioral, academic and social realms. Symptoms can be unpredictable, confusing and may include:

  • Impulsivity
  • Profound emotional changes
  • Changes in judgment
  • Communication difficulties
  • Aggressiveness

NOTE: The Cascade Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Program does not evaluate or help determine educational eligibility for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). For evaluation or eligibility questions, please refer to Linn Benton Lincoln Education Service District (LBL ESD) Special Education and Evaluation Services Program (SEES) website: https://www.lblesd.k12.or.us/sees/

Who is Eligible for TBI Liaison Services?

Students must be found eligible for special education under the eligibility of Traumatic Brain Injury, have TBI Consultation listed on their IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) or IEP (Individualized Education Program), and reside in Linn, Benton, or Lincoln County to be considered for TBI Liaison services. For school age children referrals for an evaluation are made by a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team or their district’s special education office. For children birth to five, referrals are made through their early intervention or early childhood special education team.

Service Delivery

Consultation Services

Cascade Regional partners with local school districts, Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT), and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to provide students with a TBI support and services to improve their education and overall quality of life.

Support is provided to the educational team on a variety of topics which may include:

  • IEP/IFSP development
  • Curriculum adaptation
  • Environmental modifications
  • Behavioral support
  • Communication development
  • Social skills
  • Self-Advocacy skills development
  • Vocational/career skills development
  • Daily living skills
  • Training for school staff or other students

Resources

For general information on concussion and TBI, visit the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) “Return to School” site: https://returntoschool.org/ – Topics include Concussion, Research, Back to School, Recorded Webinars and more.