Creative Brain Injury Awareness Multimedia Projects

RELATIONSHIPS CHALLENGES. It is important to care for oneself because neglecting one's own well-being can lead to negative consequences, such as physical and emotional exhaustion, burnout, and a negative impact on relationships and overall quality of life. Self-care includes activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being, such as exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and having a social support system. When individuals take care of themselves, they are better able to handle the demands and pressures of life, and they are more able to support and care for others. Additionally, self-care can help to prevent or alleviate the development of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Therefore, individuals need to make self-care a priority in order to maintain overall well-being. ​ Brain injury can significantly impact relationships, causing couples physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Memory loss, difficulty with communication, physical changes, and emotional changes can all strain the relationship and make it difficult for the couple to connect. Caregiving responsibilities can also be overwhelming, leading to feelings of burnout or resentment. Counseling can provide support and guidance for both the injured person and their loved one to navigate these challenges and find ways to maintain their relationship and intimacy. It can also help the loved one understand the changes in their loved one, navigate practical aspects of caregiving and take care of their well-being. Overall, counseling is an important step in helping couples cope with the aftermath of a brain injury. A counselor can help a couple navigate the challenges that arise after a brain injury by providing support, guidance, and practical strategies for coping. They can help the injured person and their loved one understand the changes that have occurred due to the brain injury, and provide them with tools for communicating and interacting with one another. Additionally, a counselor can provide guidance on navigating the practical aspects of caregiving, such as managing finances, coordinating medical appointments, and dealing with legal and insurance issues. They can also provide support and coping strategies for the loved one, who may face significant emotional and physical challenges due to their role as a caregiver. Furthermore, they can help the couple adapt to the new circumstances and find ways to maintain the relationship and intimacy despite the challenges caused by the brain injury. ​ Brain injury can cause a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms that can create problems for couples. Memory loss, difficulty with communication, physical changes, and emotional changes can all strain the relationship and make it difficult for the couple to connect. Caregiving responsibilities can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of burnout or resentment. Counseling can provide support and guidance for both the injured person and their loved one to navigate these challenges and find ways to maintain their relationship and intimacy. Counseling can help the loved one understand the changes in their loved one and how to communicate best and interact with them. It can also provide guidance on how to navigate the practical aspects of caregiving and help the loved one take care of their well-being. Overall, counseling is essential in helping couples cope with the aftermath of a brain injury. ​ ​ Brain injury relationship challenges ABI RESOURCES CT HOME CARE SUPPORTED LIVING COMMUNITY CARE MFP Brain injury relationship challenges ABI RESOURCES CT HOME CARE SUPPORTED LIVING COMMUNITY CARE MFP Brain injury relationship challenges ABI RESOURCES CT HOME CARE SUPPORTED LIVING COMMUNITY CARE MFP Brain injury relationship challenges ABI RESOURCES CT HOME CARE SUPPORTED LIVING COMMUNITY CARE MFP 1/17 Trouver un thérapeute

Administration de la sécurité sociale Bureau de la sécurité sociale à Middletown 3e étage, 425 Main Street 06457, Middletown, Connecticut 1-877-692-3145 , 1-800-772-1213 , 1-860-346-2776 Services de détermination du handicap Alors que les demandes d'invalidité de la Sécurité sociale sont prises dans les bureaux locaux, les décisions médicales sont prises dans chaque État par un service de détermination du handicap. Si vous avez déjà déposé une demande de prestations d'invalidité ou si vous êtes un prestataire médical, vous pouvez envoyer des informations médicales sur un demandeur du Connecticut à : Disability Determination Services 309 Warwarme Avenue Hartford, CT. 06114 Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Waterbury, Connecticut 1-877-405-4874, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person a Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tolland Windham CT community care Home Health ABI Resources Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 1/29

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I HAVE A BRAIN INJURY. FINDING A JOB WHEN YOU HAVE A BRAIN INJURY. ​ Having a job provides us with feelings of self-worth, responsibility and independence. It nurtures our sense of accomplishment. ​ Common Challenges . ​Asking for accommodations Over-Cautious employers Mixed or very short working schedules Making money and losing essential support services Bringing your personal assistant Maintaining concentration and attention. Quick or extreme fatigue Speech Memory loss Social relationships Emotional Behavioral Physical abilities Limited vision ​ Assessing Your Abilities and Skills. Think about factors in the workplace that will negatively affect your condition. Some conditions may make you sensitive to certain environmental conditions, such as temperature extremes or certain substances in the workplace. For example, you may have respiratory issues that are aggravated by humidity in the air or dust and fumes. Or you may have hearing issues that are irritated by noise or vibrations from moving machinery. You may also have discomfort working at heights or with certain odors. Identifying your comfort levels with these factors will ensure you only pursue work positions that will suit your condition and not harm you in any way. ​ ​ Use a Variety of Job-Seeking Techniques Personal contacts Classified ads Campus job-placement services Job-placement assistance through temp agencies Disability advocacy or support groups Vocational rehabilitation agencies Take advantage of the Internet When you apply for a position, FOCUS on your qualifications and abilities. ​ ​ Do Your Homework First. Research the company you're applying to. Check with disability advocacy groups to see if the company has a good reputation for hiring, training and promoting workers with disabilities. Find out their strengths and weaknesses. Many corporations' Web sites provide lots of information Know how your background and experience fit with the company. Be prepared to discuss why your strengths. Being familiar with the company, shows you're motivated to work for them. ​ ​ Know What Technologies Can Help You Work Effectively Your skills may be maximized through assistive technology. Speech recognition software StickyKeys Auto-correct, for instance Adjusting a monitor's resolution can make big difference when reading small print easier for people with limited vision. ​ Decide When to Disclose Your Disability Even though federal law states you aren't required to reveal your disability, unless it relates to completing essential job functions, consider being open on this subject. If you volunteer this information, the employer may see you as a strong and confident person. Depending on the circumstances, you could describe your limitations in a resume, cover letter, or job application. If you need a special schedule make this clear on your application, employers dislike being misled. Identify your physical abilities. Consider how your condition affects your ability to do certain work-related activities like sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. ​ Make the Interview Easy for the Employer If you are bringing an interpreter, wheelchair, guide dog, etc. notify your interviewers so they can prepare in advance. As needed, inquire about accessible entrances to the building and the best route once inside to get to your interview . ​ Role-Play If your disability makes you do certain tasks differently, are you comfortable explaining how you will perform the job? Try role-playing the situation with a trusted friend, team member or family member. Practice explaining how you will perform your job and what accommodations, if any, you need. Describe how the company would benefit from hiring you. ​ Dress Appropriately Unless specifically encouraged to dress casually, follow the universal code about what to wear to an interview: Dress business casual. For people with limited mobility, the process of dressing for a job interview can be quite a challenge, but it's worth it. ​ Bring Samples of Your Work and Extra Resumes A clean, printed resume. Ask friends and family to write short references about your abilities. Your employer may want to know how well you maintain concentration and attention in the workplace, and your ability to understand, remember and carry out instructions. Samples allow you to illustrate your skills with specific examples. ​ Anticipate and Address Potential Concerns Directly You know some people have fears and prejudices about workers with disabilities, even when they don't express these attitudes directly. If you want the job, you must allay these concerns. Using examples from your own life or prior work experience, discuss how you accomplish activities that challenge you, like getting around the workplace, communicating with others, using equipment and so forth. ​ Handle Illegal Interview Questions with Grace The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 made it illegal for employers to ask about medical history during an interview. If you are asked an inappropriate question, respond diplomatically. Try: "Nothing in my personal life will keep me from doing an outstanding job in this position." This answer should satisfy a prospective employer's concerns about your ability to get the job done. ​ Start identifying your career path. Explore your work preferences and understand your strengths in under two minutes. Future-proof yourself for tomorrow's jobs by discovering your work interests based on your personal traits. Click here: To Start identifying your career path in 4 easy online steps. ​ Finding a Job - ( Some Great Options ) ​ Look for a position through a temporary agency. Temporary agency employment is a great way to get back into the workforce, gain skills, and reorient yourself to the current job market. Some of the largest temporary agencies are: Manpower Temp jobs Kelly Services, Inc. Monroe Staffing Services Temporaries of New England TempsNow! Temporary Staffing Hamilton Connections, Inc. Aerotek, an Allegis Group company A.R. Mazzotta Excel Partners The Hire Source Express Services, Inc Target Temps Advantage Resourcing J. Morrissey ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Useful Resources ​ America's Workforce Network Toll-Free Help Line For Employees Brochure (PDF, 341KB) American Job Centers Apprenticeship Programs Career Fairs Career Transition Networking Groups (PDF, 122KB) CT Apprenticeship System CT Career Resource Network CT Health Jobs Downsizing/Layoff Support Disability Resources DOL Partnerships Employment and Training Education and Training ConneCTion Employment & Training Websites - Other States Employment Assistance Sites, Other Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) Job and Career ConneCTion Job Corps Job Fairs Jobs, Federal Job Search Assistance Labor Market Information Laws & Legislation Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers Program Minors, Employment of Minors, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Occupational Safety and Health (CONN-OSHA) Recruitments at Local American Job Center Offices State Jobs and Exams Tax Credit Programs Trade Adjustment Assistance Unemployment Insurance Veterans Services Wage and Hour Information Wage and Workplace Matters Wage Payment Laws Welfare-to-Work Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) WIOA - Approved Training Programs WARN - Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act Worker Safety (CONN-OSHA) Workforce Support Workplace Laws Workshops at American Job Center Offices Your Connecticut Job Search Guide Youth Employment Site Youth/Workers Under 18 ​ National Resources for TBI individuals, employers, and caregivers ADA Americans with Disabilities Act BIA Brain Injury Association of America BTF Brain Trauma Foundation Brain Injury Alliance California TBI Advisory Board report CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention TBI Information Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center JAN Job Accommodation Network Mayo Clinic NARIC National Rehabilitation Information Center NASET National Association of Special Education Teachers The Interactive Brain Traumatic Brain Injury National Database Center US Department of Labor Disability Employment Policy VA Department of Veterans Affairs Wounded Warrior Project Alabama TBI Rehabilitation Program (334) 293.7500 Alaska TABI Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury Program (907) 465.1605 Arizona Department of Economic Security TBI Services (800) 563.1221 Arkansas Healthy Arkansas TBI Services (501) 661.2000 California Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board (800) 952.5544 Colorado Adult TBI Supportive Services (888) 331.3311 Connecticut Department of Social Services (855) 6.CONNECT Delaware Brain Injury Association of Delaware (302) 346.2083 Florida TBI Resource and Support Center (800) 992.3442 Georgia Brain Injury Resource Directory (404) 712.5504 Hawaii TBI Board of Hawaii (808) 586.4400 Idaho Idaho State University TBI Virtual Program Center (208) 373.1773 Illinois Healthcare and Family TBI Services (800) 843.6154 Indiana Brain Injury Association of Indiana (317) 356.7722 Iowa Advisory Council on Brain Injuries (866) 227.9878 Kansas Brain Injury Association of Kansas (913) 754.8883 Kentucky NeuroRestorative of Kentucky (800) 743.6802 Louisiana Brain Injury Association of Louisiana (504) 982.0685 Maine Disability and Developmental Services (207) 287.9200 Maryland TBIMD Support Groups (410) 448.2924 Massachusetts Statewide and Specialized TBI Community Services (617) 204.3852 Michigan TBI Resource Guide (517) 335.1980 Minnesota Hennepin County Medical Center TBI Services (612) 873.3284 Mississippi Brain Injury Association of Mississippi (601) 981.1021 Missouri TBI Guide and Resources (573) 751.6400 Montana Department of Human Services TBI Fact Sheet (888) 279.7532 Nebraska Brain Injury Advisory Council (308) 865.5012 Nevada TBI Community Enrichment Program (702) 259.1903 New Hampshire Brain Injury Association of NH (603) 225.8400 New Jersey NJ Traumatic Brain Injury Fund (888) 285.3036 New Mexico BrainLine of New Mexico (505) 292.7414 New York Vocational Rehabilitation Services (800) 222.JOBS North Carolina TBI Resources Office (919) 715.5989 North Dakota Head Injury Association of ND (877) 525.2724 Ohio Ohio State University BI Rehabilitation Program (800) 293.5123 Oklahoma Head Injury Resource Directory (800) 522.0203 Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Disabled Adults (800) 452.1694 Pennsylvania PDH Head Injury Program (877) PA.HEALTH Rhode Island Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island (401) 228.3319 South Carolina SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department (803) 896.6040 South Dakota USD TBI Research and Services (605) 357.1439 Tennessee Traumatic Brain Injury Program (615) 741.1230 Texas Texas Education Agency TBI Resources (512) 463.9734 Utah Brain Injury Alliance of Utah (801) 716.4993 Vermont Traumatic Brain Injury Program (802) 871.3069 Virginia Brain Injury Services Coordination (800) 552.5019 Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Council (877) TBI.1766 Washington DC Brain Injury Association of Washington DC (202) 659.0122 West Virginia Center for Excellence in Disabilities 1-877-724-8244 Wisconsin Brain Injury Resource Center (262) 770.4882 Wyoming Brain Injury Alliance of Wyoming 1-800-643-6457 ​

Did you know? ​ About 44.4 million persons in the U.S. are family caregivers 46 is the average age of a family caregiver 61% of family caregivers are women 4.3 is the average length of time (in years) that family caregivers provide care 59% of family caregivers are employed ​ SOURCE: Caregiving in The U.S., National Alliance for Caregiving & AARP, Funded by the MetLife Foundation and the Mature Market Institute® Approximately 22.9 million households provide unpaid care to an adult family member or friend who is age 18 and older. ​ On average, family caregivers provide 21 hours of care per week. This “free” care, however, is not without cost; many family caregivers feel isolated, stressed by balancing work, family, and caregiving, and perhaps even depressed. ​ The value of family caregiving to society has been estimated to be $306 billion annually. ​ Nearly 60% of those caring for an adult over age 50 are working, the majority of them full time. In the past, responsibilities for caregiving almost exclusively belonged to women, but currently about 39% of caregivers are men. SOURCE: Study by the Mature Market Institute® and National Alliance for Caregiving in cooperation with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging ​ In one important study done by the Mature Market Institute, those surveyed said they made at least one formal adjustment to their work schedule as a result of caring for a partner or other family member: 16% quit their job 20% cut back to part-time 22% took a leave of absence Respondents also stated that caregiving affected their ability to advance on the job: 29% passed up a promotion, training or assignment 25% passed up an opportunity for job transfer or Job relocation 22% were unable to acquire new job skills SOURCE: Findings from a National Study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the National Center on Women and Aging at Brandeis University; Findings collected and issued by Mature Market Institute® called “MetLife Juggling Act Study: Balancing caregiving with work and the costs involved” – 1999 ​ Nearly six in ten caregivers (59%) say they have worked at some time while they were actively providing care. Of these, six in ten (62%) say they had to make some work-related adjustments in order to help the person they care for. ​ More than half (57%) of working caregivers say that as a result of their caregiving responsibilities they have had to go in (to work) late, leave early, or take time off during the day to provide care. ​ SOURCE — Caregiving in The U.S., National Alliance for Caregiving & AARP, April 2004 Funded by the MetLife Foundation and the Mature Market Institute® ​ ​ ​

ABI RESOURCES Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provi ABI RESOURCES Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provi ABI RESOURCES Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provi ABI RESOURCES Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provi 1/8 ABI Waiver Program Programme MFP Money suit la personne Services de soutien scolaire ( I.L.S.T. ) Formation aux compétences de vie Compagnon/aidant Zones de service à l'échelle de l'État 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ​ 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

PROGRAMMES D'AIDE REFERRALS MEDICAID - DEMANDEZ MEDICAID - RENOUVELLEMENT PROGRAMME MFP PROGRAMME DE RENONCIATION ABI DMHAS - PROGRAMME DE LÉSIONS CÉRÉBRALES SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Revenu Supplémentaire de Sécurité SSI FOOD ASSISTANCE - SNAP CASH ASSISTANCE HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME DE SOUTIEN SCOLAIRE CBT THERAPSIT LIST GROUPES D’AUTO-REFORD FOOD - HARTFORD TOLLAND ALIMENTATION - CONNECTICUT AIDE ÉNERGÉTIQUE State Health Insurance Communauté Premier Choix (CFC) AÎNÉS - Programme de soins à domicile CT Rental Assistance Program (RAP) LOGEMENT ( article 8 ) BENIFIT FINDER

Administration de la sécurité sociale Bureau de la sécurité sociale à Bridgeport, Connecticut Adresse : 35 Courtland St, 2e étage, Bridgeport, CT 06604 Téléphone : 1-866-331-6399 Disability Determination Services While applications for Social Security disability are taken in the local field offices, the medical decisions are made in each state by a disability determination service. If you have already filed an application for disability benefits or if you are a medical provider, you can mail medical information on a Connecticut applicant to: Disability Determination Services 309 Warwarme Avenue Hartford, CT. 06114 Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Waterbury, Connecticut 1-877-405-4874, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person a Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tolland Windham CT community care Home Health ABI Resources Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 1/29

Caring For A Brain Injury. Understanding Your Position: The Strategic Role of ABI Resources Teams TURN SOUND ON ^ PREVIOUS NEXT

Santé est la richesse Exercice et lésions cérébrales Exercise has been shown to have a number of benefits for people with brain injury, including: ​ Improved physical function: Exercise can help to improve physical function, such as balance, coordination, and mobility, which may be affected by brain injury. ​ Improved cognitive function: Exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. ​ Improved mood and mental health: Exercise can help to improve mood and reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in people with brain injury. ​ Improved quality of life: Exercise can help to improve the overall quality of life by increasing energy levels, reducing fatigue, and improving self-esteem. ​ Improved cardiovascular health: Exercise can help to improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart and lung function, which may be affected by brain injury. It is important to note that exercise should be tailored to the individual needs and abilities of the person with brain injury. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist to determine an appropriate exercise plan.