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 ​

GROUPES SOCIAUX ET ÉVÉNEMENTS BUFFET ROYAL DÉJEUNER ENTRE AMIS Buffet Royal | (860) 423-2858 1228, rue Main, Willimantic, CT 06226

Understanding Stroke. Understanding Your Position: The Strategic Role of ABI Resources Teams TURN SOUND ON ^ PREVIOUS NEXT

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Administration de la sécurité sociale Bureau de la sécurité sociale à Stamford Bureau 105, 2 Landmark Square 06901, Stamford, Connecticut 1-866-770-1881 , 1-800-772-1213 , 1-203-967-9902 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

Housing Assistance - Rental Assistance Program (RAP) What are RAP certificates? The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is the major state-supported program for assisting very low-income families to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Participants find their own housing, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. The participant is free to choose any private rental housing that meets the requirements of the program, as described below. RAP certificates are funded through the Department of Social Services (DSS) and are administered statewide by DSS and its agent, J. D’Amelia & Associates (JDA). JDA subcontracts the operation of RAP to six local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and one Community Action Agency in the state. A family that is issued a RAP certificate is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of quality and safety as defined by the State of Connecticut, which has adopted the federal Housing Quality Standards (HQS) as established by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A housing subsidy is paid by JDA directly to the landlord on behalf of the participating family. The family pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Who is eligible? Eligibility for a RAP certificate is determined based on the household's annual gross income and the state's definition of a family. Participation is limited to U. S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. In general, the family's income may not exceed 50 percent of the annual median income (AMI) for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live. Connecticut has adopted the AMI levels published by HUD. These levels vary by location throughout the state. During the application process, information on family composition, income, and assets is collected by the PHA. The PHA verifies this information and uses it to determine the family's eligibility and the amount of their housing assistance payment. If the PHA determines that a family is eligible, the PHA will place the family on a waiting list, unless it is able to assist them immediately. Once a family is chosen from the waiting list, the PHA will contact them and issue them a certificate. How does a family apply? The Department of Social Services will re-open the waiting list to accept applications when most people on the waiting list have been served. When the list is about to be opened, a notice and pre-application form will be placed in local newspapers as well as on the DSS web-site. The waitlist is currently closed. The waiting list / What is it and how does it affect me? Because the demand for housing assistance always exceeds the limited funds available, long waiting periods are common. For example, DSS closes the waiting list when more families are on the list than can be assisted in the near future. RAP Certificates - How do they function? The Rental Assistance Program leaves the choice of housing to the individual family. A very low-income family selected by JDA to participate is encouraged to consider several housing choices to secure the best housing for its needs. A certificate holder is advised of the unit size for which their family is eligible, based on family size and composition. The housing unit selected by the family must meet an acceptable level of quality and safety before the PHA can approve the unit. When the certificate holder finds a unit that she or he wishes to occupy and reaches an agreement with the landlord over the rental agreement terms, the PHA must inspect the dwelling and determine that it meets housing quality standards. The PHA determines a maximum allowable rent (MAR). The MAR is the amount generally needed to rent a moderately-priced dwelling unit in the local housing market. The MAR is used to calculate the amount of housing assistance a family may receive. The MAR does not limit the amount of rent a landlord may charge, but it does limit the amount of rent a tenant may pay. A family receiving a certificate can select a unit with a rent that does not exceed the MAR. The rent subsidy The PHA calculates the maximum amount of housing assistance that a family may receive. A family pays 40 percent of its monthly income on rent and utilities, while elderly and disabled families pay 30 percent of their monthly income. Can a family move and continue to receive housing choice voucher assistance? A family's housing needs change over time with changes in family size, job locations, and for other reasons. RAP is designed to allow families to move without the loss of housing assistance. Moves are allowed as long as the family notifies the PHA ahead of time, terminates its existing rental agreement within the rental agreement requirements, and finds acceptable alternate housing. Under RAP, new certificate-holders may choose a unit anywhere in Connecticut. Roles - the tenant, the landlord, the housing agency, and DSS Once a PHA approves an eligible family's housing unit, the family and the landlord sign a rental agreement. At the same time, the landlord and the PHA sign a housing assistance payments (HAP) contract that runs for the same term as the rental agreement. This means that everyone, the tenant, the landlord and the PHA, has duties and tasks under the RAP. Those duties and tasks are: ​ • Tenant's Obligations: When a family selects a housing unit, and the PHA approves the unit and rental agreement, the family signs a rental agreement with the landlord for at least one year. The tenant may be required to pay a security deposit to the landlord. RAP does not pay security deposits. After the first year, the landlord may initiate a new rental agreement or allow the family to remain in the unit on a month-to-month basis. When the family is settled in a new home, the family is expected to comply with the rental agreement and the RAP requirements, pay its share of rent on time, maintain the unit in good condition, and notify the PHA of any changes in the household income or family composition. • Landlord's Obligations: The role of the landlord in the RAP is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing to a tenant at a reasonable rent. The dwelling unit must pass the program's Housing Quality Standards and be maintained up to those standards as long as the owner receives housing assistance payments. In addition, the landlord is expected to provide the services agreed to as part of the rental agreement signed with the tenant and the contract signed with the PHA. • PHA’s Obligations: The PHA administers the program locally. The PHA provides a family with housing assistance that enables the family to find suitable housing. The PHA also enters into a contract with the landlord to provide housing assistance payments on behalf of the family. If the landlord fails to meet the owner's obligations under the rental agreement, the PHA has the right to terminate assistance payments. The PHA must re-examine the family's income and composition at least annually and must inspect each unit at least annually to ensure that it meets minimum Housing Quality Standards. • DSS's Role: DSS contracts with John D'Amelia & Associates, LLC to administer the Rental Assistance Program for the state. DSS also develops policies, procedures and regulations, provides technical assistance to JDA and its subcontractors provides due process administrative hearing rights to program participants and monitor the administration of the program to ensure that program rules are followed properly.