Welcome to the LEARNet Problem-Solving System for educators and families working with students with brain injury. We invite you to view the introduction video above which provides some helpful tips on how you, as a parent of a child with brain injury, can make the most out of this valuable educational resource.
BIANYS Family Advocacy Counseling and Training Services (FACTS) Program
The Association’s Family Advocacy Counseling and Training Services (FACTS) program has been in existence since 1993. Funded by the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, the FACTS program provides linkages for individuals injured before age 22 and their families with community-based services and supports.
The FACTS program is implemented by 18 Family Support Coordinators and covers all regions across New York State.
In addition to providing system linkages, the FACTS Coordinators educate the public about brain injury, available services, and prevention; and assist in the activities of local Association chapters and support groups.
For more information, please contact the Kristin Weller, M.S., CBIT, Director of Family Services at the Brain Injury Association of New York State. To access a listing of FACTS Coordinators, click here. [FACTS Coordinator list]
The Adolescent Support and Peer Leadership Network
The following video segment was created as part of the Brain Injury Association of New York State’s DDPC funded project, the Adolescent Peer Support and Leadership Network (1999-2000). The video features thoughts and feelings shared by parent about the experience of raising a child with brain injury.
Internet Resources
http://free.braininjurypartners.com/: A web-based advocacy training program for parents, with the goal of helping them become more effective advocates for their school-aged child.
Brain Injury Partners: Navigating the School System is designed to give parents of school-aged children with a brain injury the skills they need to become successful advocates. The program was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and made in collaboration with the Brain Injury Association of America. The PILOT Training, a key feature of this website, is an interactive tutorial based on the Family Advocacy Skills Training program. Users learn ways to communicate better with school staff in order to get needed help for your child. The acronym PILOT stands for: Prepare, Identify Both Sides, Listen, Overcome Obstacles, and Think Reflectively. The PILOT tutorial is filled with up to two hours of instruction. The training program is designed to allow the user to proceed through all five steps at one’s own pace and allows the user to select information that is most helpful to one’s unique situation.
Parent to Parent www.p2pusa.org: Parent to Parent programs provide emotional and informational support to parents of children who have special needs. To provide this support, trained and experienced veteran support parents are carefully matched in 1-1 relationships with parents who are newly referred to the program. Because the veteran parent has shared the experience of disability in the family, the veteran support parent is often able to provide a unique form of support that only another parent who has "been there" can.
The Parent to Parent network is a growing national resource for families who have a child with special needs. Local community-based programs continue to emerge out of grassroots efforts; new statewide Parent to Parent programs are being developed to support the efforts of local programs; national needs are being addressed as they arise; and international interest in Parent to Parent is growing every year. The strength of Parent to Parent comes directly from the parents who dedicate themselves to its continuing success.
Families Together in NYS www.ftnys.org: Families Together is a non-profit, family-run organization that strives to establish a unified voice for children and youth with emotional, behavioral and social challenges. Our mission is to ensure that every family has access to needed information, support, and services.
BIANYS Publications
Guide to Being Heard Advocating for your child with traumatic brain injury This booklet provides basic tips on speaking up for your child who has sustained a traumatic brain injury. The tips are also applicable when advocating on behalf of an adult. The booklet contains an extensive resource list and contact information.
First Steps When your family member or friend has a brain injury This booklet is designed to answer the most frequently asked questions when an individual sustains a brain injury.
Designs for Friendship This brightly colored booklet is aimed at children. It explores nonviolent conflict resolution, and contains games that relate to violence prevention.
Guardianship What is a Guardian and other frequently asked questions about guardianship Basic information about guardianship is provided, along with an explanation of the procedures to have a guardian appointed.
Working with School Districts Planning for your child's school experience This guide assists families as they advocate and plan for their child in their school settings.
My Child's Brain Injury This booklet is designed for the family and friends of a child who has experienced a brain injury.
Transitioning to the Adult World This booklet is a starting point for transition planning. It suggests questions to ask your son or daughter, yourself, your school district, and other people involved in providing services and supports for your child. In addition to the resources in "Transitioning to the Adult World," you might be interested in the following additional resource information, Resources for Transition.
