Making your way in society following brain injury introduces new challenges. There are many resources available to help with the different facets of community re-entry. The information in this section will help you understand some of the challenges and the strategies that may lessen frustration and support continued growth.

The Brain Injury Association of New York State can help you identify support groups and other community advocates where you will find support and practical information. Contact us for assistance locating services and support in your area.

The local Independent Living Center (ILC) is a great resource for information and assistance accessing services. The New York Independent Living Council maintains a list of the ILCs. ILCs offer services such as benefits counseling to help people with disability to locate and obtain benefits, as well as resources to help advocate for services.

Employment resources for individuals with brain injury:

Educational resources for individuals with brain injury:

  • Brain Injury and College , a publication about enrolling in college following brain injury, is helpful in identifying resources
  • ACCES-VR  offers some assistance, in certain situations
  • The NYS Higher Education Services Corporation offers programs and services for funding for college including the Tuition Assistance Program
  • There may be scholarships available for students with disabilities. Good resources for this information are the college’s financial aid office or disabilities services office; high school guidance counselors; Independent Living Centers; resource books on college/funding for college; and searching the internet for resources on college funding for people with disabilities
  • For additional resources on education, please visit the BIANYS Project LEARNet website

Home Life Following Brain Injury

  • Making Life Work After Brain Injury: A Family Guide for Life at Home
  • The OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) Home and Community Based Services Medicaid Waiver is available to individuals with TBI who are injured and become disabled as a result of that injury prior to age 22 (regardless of current age). For more information on the OPWDD HCBS Waiver, please contact your local BIANYS FACTS Coordinator
  • The NYS Department of Health (DOH) HCBS TBI Medicaid Waiver is available to individuals with TBI who are injured after the age of 18 and are currently between the ages of 18 – 64 who meet specific requirements. Learn more about the TBI Medicaid Waiver via the downloadable booklet or visit the DOH website

Legal Resources

  • The Brain Injury Association of America gives resources for locating appropriate legal resources in the Guide to Selecting Legal Representation that might help
  • In addition, the Legal Glossary offers resources for understanding legal terms relevant to brain injury
  • The Justice Center, the oversight agency in New York tasked with protecting the rights of people with disabilities, offers resources, and hotlines for reporting abuse. To report abuse, call 1-855-373-2122. For information and referral, call 1-800-624-4143 or visit the Justice Center website
  • The Protection and Advocacy for TBI legal program provides free legal and non-legal assistance to people with brain injury. Disability Rights New York is the contact for the program, and can be reached at 1-800-993-8982 or 518-432-7861

BIANYS maintains information and resource databases and is available to assist individuals with brain injury, advocates, caregivers, and loved ones during daily business hours. Contact us for assistance locating services in your area.