Virginia program expands brain injury case management services to five new areas

In a recent meeting of the Isle of Wight County Schools Board, discussions highlighted vital support services for individuals with disabilities and brain injuries, emphasizing the importance of community resources and education. The meeting, held on April 10, 2025, featured a presentation detailing the expansion of case management services aimed at assisting adults with brain injuries, a condition affecting over 15,000 Virginians annually.

The speaker outlined the comprehensive support available, including employment services, residential options, and a clubhouse for brain injury survivors. Notably, the program has successfully supported 1,800 individuals in the past year, thanks to funding from the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). This expansion now reaches areas including Isle of Wight, Sussex, Southampton, Franklin, and Emporia, providing crucial resources for those aged 18 and older, particularly high school students transitioning into adulthood.

The case management services focus on empowering individuals by connecting them with essential community resources, such as housing, transportation, and healthcare. The speaker emphasized the social isolation many brain injury survivors experience, highlighting the program's role in fostering social connections and self-advocacy.

A unique aspect of the initiative involves outreach to local high schools, where brain injury survivors share their personal stories with students. This initiative aims to educate teens about the dangers of risky behaviors, such as driving while fatigued or not wearing helmets while riding motorcycles. By sharing their experiences, survivors hope to prevent others from making similar mistakes.

As the meeting progressed, the board members expressed appreciation for the information shared, recognizing the potential impact of these services on the community. The speaker promised to provide additional materials to the board for further dissemination, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from these vital resources.

The meeting concluded with a brief break, but the discussions left a lasting impression on the board, underscoring the importance of collaboration between schools and community support services to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.