BIND: Brain Injury Network of Dallas was founded in 2012 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to provide tools and a bridge of support to adult survivors of brain injury (traumatic brain injury, stroke, anoxia, and brain cancer) to reconnect into life, the community, and the workplace. Our vision is to lead the DFW area in providing member-driven services and serve as the model for Brain Injury Clubhouses across the state of Texas. Locations in Plano and Fort Worth with more locations soon to come.
Vocational Resources for Survivors of Acquired Brain Injuries
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CareerOneStop’s Veteran and Military Transition Center
This resource is accessible via the internet at www.onecareerstop.org and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Veterans can utilize their military occupation code or MOC to find employment that capitalizes on their military experience and training. There are resources for training, apprenticeships and even financial help following service in the military. The transition to civilian life has unique challenges and this site offers job search resources for spouses of veterans as well. Making the transition to civilian life while simultaneously recovering from a traumatic brain injury is difficult and complicated, thus resources that simplify any part of this process, like CareerOneStop’s Veteran and Military Transition Center are extremely helpful.
Source::
CareerOneStop veteran and military transition center. (2023). https://www.careeronestop.org/Veterans/default.aspx
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Job Accommodation Network (JAN) — https://ask Jan.org
The Job Accommodation Network’s website, AskJan.org is a one-stop shop for all things related to accommodations 3and adaptations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. They offer free and individualized consultation regarding accommodations in the workplace. This includes small and large business owners, government agencies and individuals.
Source::
Job accommodation network. JAN. (2023). https://askjan.org/
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Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), formerly called VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment.
This comprehensive wrap around program is also known as Chapter 31. Applications can be completed online and an orientation at the nearest VA regional office. Admittance to the program is dependent on at least one of the following being true: Either you are currently in the process of going through the Physical Evaluation Board, or you have a VA memorandum rating of 20% or greater and your are expecting an other than dishonorable discharge or you are already in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System or IDES. While there is a process involve, they have professional consultants to walk you through it every step of the way.
Source:
How to apply for veteran readiness and Employment. Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/how-to-apply/
MySkillsMyFuture.org
This website, which can be found on the internet at www.myskillsmyfuture.org, is devoted to assisting adults who are looking to make a mid-life career change. This site’s resource allows one to search careers and fields based on skills garnered from one’s job history and experience. Upon narrowing it down to a specific position of interest, the site provides specific information on educational, training, licensing or certification requirements, salary ranges, current and future job market outlook. Federally sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, one can access location-specific data by entering a zip code and distance from that zip code one is willing to commute. This site is a great starting point in the exploration of a new direction in one’s career.
Source:
Build a bridge to your new career. Explore new career options and expand your job search | mySkills myFuture | CareerOneStop. (2023.). https://www.myskillsmyfuture.org/
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Texas Workforce Commission — Vocational Rehabilitation Services
This program is part of Texas Workforce Commission and its purpose is to provide support and services for eligible people with disabilities to find employment. They offer employment placement that congruent with each individual’s unique interests and assets. Access to the program and its services does require that individuals apply for eligibility to join. Following, in Figure 2, is the seven-step process from one’s initial contact and application through to its culmination occurring after successfully maintaining employment for 90 days.
Source:
T.W.C. (2023). Vocational Rehabilitation - Program Overview. Vocational Rehabilitation - Program Overview | Texas Workforce Commission. https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation-program-overview
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CareerOneStop Mobile — Application for phone or tablet use.
CareerOneStop's application is completely free and can be downloaded on Google PlayTM and the App StoreSM. This app for your mobile devices features over 30career tools which address a myriad of employment and career related issues and questions. This includes, interest assessments, occupation profiles, tools to evaluate and understanding the current and future job markets and trends including compensation and benefits. It includes tools to find any needed training, scholarships, apprenticeships and professional organizations to support employment aspirations and goals. The app even features resources for many marginalized populations including a Native American Program Finder, Older Worker Program Finder and Refugee Assistance Finder to name a few.
Source:
T.W.C. (2023). Vocational Rehabilitation - Program Overview. Vocational Rehabilitation - Program Overview | Texas Workforce Commission. https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation-program-overview
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Resources for Post-secondary Education Youth Survivors of Brain Injury
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Project Career at https://ProjectCareerTBI.org
This internet-based resource was specifically created for college students with traumatic brain injuries. While college may not be the path for all post-secondary education individuals with brain injuries, a resource that is solely devoted to this population is ideally suited to understand and address the unique issues faced by these individuals. Examples of resources available at this site funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services include compensatory strategies for cognitive challenges, improvement of daily functioning, resources to improve grades and increase both retention and graduation rates. This vast information portal is referred to as STAR or the Student, Technology, Accommodations and Resources portal. Of note, STAR can be accessed by anyone and caters not only to survivors of brain injury, but also to those who support them, like parents, educators, advisors, caregivers and professionals in the field. Each Project Career student is given an iPad with specifically selected and installed applications that address the needs of that individual as determined during their comprehensive evaluation of their support needs, academic goal and technological competency. Project Career is is an invaluable resource for survivors of brain injuries who are college-bound that is easy to navigate and use.
Source:
Project Career TBI. Project career. (2023). https://projectcareertbi.org/index2.cfm
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Resources for Post-Secondary School Survivors of TBIs
Texas Workforce Commission – Pre-Employment Transition Services
Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services specifically caters to post-secondary students with disabilities from ages 14 to 22 years old with their Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program. This program offers career guidance and counseling specifically geared toward college-bound individuals with disabilities and their families. While with this program the disability does not have to be a brain injury, finding peers and social support from other students who have a variety of disabilities including some since birth, provides an extended network of individuals with a variety of experiences and strengths.
Source:
T.W.C. (2023). Vocational Rehabilitation - Program Overview. Vocational Rehabilitation - Program Overview | Texas Workforce Commission. https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation
NationAL Collaborative on Workforce & Disability for Youth — The 411 on Disability Disclosure Workbook
This workbook addresses issues pertaining to youth with disabilities. While not solely based on career and job placement, this resource addresses the legal and social means and recommendations regard the disclosure of disability. Specific sections are devoted to disclosure advantages and disadvantages, legal considerations and disclosure in multiple settings including on the job, within the community and in social environments. Included in the workbook are prompts and writing space to record specific reflections, objectives and goals.
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I'M Determined — https://www.imdetermined.org
This website has over 160 tools devoted to youth with disabilities and establishing self-determined behavior, self-advocacy, autonomy, independence and success. This website was designed and funded by the Virginia Department of Education, but many of its resources are available to anyone free of charge.
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