Key Topics Related to Developing Policy-oriented Research to Benefit People Living with Traumatic Brain Injury
Updated: 12/09/2020
This resource was developed to help researchers conduct policy focused research to support people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). It outlines key policy priorities related to people living with TBI and provides links to organizations advocating for these priorities. Individuals with TBI often face many challenges due to their injury, especially when it comes to accessing healthcare, finding employment, and participating in everyday life. To help individuals with TBI access opportunities in these areas and foster their independence, it is important for TBI researchers to identify and develop research to support these priorities. Another way to advocate for these issues is to be in conversation with organizations that support funding for state and federal programs that help people with TBI to address related challenges, and research about TBI. The organizations outlined in this resource may also be viewed as potential research partners that researchers can engage to make policy research more relevant to stakeholders.
Key policy issue 1: Access to Affordable Healthcare
Individuals with TBI often lack access to high-quality affordable healthcare and face barriers to access rehabilitation services. The following policy issues address access to affordable and inclusive healthcare services.
- Maintain and expand access to health care, trauma care, and rehabilitation.
- Improved medical insurance coverage for patient-centered access to rehabilitation
Key policy issue 2: Employment and Independent Living
Individuals with TBI face many challenges to find gainful employment, live independently, and gain a better life experience. The following policy issues address employment and improved independent living.
- Increased access to affordable housing
- Increased public assistance and resources to understand how to build financial assets and stay eligible for safety net programs
- Expanded coverage for long-term services and supports
- Increased access to competitive integrated employment
Key policy issue 3: Disability Rights
To achieve independence, individuals with TBI need laws that protect against discrimination, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and other similar legislation, to be continually applied and advanced.
- Safeguard laws that protect against discrimination for individuals with TBI.
Key policy issue 4: Increase State and Federal Funding of TBI Programs
Individuals with TBI often lack access to services and programs specifically designed to fit their needs.
- Enhance and expand State capacity to provide services and supports for individuals with brain injury and their families.
Key policy issue 5: Funding for TBI Research
Funding for TBI research is essential for advancing treatment practices that improve the health and wellness of individuals with TBI.
- Expand research to promote best practices regarding TBI treatment, care, rehabilitation, and vocational rehabilitation.
Disclaimer
The contents of this policy brief were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DP0082). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this brief do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.