Developing Policy-Oriented Research to Benefit People Living
With Traumatic Brain Injury: Key Policy Topics
Updated: 03/11/2026
This resource helps researchers to conduct policy-focused
research to support people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). It
outlines 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 study key policy
priorities. The organizations listed in this resource serve as potential
partners that researchers can engage to make policy-oriented
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.
- Healthcare, trauma care, and rehabilitation
- 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.
- Affordable housing
- Public assistance and resources for building financial assets and eligibility for safety net programs
- Long-term services and supports
- Competitive employment
Key policy issue 3: Legislation that Supports Rights and Health
To achieve independence, individuals with TBI need laws that protect against discrimination and support health.
- National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
- American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
- Traumatic Stress Disorder Law Enforcement Training Act
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.
- National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA)
- Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA)
- Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership Program (TBI SPP)
- United States Brain Injury Alliance (USBIA)
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.
- National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA)
- Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA)
- California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC)
Disclaimer
The contents of this policy brief were developed under grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DP0082 and 90DPKT0009). 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.