Abstract
The purpose of this project was to develop a handbook for professionals who work with people who have a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and their families as well as develop a comprehensive, California resource directory. The last time this sort of project was done was in 2004, so a newer and updated version was clearly needed. The handbook will serve to educate professionals regarding the unique conditions and challenges of clients who have TBI as well as methods to help that individual get to work. The community resource directory will serve as a repository of information for professionals while providing assistance to individuals with TBI and their families. Sources of Data Sources of data for the development of this project included a review of related literature in vocational rehabilitation counseling; traumatic and acquired brain injury literature; journal articles, books, and internet sites detailing research and studies related to TBI; and unpublished masters projects and theses. Information was updated and assessed for relevance from Kristen Kunz's 2004 thesis, Traumatic Brain Injury: A Handbook and Comprehensive Sacramento Area Community Resource Directory. Also consulted were California and national organizations deemed relevant by this author to be listed in the directory. The Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Directory (TBIRD): A Guide to Northern California Resources for Individuals with Brain Injury, 6th edition (2006); the Brain Injury Association of California Resources (2014); and the Community Services Directory, 57th edition (City of Sacramento, 2011) were reviewed. Conclusions Reached TBI is so complex that one specialty cannot fulfill the counseling needs for these clients. A handbook was developed to educate professionals regarding the unique conditions and challenges of clients who have a TBI, and a California resource directory was developed to serve as a repository of information for professionals and to provide assistance to individuals with TBI and their families.