Returning to school can be a challenge.
It is important to begin working with your school as soon as possible to get them ready for making appropriate accommodations so the student is set up to be as successful as possible when getting back into the classroom.
Typically, in a public school, this means creating an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Accommodation Plan. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), all public schools are required to provide a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE).
So what does this mean?
It means that if a disability has impacted a student’s ability to be successful within a classroom, the school is LEGALLY required to offer supports and accommodations or provide alternative placement. This can often get a little tricky with private schools, but if they are receiving federal money then it is their responsibility to help you figure out a plan for success in the school environment.
Now, back to my client.
She was doing great! It was time to start taking official steps to return her to school – especially because prom was coming up. We wanted to make sure we had some comprehensive cognitive testing and the best way to do that is with Neuropsychological testing:
Neuropsychological Testing - When putting together a plan for returning to school, it is best to have some formal testing including a written report to back-up what you are asking the school to provide. Neuropsychological testing is provided by a neuropsychologist or psychologist and evaluates a wide range of cognitive skills including memory, attention, problem solving, language and processing speed. You can get a referral from your primary care doctor or neurologist. Some rehabilitation programs offer it as well. See below for information on the Neuropsychological department at Shepherd Center:
https://www.shepherd.org/patient-programs/specialty-programs/neuro-psychology
Next, our team wanted to provide the client and her school with a return to school report:
Return to School (RTS) Report – A comprehensive, written document is important to include for additional input for proper accommodations. An RTS report will include information from your therapists (Occupational, Physical, Speech and recreation) outlining skills that are difficult for you and ways that they can provide accommodations to help you compensate for them. For example, if you have difficulty with reading comprehension, your speech therapist may recommend that your exams are read to you. Not all facilities provide this information, but you are your best advocate. Start the conversation with your clinical team or reach out to outside resources (like Life Beyond Rehab) to get the medical support you need for a smooth transition back to school.
Finally, we had a phone conference with the client, her mother, and some of the school staff. They were more than happy to listen to our recommendations and we were able to create a smooth transition from outpatient brain injury rehabilitation to high school.
It is important to remember that each instance of returning a student to the classroom will have its own, unique challenges. Approach the process realistically and know that there are resources to support you through the process including Life Beyond Rehab.
Regardless of what hurdles you may be up against during your brain injury rehabilitation journey, we are here to help.
We want to post what you care about. Take the time to visit our website ( www.lifebeyondrehab.com ), scroll to the bottom and let us know what topics are most important to you by filling out our “Contact Us” form.
If you or your caregiver need help navigating life after brain injury through education, support or individualized strategies, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give us a call at
480-881-1487
for your free 15 minute consultation – we’re here to help guide you through LIFE BEYOND REHAB.