Resources
Ultimately, we want to be the resource that our clients go to for information, support, and help. We also want to help our clients learn, as with knowledge comes power. Here we provide some resources to guide you as you get started.
General
- Brain Injury Association of America:
The Brain Injury Association of America (http://www.biausa.org) is the country’s oldest and largest nationwide brain injury advocacy organization, and its mission is to be the voice of brain injury. It also has a local Virginia chapter: http://www.biav.net. Find information on living with brain injury as well as information for family and caregivers.
- My Child With Cerebral Palsy:
My Child with Cerebral Palsy (http://cerebralpalsy.org) calls itself “the ultimate resource for all things cerebral palsy,” and this rich, helpful site goes far to fulfill that promise. There is thorough medical information, stories to inspire and give hope, and well-organized information to help you assemble your team and make a care plan for your child.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, (http://www.ninds.nih.gov) hosts a wealth of information on scores of neurological disorders, including symptoms, prognosis and treatment options, as well as current research and clinical trials. An easy-to-use index of conditions and disorders guides to you to the most current information available.
- United Brachial Plexus Network:
The United Brachial Plexus Network (http://www.ubpn.org) is an excellent place to start in your journey to understand and cope with the results of these injuries, for children and adults. There are also active discussion forums where you can engage support from others on topics ranging from current research, to dealing with brachial plexus injuries in family and everyday life.
- Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services:
The Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (http://www.vadrs.org) provides a huge range of services to support people with disabilities. This excellent and helpful web site can get you started in the right direction to connect with a number of community programs to maximize independence, receive help getting necessary assistive devices, and process Social Security claims.