The program is set up to work with individuals who have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury. Traumatic Brain Injury is defined
as "an insult to the brain not of degenerative or congenital nature but caused by a physical force, that may produce a diminished
or altered state of consciousness, which results in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning. It can also result
in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning. These impairments may be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total functional disability or psycological maladjustment."
Mission Statement: To provide for the Brain Injured Individual a place to seek assistance in the areas of work adjustment training and life skills training to give the disabled individual an opportunity to fulfill their potential in these areas.
The objective of this program is to provide the brain injured individual with: 1.) Work support training, preparing them for work
in the public sector. With this training not only will the skills and needs of the individual be studied and worked with but, we will also address the areas of any assitive technology, proper interviewing techniques, resume' preparation, and assist the individual in their job hunt. 2.)Life skills training will be provided to enhance the individuals' ability to care for some of their everyday needs.
3.) Independent life skills training will be offered to assist the individual for the possibility of one day living on their own.
History:
The Brain Injury Services Department is a part of MARC Workshop Inc. The workshop was opened in April 1969 to three clients. Since that timethe workshop has experienced substanual growth. There have been over four-hundred individuals served through sheltered employment. In the year 2002 a 7500 sq. ft. facility was opened to house the majority of the production work. A grant proposal was submitted to the Harvest Foundation of Martinsville and Henry County in January of 2004. The grant proposal was seeking funds to work with individuals in the area who had sustained a traumatic brain injury. In February of 2004 the grant was approved. In March of the same year plans were underway to set the program up. The open house for the department was held in July of 2004.
Goals: The client will be worked within the areas of Work Adjustment Training, Life Skills Training, and Independent Living Skills. Our goal is to help the client reach their fullest potential in these areas. A client seeking services will be expected to give their best to accomplish their personal goals they have set for themselves through the program.
