Getting Out of the Valley Getting Out of the Valley of Unemploymentof Unemployment

How to “Pardner up” your TBI Job Seeker and How to “Pardner up” your TBI Job Seeker and EmployerEmployer

Nancy Freeman &Joe Lewis

CTATnfreeman@denveroptions.org

What is a TBI?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a

penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain.

TBI is a life long process, not an event

The Brain

Brains are 3 lbs of gooey, slimy, wobbly gelatinous, blue cheese smelling organBrains operate 24 hours per dayIf the brain does not receive blood for 10 seconds it becomes unconsciousBrains use 20% of the oxygen we breathBrains have over 100 billion neurons that send messages to the bodyBrains peak at age 20Brains are 60% fat

How many people have a TBI?

1.4 million people sustain TBI in U.S. annually 50,000 die; 235,000 hospitalized; 1.1 million treated and released from emergency departments of hospitals

Every 11 minutes someone has a TBI

(How many from bull riding? Unknown)

Needs Created by Injury

CDC estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans currently have a lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living due to a TBI 40% of TBI survivors had at least one unmet need for services post injury Average time between injury and seeking DVR services is 9 yearsTBI can create epilepsy, Parkinson’s, drug confusion, depression, drug and alcohol addictions Funding and supplemental financial need occur post injuryAcceptance of self as a different personPain controlUnderstanding of success of other TBI Survivors

My Achy Breaky Unemployed Heart

♥ Increased substance Increased substance abuseabuse

♥ Increased physical Increased physical problemsproblems

♥ Increased behavior issuesIncreased behavior issues♥ Reduced self-esteemReduced self-esteem♥ Loss of social contactsLoss of social contacts♥ Alienation and apathyAlienation and apathy

(Warr, 1987)(Warr, 1987)

“95.9% of people with TBI say their unmet need is

finding work.” Corrigan et. Al., 2004

The Valley of Doom = Not Working

TBI + Employment = Self Esteem

Employment enhances a person’s self esteem and contributes to quality of life

RelationshipsRelationships

ProductivityProductivity

Socialization Socialization

Feeling at Home on the Job Accommodations for TBI

EC/Counselors dedication to partnership & placement - 50/50Transportation – Where’s my horse?Schedule – fatigue managementInterview techniquesNeeds – physical, environmental, emotionalSelf-Esteem – ensure success Social training (place and train)Exhibit positive attitude toward work

Even the Lone Ranger had a Sidekick!

ConsiderationsKnowledge of schedule/To do listGood sleep habits, fatigue managementNeuropsychological/physical factorsPredictor Variables – JS with high levels of coping and low levels of hopelessness are more likely to RTW successfullyTBI Job Seeker’s interest and passionVR Services – employment services are more important than all other variablesNatural supports – relationship with employer

There’s more than one way to Break a Horse

Finding Jobs Similar to Pre-injuryTasks that have worked in the past lead to current job leads

Brain storm job leads that are real jobs (Filth, Folding, Flowers, Fast Food & Filing)

What works/ What doesn’t work

Determinants of Outcome

How to Reach the Peak of the Mountain• Pre-injury Personality Characteristics

(biological/social)• How healthy is the TBI (schedule & exercise)• Type and Severity of Neurological Injury• Type and Severity of Bodily injury• Diagnosis (Alcohol & Drug use)• Support System (Cowpokes from the barn)• Belief in Recovery and acceptance of self

Determinants of Outcome (continued)

Ability to learn (WIT Model)

Desire to Return to Work (RTW)

Community Services Available - VR, EC

Combining medical and alternative models, treatment paradigms, environment & rehabilitation

Educational attainment pre-injury

Litigation and Insurance Status

Employment Strategy Planning

Network – Don’t be left in the OuthouseEverything is built on relationshipHow can you develop relationship with Job Seeker and EmployerMeet with 5 potential Employers per week

Assign action - use network and teamPractice social skills and interviewingPlace TBI Job SeekerPlace TBI Job SeekerCreate Natural Supports

What to say Once you GetYour in the Door

Create a script of about 10 seconds1. The first words out of their mouth when

meeting employers for the first time2. Free of Jargon, Acronyms & Confusion3. What is your Job Seeker’s story – why

are they there (likeability)4. What can they do for the employer you

are both talking to – benefits5. Practice, Practice, Practice!!

Believe in Your Job Seeker!

“You have to believe when no one else does. That’s what makes you a winner.”

Venus Williams