Programs
Virginia
TBI Lead Agency
Dept. of Rehabilitative Services
8004 Franklin Farms Dr.
Richmond, VA 23229
Patricia Goodall, EdS
804-662-7615
804-662-7663 (Fax)
patti.goodall@drs.virginia.gov
Service Delivery
Federal / State Funded Vocationally Related Services
Individuals who are reported to Virginia's Central Registry for Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury receive a brochure containing contact information for the Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV) and the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS). Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury (or family members) who contact the Department of Rehabilitative Services are referred to the Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Services (BI/SCIS) Unit located in the Community Based Services Division of DRS Central Office. They can receive general information, resources, and referral to the nearest DRS Field Office for information and application for vocational rehabilitation or other employment-related services. Services may be provided at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC), Virginia's only comprehensive rehabilitation center, or by community providers under contract with DRS.
Individuals in the WWRC Brain Injury Services Program participate in an evaluation period and may receive a medical evaluation provided by a physiatrist (medical rehabilitation physician), a neuropsychological assessment, analysis of behavior, and evaluations of cognitive skills, independent living skills, leisure skills and initial vocational exploration/assessment. Depending upon each individual's needs, additional evaluations from occupational and physical therapy and speech pathology may be conducted.
If a program is recommended for an individual, it may include a combination of these services: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and recreation therapy; community re-entry services and community support services; neuropsychological; assessments; case management services; cognitive therapy; employment counseling; orientation group and psycho-social group; vocational evaluation and vocational training; psychological and psychiatric services; residential services which include a continuum of housing options; and other support services as needed.
Other services provided by WWRC include cognitive rehabilitation, orientation group, support group, vocational training support group, community reintegration and independent living skills, and community transition services. As the consumer nears the end of the rehabilitation program, staff begin working with the consumer, family, DRS field counselor, and community supports to identify needed services at home. Consumers' progress in work and independent living is monitored for one year.
State-Funded NonVocational Services
DRS has provided non-vocational brain injury services with general revenue since 1984. Currently, nearly $6 million in State general funds annually support operation of the Central Registry for BI / SCI; direct services to individuals with brain injury; a statewide Community Based Rehabilitation Case Management Services program, and numerous contracted services statewide (e.g., case management, clubhouse programs, supported living services, life skills services, and day programs). The Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative (CNI) Trust Fund, established in statute in 1998 (Code of Virginia 32.1-73.2) is funded through driver's license reinstatement fees. Funds are used to award grants for research and community-based rehabilitative programs through a competitive Request For Proposal (RFP) process. Persons with brain injury can access one of six Medicaid Waivers if they meet the eligibility requirements. Virginia is currently working toward a Brain Injury Waiver (2005).
Note: The Department of Rehabilitative Services – including WWRC – serves individuals age 16 and over. Children typically receive medical and therapy services funded by private insurance and/or educational and ancillary therapy services provided through the school systems.
Find out more information on this State's services in its current profile by clicking here. [PDF 50KB]. You can also order a hardcopy of our latest "Guide to State Government Brain Injury Policies, Funding and Services" for profiles of all States and much more.
HRSA-Funded Projects
Virginia received a Planning Grant from 1998-1999, and an Implementation Grant from 2002-2004. The Implementation Grant, referred to as "Project START," established three Regional Brain Injury Resource Centers in underserved areas of the State. The purpose of the Regional Resource Coordinators is to build local and regional coalitions with consumers, State and local organizations, and community entities to raise awareness about the needs of people with brain injury, and to develop or expand services to persons with brain injury.
Find more information on this State's project in its current grant profile.
Promising Practices
DRS developed a Life Skills Trainer Program for individuals interested in learning about the provision of specialized training for people with brain injury that assists them in functioning more independently and successfully in community settings. Virginia is the first State to offer a Personal Assistance Services program specifically for individuals with brain injury (PAS/BI). Consumers with brain injury who are not able to successfully participate in the State's consumer-directed PAS program may receive PAS / BI in which they designate a representative to assist in management of their PAS program. This is a small, State funded program currently serving 15 people.
Click here for a summary of the State's Brain Injury Training Portfolio
