BIRC designs comprehensive cognitively based rehabilitation programs for adults, in both individual and group settings.  These customized programs focus on restoring functional and psychosocial skills and involve the individual in community-based work experience.  The ultimate goal of each program is to enable an individual with a brain injury to return to the community and be engaged in fulfilling work, school and home life.

Estimated length of stay in the program ranges from six months to two years, depending upon an individual's progress and the degree to which program goals are met.

Once an assessment is complete, rehabilitative programs are custom-designed for each client and may include:

    (Alt-1)  Cognitive Rehabilitation
    (Alt-2)  Psychosocial Adjustment
    (Alt-3)  Functional Skills Training
    (Alt-4)  Educational Development
    (Alt-5)  Vocational Development
    (Alt-6)  Physical Therapy
    (Alt-7)  Case Co-ordination

Cognitive rehabilitation supports program participants in regaining or compensating for cognitive skills lost or altered as a result of an acquired brain injury.

The rehabilitation process is conducted in a systematic, sequential and functional manner through individual and group sessions.  Interventions and supports are aimed at improving attention, concentration, memory and reasoning skills.

A neuropsychologist conducts neuropsychological assessments and is responsible for developing each participant’s individualized cognitive rehabilitation goals on a day-to-day basis.

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Psychosocial skills development focuses on coping with the effects of a brain injury.  Grief, self-esteem and relationship issues are addressed on an individual basis.  Education regarding brain injury and its consequences is provided, and relaxation techniques are taught.

Group sessions include anger management training and effective social and communication skills development.

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The staff at BIRC assist individuals who need to regain the ability to read, write and do math.  Assistance is also provided to those who want to complete high school or post-secondary training.

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Assessment and training in the area of functional skills is designed to assist program participants in achieving increased independence.  Activities include help with money management, performance of household chores, accessing transportation and participation in social and recreational activities in the individual’s community environment.

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This program component helps participants acquire the skills and experience necessary for paid employment or volunteer work.  The process is designed to identify participants’ interests and aptitudes and to test work abilities in actual work settings.  Work needs and environmental adaptations are also addressed.

Vocational testing and pre-employment preparation is offered through individual and group sessions.

BIRC staff members assess and supervise program participants’ vocational/avocational goals.  Committed businesses in the private and public sectors provide work opportunities for our participants. This may include re-engagement to productive activity through volunteer participation opportunities.

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BIRC staff members assist participants in increasing their physical abilities.  This is accomplished by on-site remediation and exercises, as well as developing linkages to community leisure and recreation centres.

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Case co-ordination with other service providers is arranged as necessary.

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