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Virginia

Resources in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Brain Injury Association of Virginia

Brainline

Department of Veterans Services

Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS)

Virginia Centers of Independent Living

Virginia Assistive Technology

 

State-Funded Brian Injury Services Programs

State Administered Services

The following services and programs are administered directly by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services:

The Brain Injury Services Coordination Unit (BISCU) is located at the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Virginia’s designated “lead state agency” for planning and monitoring services that enhance the quality of life and vocational goals of persons with acquired brain injury. BISC Unit manages about $6 million in programs and services, primarily through federal/state grants, and state-funded contracts with organizations across the Commonwealth. BISC Unit provides information and consultation about acquired brain injury to DARS staff and external customers. BISCU staffs the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative Trust Fund and the statewide Virginia Brain Injury Council. Contact Patricia Goodall at 804/662-7615, 800/552-5019, TTY 800/464-9950 or e-mail Patti.Goodall@dars.virginia.gov or on-linehttp://www.vadars.org/cbs/biscis.htm.

  • Brain Injury Direct Services (BIDS) Fund provides short-term specialized services, assistive technology, and equipment / goods that people with brain injury may need to live more independently and move forward in their recovery. Funds are limited and can be used only if no other funding source is available (“fund of last resort”); it is recommended that you contact DARS prior to applying for funding. BIDS Fund does not pay for inpatient medical rehabilitation or any type of residential services. Individuals must be one year post-injury and meet disability and financial criteria. Contact Patricia Goodall at 804/662-7615, 800/552-5019, TTY 800/464-9950 or e-mail Patti.Goodall@dars.virginia.gov or on-linehttp://www.vadars.org/cbs/biscis.htm.
  • Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative (CNI) Trust Fund, established legislatively in 1997 for the purpose of “improving the treatment and care of Virginians with traumatic spinal cord or brain injuries,” disburses funding to Virginia-based organizations, institutions, and researchers through a competitive grant process administered by DARS. The Advisory Board awards grant funds of $5,000 to $150,000 per year for up to three years in alternating cycles for either research or community based services grants. Contact Wanda Allen 804/662-7154 orWanda.Allen@dars.virginia.gov or on-line http://www.vacni.org.
  • Federal Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Implementation Partnership Act funding was awarded to DARS for a four-year grant project entitled, “Facilitating Access to Care and Enhancing Services” for the period 2014-18. The primary goals of the grant focus on Information and Referral, Professional Training, Screening, and Resource Facilitation, all designed to expand and strengthen the state’s infrastructure. Three DARS subcontractors assist in carrying out grant activities: the primary contractor is the Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV). In addition, James Madison University completed a Year 1 study on the access of Virginians with brain injury to neurobehavioral services, and in Years 2-4 of the grant, the University of Virginia is implementing a brain injury screening program at eight community sites (2 AAAs, 2 CILS, 2 Free and Charitable Clinics, and 2 CSBs). The DARS Federal grant does not provide direct services to consumers; it is a systems-change grant. Contact Donna Cantrell at 804-622-7069 or 800/552-5019, TTY 800/464-9950 or e-mail Donna.Cantrell@dars.virginia.gov or on-line http://www.vadars.org/cbis.htm.
  • Centers for Independent Living (CILs) provide services statewide that promote the independence, productivity, and leadership of people with disabilities. CILs are operated by people with disabilities who assist others to take charge of their own lives. CILs work with individuals and communities to remove barriers to independence. Services include information / referral, peer counseling, independent living skills training, and individual and systems advocacy. There are 16 CILs and four satellite CILS located throughout Virginia. Contact Rhonda Jeter at 804-325-1360 (voice and VP) or 800/552-5019, TTY 800/464-9950; e-mail Rhonda.jeter@dars.virginia.gov or on-line http://www.vadars.org/cbs/cils.htm.
  • Community Rehabilitation Case Management Services (CRCMS) Program provides case management / service coordination for individuals with central nervous system and other severe functional disabilities (including brain injury). Rehabilitation Specialists assist in identifying individual needs and identify resources to increase independent living and community integration. Contact Carolyn Turner at 800/552-5019, TTY 800/464-9950, e-mail Carolyn.Turner@dars.virginia.gov or on-line http://www.vadars.org/cbs/ltcrm.htm.
  • Dementia Services Coordination Unit works with the Virginia Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission to achieve the goals of the State’s Dementia State Plan to help meet the needs of Virginians with dementia. The Coordinator disseminates information to the public, health care professionals and advocacy groups; coordinates services and activities among organizations that connect Virginians with dementia and their caregivers; and identifies memory assessment centers to share information. Visit www.vadars.org/cbs/dementiaservices.htm to learn more or contact Devin Bowers at 804-662-9154 or email devin.bowers@dars.virginia.gov or by call 800/552-5019, TTY 800/464-9950.
  • Personal Assistance Services for People with Brain Injury (PAS/BI) provides personal assistance to people with significant functional limitations due to a physical disability caused by a brain injury and who are ineligible for attendant services through other sources. The consumer and a consumer-designated representative manage all aspects of employing a personal assistant. Services may include assistance getting in/out of bed, dressing, bathing, meal preparation, and housework. Priority is given to individuals at risk of institutional placement. Contact Pat Norton at 800/552-5019, TTY 800/464-9950, e-mail Patricia.Norton@dars.virginia.gov or on-line http://www.vadars.org/cbs/pas.htm.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program is the federal/state funded program within the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) that offers employment-related assistance to persons with disabilities, including people with brain injuries. Individuals who meet disability and financial eligibility criteria work with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to jointly develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that identifies an employment goal, as well as services or training to achieve that goal. Services include evaluation of skills and abilities; help determining an employment goal; counseling and guidance; vocational training; and job seeking / job placement services. Contact DARS at 800/552-5019, TTY 800/464-9950, or on-line http://www.vadars.org.
  • Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) is a state-funded rehabilitation facility operated by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) that offers an array of residential and outpatient services ranging from a comprehensive rehabilitation therapy program to vocational training to short-term assessment.  Eligible individuals with acquired brain injury may receive supplemental specialized services such as neuropsychological assessment and therapy / counseling; cognitive rehabilitation services; independent living / community re-entry skills; and physical, occupational, and speech / language therapies.   Contact Rick Sizemore at 540/332-7044 or 800/345-9972/ TTY 800/811-7893 or e-mail Rick.Sizemore@wwrc.virginia.gov or on-line http://www.wwrc.net/menuroot/VR-brain-injury-services.htm.

 

This information will be kept up-to-date here by NCMC Clearinghouse staff.

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