Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is defined as an acquired injury to the brain caused by an external physical force, resulting in total or partial functional disability or psychosocial impairment, or both, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. TBI has become known as the ‘silent epidemic’. Approximately 3,700 Texas children are hospitalized each year due to TBI with 1,300 resulting in long-term disability. The impact of TBI is devastating and costly: there is no cure and the effects may be life-long.
The Division of IDEA Coordination of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is working with the Texas Traumatic Brain Injury Council on identification of students with TBI in the community and in schools in order to provide information regarding TBI and special education services in a timely manner. TEA is also working with the Regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) and the Department of State Health Services to provide training related to TBI to teachers and other staff who work with these students.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 1.4 million people sustain a TBI each year in the United States. Of those, 50,000 die, 235,000 are hospitalized, and 1.1 million are treated and released from an emergency department.
The number of individuals who sustain TBI and are not seen in an emergency department or who receive no care is unknown. The two age groups at highest risk for TBI are 0 to 4 year olds and 15 to 19 year olds. In fact, TBI is the leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults. For additional information regarding special education services available to children who sustain TBI, contact the Regional Education Service Center (ESC) in your area.
Resources
Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/braininjury/
United States Office of Special Education Programs: http://idea.ed.gov/explore/home
Special Education Rules and Regulations: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/rules/
Related Links
Department of State Health Services: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/braininjury/tbi_links.shtm
Texas Education Agency | Division of IDEA Coordination
1701 North Congress Avenue | Austin, Texas 78701-1494
Telephone: 512.463.9414 | Fax: 512.463.9560
Created: August 15, 2007
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