Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acquired condition that occurs when the brain is damaged. Brain injuries can be the result of a violent blow or a jolt to the head in which the brain collides with the inside of the skull. Less common is traumatic brain injury resulting from an object penetrating the skull and the brain.

Symptoms of TBI can range from mild to severe, and the severity of any disability that may result from a TBI can vary as well. At times, communication difficulties arise as the result of TBI. These communication challenges may vary dramatically from person to person depending upon the area of the brain that is damaged, and how severe that damage is.

How can AAC benefit someone with Traumatic Brain Injury?

While the majority of individuals who sustain TBIs recover without any remaining challenges, those who sustain severe TBIs may be left with communication and cognitive challenges. They may require temporary or permanent support to successfully communicate and achieve a greater degree of independence.

An augmentative and alternative communication device (AAC) can help individuals with communication gaps that arise as a result of the TBI. It is important to note that communication devices do not necessarily replace other methods of communication. Rather, they become a tool in a complete communication system and replace only those elements of communication that are ineffective.

A communication device gives the individual the ability to effectively speak their mind. It allows them to take an active role in communicating with others, direct personal care, and connect with others. Communication can be face-to-face, by phone, online and by e-mail.

While communication devices are often needed on a permanent basis, they can be introduced temporarily to support the individual as he recovers communication and cognitive skills. At times communication devices can be used to draw out the individual, and give him the motivation to begin communicating with others.

Communication devices also provide a variety of tools that support the individual cognitively. Alarms and schedules can be programmed into the device to remind the individual of appointments, when medications are due, when to pay the bills, and tasks that need to be done each day. Directions for how to do tasks or how to get from one location to another can also be programmed into the communication device to provide further support.

Some communication devices include tools such as built-in universal remote controls that allow individuals with physical disabilities to easily control TVs, DVD players and other common household appliances equipped with infrared remote controllers or X-10 modules.

In short, robust communication devices provide the tools needed to help every individual with TBI live as independently as possible.