DISABILITY.GOV
Disability.gov is the federal government website for
comprehensive information on disability programs and services
in communities nationwide. The site links to more than 14,000
resources from federal, state and local government agencies;
academic institutions; and nonprofit organizations. You can
find answers to questions about everything from Social Security
benefits to employment to affordable and accessible housing.
New information is added daily across 10 main subject areas –
Benefits, Civil Rights, Community Life, Education, Emergency
Preparedness, Employment, Health, Housing, Technology and
Transportation.
Their web site is www.disability.gov
DRIVING AFTER A BRAIN INJURY
Anyone who has had a brain injury, especially one that required
lengthy hospitalization should carefully listen to, and follow, his
or her physician’s advice concerning driving. Often, the person
with the injury isn’t aware of the deficits that may adversely affect
their ability to drive safely. Common problems are: poor to partial
vision, faulty coordination and seizures. These problems make
d
driving an unsafe activity for them and for others on the road.
Before driving after a brain injury, the person should receive an
evaluation from a licensed Occupational Therapist. By contacting
your local office of Vocational Rehabilitation, you can learn the
steps you need to take to receive an evaluation and, hopefully, the
return of your driving privileges.
To contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation office, you can
call, toll free 1-800-372-7172. By providing the operator with
your Zip Code, they will give you the number of the Vocational
Rehabilitation office nearest to your home.
Other numbers to call about a medical evaluation for your
drivers’ license are:
Frazier Rehab Institute Newburgh
3430 Newburgh Road
Louisville, KY 40218-2497
502-451-6886
Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital
2050 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40504
859-254-5701
Sometimes, a person who has had a brain injury, and is already
a licensed driver, should be reported to the Medical Review
Board of the Division of Driver’s licensing. More information
can be found on the Internet at www.kytc.ky.gov on the left side
of the screen click on “Motorists and Commercial Drivers” that
screen will lead you to a screen called “Department of Vehicle
Regulation” on that screen click on “Driver Licensing” under the
Division of Driver Licensing click on “Medical Review Board”
there you can download affidavits and forms.
Be
ys
r
Tc
y
R
Od
Community Living Resources
EMPLOYMENT AFTER BRAIN INJURY
Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Whether you are already employed and are returning to work; or
you are a young adult with a brain injury seeking employment
after finishing school: working after brain injury can be a
daunting task. Rehabilitation Hospitals are an excellent resource
for assistance in helping people return to existing jobs.
For those who are no longer able to perform their old job, or who
have just finished school and are having difficulty in finding a job
that takes into consideration their unique employment needs; the
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation can help you in several ways:
1. By performing an assessment of your abilities and
opportunities for employment.
2. Providing training for a job-related task. This could be
assistance with returning to college to prepare for a different
job, or training another job that you are interested in doing.
3. Referring you to a Supported Employment service. This is a
private agency that specializes in helping adults with
disabilities both obtain and maintain community-based,
competitive employment.
To contact a Vocational Rehabilitation
office near you, call:
1-800-372-7172
www.ovr.ky.gov
HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Attending college can be an enriching and exciting experience.
Oftentimes, the most difficult obstacle for a student with brain
injury who is considering the pursuit of a college education
is an attitudinal barrier. Some high school or vocational
counselors have the false impression that a student with a brain
injury is incapable of succeeding in an academic environment.
Counselors may either be unwilling to provide the necessary
support for a student trying to attend college or may actively
attempt to steer the student away from college toward a more
vocational setting.
When considering college, a student with a brain injury will need
to concentrate on three issues:
• Choosing the right college
• Being provided the necessary accommodations to attain his
or her educational goals
• Paying for college
Each student’s educational needs will be influenced by outside
factors which are not related to the brain injury such as the
condition of the student prior to the injury; the student’s life
goals; and the family support and community resources available
to the student.
36 2020-2022 BIAK Resource Journal
/DISABILITY.GOV
/Disability.gov
/www.disability.gov
/www.kytc.ky.gov
/www.ovr.ky.gov