Traumatic Brain Injury

The term traumatic brain injury (TBI) means an acquired injury to the brain which is caused by an external physical force. The injuries may be a result of motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, abuse, or other trauma. Near drownings are also considered a traumatic brain injury as the water is the external force.

TBI may result in observable differences in learning, communication, physical, emotional, and/or behavioral processes impacting a student's educational performance. 

Serving the entire Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, the Brain Injury Education Support Team is available to the following local school districts:

• Allendale Public Schools
• Coopersville Area Public Schools
• Grand Haven Area Public Schools
• Hamilton Community Schools
• Holland Public Schools
• Hudsonville Public Schools
• Jenison Public Schools
• Saugatuck Public Schools
• Spring Lake Public Schools
• West Ottawa Public Schools
• Zeeland Public Schools
• Public School Academies
• Families impacted by TBI receiving Early On supports

While the local district is responsible for providing direct services to the child, the Brain Injury Education Support Team and district liaisons can:

• Consult with schools regarding identification, school re-entry planning, IEP/504 Plan development, and collaboration around appropriate interventions
• Monitor students annually until graduation for possible manifestation of cognitive/behavioral/social issues
• Access additional support from local resources and annual presentations offered by the OAISD
• Provide families of children 0-3 with an Early Childhood Brain Injury Care Binder

For inquiries please contact one of the Brain Injury Education Support Team Coordinators as they can answer general inquiries and/or connect you with your local district brain injury liaison. 

Kristin Blain

kblain@oaisd.org

616-796-1715

Sarah Scholten

sscholte@oaisd.org

616-796-1555

Concussion Navigator - a digital solution for comprehensive concussion management in schools and sports.

CDC Heads Up -  resource to help people recognize, respond to, and minimize the risk of concussion or other serious brain injury. 

CBIRT - The Center on Brain Injury Research & Training provides a wealth of resources for both families and schools.