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1800 N. Charles Street; Suite 400
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
410.727.6352 or 1.800.233.7201
www.mdlclaw.org
Advocating to Improve the Lives
of People with Disabilities
Obtaining Special Education Services
for Students with
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Maryland Disability Law Center
January 2011
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a blow or
jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that
disrupts the normal function of the brain. Common
causes of TBI include motor vehicle and bicycle
accidents, falls, sport injuries, and assault. The
severity of TBI ranges from mild to severe. A mild
brain injury can result in a significant disability.
Because the effect of TBI on one’s life may not be
readily apparent, TBI is known as the “silent epi-
demic” or the “invisible epidemic.” The long-term
effects of TBI can be serious, leading to disabilities
impacting cognitive, emotional, sensory, and motor
impairments. The disabilities arising from TBI can
impact an individual’s education, work, and
relationships.
IMPACT OF TBI ON LEGAL RIGHTS
WHAT IS TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY?
Individuals with TBI face many legal issues such
as lack of appropriate supports and services in
school, lack of or inadequate insurance
coverage, denial of rehabilitative treatment,
inadequate funding for public services, and
inappropriate placement in a nursing facility or
psychiatric institution.
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NOTES
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IMPORTANT
CONTACT INFORMATION
Use this page to record names and phone
numbers for people involved in providing
services for your child:
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Seizures
Fatigue
Functional changes affecting:
1. Cognition such as short- and long-term
memory, the learning process, problem-
solving, and reasoning;
2. Language such as communication,
expression, and understanding;
3. Senses such as taste, touch, and smell;
4. Emotions such as depression, anxiety,
personality changes, aggression, impulse
control, and social inappropriateness.
POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF TBI IN DAILY LIVING
WHAT IS MDLC?
Maryland Disability Law Center (MDLC), a private,
nonprofit legal advocacy organization, is the Protection
and Advocacy agency for Maryland, mandated to
advocate for people with disabilities. MDLC works to
create a just and inclusive society by advancing the
legal rights of people with disabilities, expanding
opportunities to participate fully in all aspects of
community life, and ensuring freedom from abuse and
neglect.
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* MDLC can address educational issues for
children with TBI, including:
∙ Breaking down the systemic barriers that prevent
more students from being educated appropriately in
their neighborhood schools;
∙ Advocating for students who need appropriate
assistive technology services and devices in order
to receive a free and appropriate public education
or appropriate early intervention services;
∙ Advocating for students who are inappropriately
disciplined by school staff, including suspension,
expulsion, restraint, and seclusion; and
∙ Advocating for students with disabilities involved
in the juvenile justice system to ensure that they
receive appropriate special education services.
* MDLC can address Medicaid issues for
children and adults with TBI, including:
∙ Handling cases for individuals on Maryland
Medical Assistance or Waiver Programs who have
been denied healthcare or covered services, or
where such services have been delayed.
HOW CAN MDLC HELP?
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Outreach and trainings on issues such as spe-
cial education and covered Medicaid services
for families and professionals about legal rights
and processes;
Technical assistance;
Information and referral services;
Short-term assistance; and
Individual case representation.
For questions or requests related to special
education services for students with TBI, please
contact our Special Education Intake Department
at (410) 727-6352, ext. 0.
For questions or requests relating to all other legal
issues, contact the General Intake Department
at (410) 727-6352, ext. 0.
Please call from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M.,
Monday through Friday.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
