Self-Advocacy for Independent Life: A Program for Personal Self Advocacy after Brain Injury

ABSTRACT

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in long-term injury-related disabilities. Individuals with TBI and their families must often advocate for themselves to secure resources to address their postinjury needs. However, the ability to advocate may be compromised by the effects of the injury. The Self-Advocacy for Independent Life (SAIL) program aims to empower individuals and families with the skills of self-advocacy so they can navigate life after brain injury in a self-efficacious manner.

KEYWORDS:

• Advocacy
• brain injury
• disability rights
• empowerment approach
• inclusion
• rehabilitation
• self-determination
• social work and disability

Notes on contributor

Lenore Hawley, MSSW, LCSW, CBIST, a licensed clinical social worker and certified brain injury specialist trainer, has provided services to individuals with brain injury for more than 30 years. She is the author of A Family Guide to the Head Injured Adult and the Self Advocacy for Independent Life work-book. She is coauthor of a social competence intervention, Group Interactive Structured Treatment (GIST), and was an investigator on a study showing the efficacy of GIST. She is the Brain Injury Education and Resource Counselor at Craig Hospital in Englewood, CO, where she also serves as a research clinician and GIST group therapist. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the International Network for Social Workers in Acquired Brain Injury.