The BrainSTEPS Program was created to build a bridge connecting the medical, rehabilitation, education sectors and families following student (K-12) acquired brain injury (ABI). ABIs can cause cognitive, physical, socio-emotional, and behavioral impairments that impact classroom performance and learning. In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Health established the BrainSTEPS Program to address this issue. BrainSTEPS consulting teams support school teams in the development and implementation of educational plans following student ABI. The original BrainSTEPS model in PA is currently funded by the PA Department of Health and the PA Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, and is implemented by the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania. In 2017, BrainSTEPS was recognized by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a national model for educational consultation supporting students and school teams in the development and implementation of educational supports and services following an acquired brain injury.

If you are interested in more information about the BrainSTEPS Program model, please visit http://www.brainsteps.net/.

A Traumatic Brain Injury means an acquired injury to the brain caused by an external physical force, resulting in total or partial functional disability or psychosocial impairment, or both, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term applies to open or closed head injuries resulting in impairments in one or more areas, such as cognition; language; memory; attention; reasoning; physical functions; information processing; and speech. The term does not apply to brain injuries that are congenital or degenerative, or brain injuries induced by birth trauma. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1991)

Support is available through the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit’s BrainSTEPS Team to assist with the planning of a student’s reentry into the educational system following a traumatic brain injury.

The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit, in partnership with the local school districts is dedicated to making reentry following a traumatic brain injury a smooth transition for both students and their families.

The Brain: Basic Anatomy, Brain Injuries, and Return to Learn Protocol

This was a past training the IU29 BrainSTEPS team held on September 24, 2019. 

BrainSTEPS: Concussion Management Team Networking Agenda

This was a past training the IU29 BrainSTEPS team held on August 21, 2019.

For more information regarding these topics, please contact Doreen Milot.