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UKABIF continues to drive change
The United Kingdom Acquired Brain is comprehensive and consistent throughout the Injury Forum (UKABIF) continues to raise UK. UKABIF took part in a first ever joint roundtable awareness of ABI in parliament and amongst of APPGs on neurological conditions where the policy makers. Its primary objective is to need for a national strategy and central leadership ensure that people with ABI have early access to local, for rehabilitation was discussed with agreement to specialist neurorehabilitation and follow up services in continue lobbying for progress. The charity also the community. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic continues to lobby for the use of rehabilitation has highlighted the importance of neurorehabilitation prescriptions. in the continuum of patient-centred care, with rehabilitation professionals having a crucial role in SUPPORTING THE RETURN TO EDUCATION assisting patient recovery from Covid-19-associated FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH ABI disabling effects. May 2021 sees the launch of a much needed resource
UKABIF’s current lobbying programmes follow on produced by the National Acquired Brain Injury Learning from the publication of and Education Syndicate the report ‘Acquired Dr Andrew Bateman, UKABIF Chair said: (N-ABLES). UKABIF Brain Injury and ABI is a chronic condition with established N-ABLES in Neurorehabilitation ‘hidden’ disabilities and life-long 2019 to raise awareness – Time for Change’ published in October consequences. There’s a great deal of of the education needs and support required 2018 by the All-Party work to be done to change the way by children and young Parliamentary Group on neurorehabilitation services are delivered people with ABI, and to Acquired Brain Injury but I’m proud of the progress that UKABIF facilitate the report’s (APPG on ABI). UKABIF has made to date recommendations. Most provides the secretariat children/young people for the APPG on ABI and has been instrumental in with ABI return to mainstream education. Their return ensuring the focus remains on achieving the report’s to education is a significant part of the recovery process, recommendations. and a smooth transition is essential. The return can
The ‘Time for Change’ report called for immediate be challenging for school professionals and requires action to address the issues surrounding the provision preparation, collaboration and careful coordination of neurorehabilitation services for children, young involving the child/young person, their parents/carers, people and adults with ABI in the UK, focussing on the school and a wide range of professionals. The education, criminal justice, sport-related concussion new booklet and poster ‘ABI Return – Children and and the welfare benefits system. These issues span Young People with Acquired Brain Injury – guiding many government departments including the Ministry their return to education’ will help all those involved of Defence, the Department for Work and Pensions, to prepare for, and achieve, a successful return and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local enable the student to progress their recovery. The guide Government, the Department for Education, the is relevant for ages 4-18 years, when the child/young Ministry of Justice, and the Home Office. person is in hospital, recovering at home, or in the early stages of returning to education. Although countries DRIVING CHANGE IN NEUROREHABILITATION within the UK have different education systems and SERVICES policies, the guiding principles outlined apply to them all. A national review of neurorehabilitation is A copy of the booklet/poster is available from recommended in the report to ensure service provision www.ukabif.org.uk/ABIRETURN
IMPROVING THE MANAGEMENT OF ABI OFFENDERS
The criminal justice programme is steered by the Criminal Justice Acquired Brain Injury Interest Group (CJABIIG); UKABIF provides the secretariat for this Group. Reform of procedures, practices and processes in the criminal justice system should take into account the needs of individuals with ABI. There is a high incidence of ABI in womens’ prisons which is strongly linked to domestic abuse. The recent debate around the Domestic Abuse Bill lead to meetings with the government. This has resulted in brain injury screening as a routine requirement at the earliest point of contact with the criminal justice system and the implementation of information about ABI in domestic abuse orders used by the police and support staff.
AWARENESS
•Access information about Acquired Brain Injury • Identify a Keyworker to arrange and attend meetings • Communicate with family, health, education and social care
ASSIGN A KEYWORKER AND ATTEND MEETINGS
READY THE SCHOOL
•Assess and implement training, information and support for school professionals • Inform peers as appropriate • Adapt/adjust the environment in the school/college
MAKE A PLAN BE PREPARED
• • • Prepare for re-integration Ensure school are informed Access reports and share the recommendations (include healthcare professional) • • Assess availability of funding – and apply Share information with support team
GATHER BACKGROUND INFORMATION
N-ABLES
The National Acquired Brain Injury in Learning and Education Syndicate
INCLUSION
•Explore the child/young person’s views, wishes, hopes, aspirations and goals • Include the Return to Education team in decision making and planning • Work with parents and child/ young person as ‘experts’
LISTEN TO THE CHILD/ YOUNG PERSON
NEXT STEPS
•Monitor cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social changes over time • Provide continuous guidance and support • Take a holistic approach; quality of life matters!
MONITOR AND REVIEW PROGRESS
ENABLE PARTICIPATION
•Enable inclusion in all aspects of school life • Explore the range of resources and skills you already have to meet the child/young person’s needs • Adapt the school day, curriculum and lessons
BE FLEXIBLE TEACHING AND LEARNING
•Use individualised and targeted approach to promote opportunities for learning • Recognise and respond to strengths, skills, needs, changes and challenges • Share knowledge and understanding of the student with colleagues • • Review progress Monitor current, emerging and changing needs
TRY DIFFERENT LEARNING STRATEGIES UNDERSTANDING
•Understand the child/young person’s changing/new cognitive, emotional and social needs as well as academic challenges • Explore the new ‘normal’ for this student • Be flexible
BE PREPARED FOR CHANGE REMEMBER ME
•See beyond behaviours and understand how the child/young person feels, what matters to them and what might help • Remember the child/ young person’s interests, likes, dislikes and friends before their injury • Hear their voice and ask for their feedback
ASK FOR THE CHILD/ YOUNG PERSON’S FEEDBACK
RETURN TO EDUCATION WITH AN ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY (ABI)
These are guiding principles for the Return to Education, with key tips and resources suggested. There is no ‘onesize-fits-all’ plan; it will depend on the needs of the child/ young person, their family and effective communication with school and other professionals.
CONTACT Email: NABLES@UKABIF.org.uk Twitter: @NABLES10
For more information about ABI RETURN and case studies, please read the booklet or visit www.ukabif.org.uk/ABIRETURN
RECOGNITION FOR LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF SPORT-RELATED BRAIN INJURY
The recommendations for sport-related brain injury emphasise the need for greater awareness and acceptance amongst sporting bodies about the short and long-term risks, the implementation of clear guidance and policies, and the need for government to take the lead. UKABIF has submitted evidence to the Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sport on the links between sport and long-term brain injury. The Select Committee is considering the scientific evidence for links between head trauma and dementia and how the risks could be mitigated. Evidence is also being submitted by individual players and governing bodies.
UKABIF’s Annual Summit being held on Monday, 8 November 2021 will focus on the ‘Time for Change’ report, discuss the developments and improvements in the delivery of care for people with ABI. Subject to the continued ease of restrictions around COVID-19, the summit will take place at London’s Royal Society of Medicine, with additional streaming options for those who do not wish to attend in person. The full details will be available soon; please contact:
admin@ukabif.org.uk
SUPPORT UKABIF’S WORK - BECOME A MEMBER
UKABIF aims to promote better understanding of all aspects of ABI; to educate, inform and provide networking opportunities for professionals, service providers, planners and policy makers and to campaign for better services in the UK. If you would like to become a member and support UKABIF please contact: www.ukabif.org.uk/membership
Or consider making a donation
https://ukabif.org.uk/donations/donate.asp?id=16665
REFERENCE
‘Acquired Brain Injury and Neurorehabilitation – Time for Change www.ukabif.org.uk/appg_report_2018
