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College Accommodations After a Traumatic Brain Injury (Concussion)

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Key Point

After a traumatic brain injury, post-concussion symptoms and changes in cognitive abilities might interfere with a student’s ability to think, concentrate, memorize, and recall information. Your attention span also might be affected. These symptoms can make coursework more difficult and challenging.

Follow this action plan to make sure you get the accommodations you need at college. This plan will help you communicate and coordinate your plan with your college’s disability services office.

  1. Contact and make an appointment at the disability services office at your college. It’s essential to communicate with the designated disability services office or disability services coordinator in order to receive the accommodations you need.
  2. Bring medical documentation from your health care provider listing your diagnosis and the date of your injury.
  3. Ask what documentation the college requires before they implement a plan for academic accommodations. Many disability services offices will require a cognitive assessment. It usually takes a minimum of two months to complete the assessment and documentation.
  4. The college’s disability services office/coordinator will help you implement your plan and integrate the policies of your college. This includes the process of how your instructors and professors are notified of your recommended academic accommodations.
 

Resources

Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students With Disabilities:

Higher Education’s Obligations Under Section 504 and Title II of the ADA
www.ed.gov/ocr/docs/auxaids.html

Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance
This guide explains your child’s right to education accommodations.

Minnesota Low Incidence Projects
Information helps families navigate the educational system
https://mnlowincidenceprojects.org/Projects/tbi/tbiResources.html

Minnesota Department of Education
education.mn.gov/MDE/index.htm

Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
www.ed.gov/ocr/transition.html

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team. If you are a Gillette patient with urgent questions or concerns, please contact Telehealth Nursing at 651-229-3890.