College Accommodations After a Traumatic Brain Injury (Concussion)

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 after a traumatic brain injury. 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.

Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students With Disabilities:

Higher Education’s Obligations Under Section 504 and Title II of the ADA
https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/protecting-students/post-secondary-academic-adjustments-and-auxiliary-aids-services

Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance
This guide explains your right to education accommodations.
https://braininjurymn.org/library/ReturnToSchool.pdf

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