Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Eligibility

The current eligibility criteria for traumatic brain injury under state law is found at PI 11.36 (9), Wis. Admin. Code. To meet Wisconsin’s eligibility criteria for TBI, the child’s acquired brain injury must not be congenital, degenerative or due to birth trauma and must occur as a result of an external physical force to the brain resulting in total or partial functional disability or psychosocial impairment, or both, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.

In determining eligibility, the criteria contain two cautionary statements. First, the definition cautions the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team about using the results of standardized and norm-referenced instruments to evaluate and identify a child with TBI. Second, the definition states that alternative means of evaluation must be considered. IEP teams are further reminded that available medical information from a licensed physician must be considered. Prior medical documentation is not required for the IEP team to identify a child as TBI; however, if an IEP team determines that medical information is needed to make the determination of TBI, it must be obtained at no cost to the parent.

If a child meets the eligibility criteria for TBI, the IEP team must also determine whether the student has a need for special education.

Programming

If the IEP team decides a child has an impairment (TBI) which adversely affects educational performance and the child needs special education services and related services, the IEP team develops an IEP that is tailor-made to meet the child’s disability related educational needs. A placement is then developed to implement the IEP in the least restrictive environment.

Children with the impairment of TBI frequently present unique challenges to teachers and the support staff responsible for meeting the child’s educational needs. Training opportunities are available within each CESA for staff and parents; contact information for each CESA-based TBI trainer is listed in the resources below.