Acquired Brain Injury

A community-based rehabilitation service for
people living with the effects of acquired brain injury

AS PART OF THE TORONTO COMMUNITY CARE ACCESS CENTRE, the focus of the Acquired Brain Injury Program is to facilitate client rehabilitation in his or her own home and community. The program provides a broad range of health and rehabilitation services for people living with the effects of acquired brain injury.

What is an Acquired Brain Injury?
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is defined as damage to the brain which occurs after birth and is not related to a congenital disorder or a degenerative disease such as Alzheimer's or Multiple Sclerosis. The brain damage may be due to a traumatic injury to the head, incurred through a motor vehicle accident, a fall, an assault, etc. It may be the result of non-progressive tumour, or a stroke with diffuse cognitive deficits, or may also be caused by conditions such as anoxia, aneurysm, or an infection (e.g. encephalitis).

What services are provided?
Following an initial assessment to determine eligibility for the program, a Care Coordinator will begin working with the client to establish realistic goals to meet his or her specific needs. Services are provided by a multidisciplinary team whose members work together to meet the goals defined in the client's care plan.

The team may include the following members:

• Care Coordinators
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Speech Language Pathologists
• Social Workers
• Psychologists
• Behavioural Therapists
• Rehabilitation Support Workers
• Nurses
• Nutritionists
• Personal Support Workers

The services provided by this team include:

• case management
• ongoing assessment and evaluation of the clients' needs and goals
• helping clients to achieve the best possible level of independence in the home and community
• educating and counselling clients and families about the effects of brain injury
• connecting clients to other community services that can help them with their work pursuits and leisure time.

Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the ABI Program, clients must:

• have a valid Ontario Health Card (OHIP coverage)
• reside in the City of Toronto
• be between the ages of 16 and 65
• have a primary diagnosis of acquired brain injury
• live at home or be capable of doing so and have a home environment in which the necessary services can be provided.

How can someone be referred to the ABI Program?
Referrals can be made by an individual living with the effects of an acquired brain injury, by family members, friends, health care professionals, community service providers, or any one else who identifies a need for this service. Simply call the Acquired Brain Injury Program at (416) 217-3803.