For youth who have sustained moderate to severe ABI, community integration can encompass several components, including home, school, and community participation, satisfying social relationships that include a sense of belonging, involvement in meaningful, purpose driven educational and leisure activities and/or vocational opportunities, as well as developing a level of independence in daily activities. When discharged from acute/post-acute care, there is often a gap between medical care and navigating the school system to assure these students receive appropriate educational supports and services, and again, when exiting school and transitioning into adulthood.

This session will address the characteristics of youth with moderate-severe ABI who may present with barriers inhibiting successful school and community integration, as well as transition to adulthood after exiting the K-12 school system. Strategies and interventions to address a holistic case management approach for a productive community integration experience will be addressed.