Brain Injury Supports and Services

What qualifies as a brain injury?

A Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury (TABI) broadly describes an array of injuries, from physical force or internal damage, to the brain and its coverings, that result in a decrease in cognitive, behavioral, or physical functioning. Examples include, but are not limited to, injuries from falls, blunt force, strokes, and medical surgeries.

What can SAIL do to help?

If you or a loved one experiences a brain injury, SAIL’s  TABI Program is here to help.

Resources & Information: Our trained staff work one-on-one with individuals experiencing a TABI to access the emotional, social, and practical supports needed to live as independently as possible. From medical services to transportation needs to social/emotional supports, a customized plan follows each individual as they receive assistance gaining access to, and utilizing, the community resources most important to them.

TABI Mini Grants: Specifically designed to address gaps in funding not covered by personal resources, insurance, or other sources, this funding is intended to maximize the independence and well-being of someone experiencing a brain injury. The maximum benefit per individual is $2,500 per year ($5,000 max over a 5 year period) and pays for supplies or services that promote an individual’s independence and safety as it relates to their brain injury. The grant application process is as follows:

1. Complete the TABI mini-grant application, along with a Verification of Diagnosis Form and price quotes from vendors, and submit to tabi@sailinc.org.
2. Grant application is reviewed by a committee from the State of Alaska’s Division of Senior and Disability Services.
3. Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision.

Peer Support From small group meetings to one-on-one mentorship, peer support is a cornerstone of brain injury recovery. In addition to SAIL-sponsored support groups, staff connects individuals with peer support offerings throughout Alaska and the Lower 48, as well as individual mentorship. New Peer Support schedule coming soon!

Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Injury

Go to the emergency room or call your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body:

• A headache that gets worse or does not go away.
• Weakness, numbness or problems with coordination.
• Repeated vomiting or nausea (particularly early on after the injury).
• Slurred speech
• Extreme drowsiness or cannot be awakened.
• Convulsions or seizures.
• One pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) looks larger than the other.
• Cannot recognize people or places (don’t know where you are).
• Contusions or brain hemorrhages.
• If an object enters the skull.
• A second blow or jolt before symptoms from an earlier concussion have subsided.