Online support to facilitate the reintegration of students with brain injury: trials and errors

The reintegration of students after acquired/traumatic brain injury (ABI/TBI) continues to be fraught with difficulties. Presented are (1) case studies exploring the potential of online support for teachers of students with ABI after returning from a paediatric rehabilitation centre; (2) results of Internet-based courses about reintegrating students with ABI; (3) outcomes of videoconferencing-based and Internet email-based support; (4) development of an online support process that uses Questions and Answers as a quick and immediate resource for teachers. The authors recommend that a collaborative process be instituted, in order to generate a relatively small number of high quality online resources about re-integrating students into their school and community. A second recommendation focuses on the development of online support network which may be text or email based or which may use videoconferencing over the Internet. Such networks allow students with ABI to maintain contact with their family and friends in the home community and facilitate their reintegration. An Internet-based support structure also allows professionals to provide consultation, collaboration and continuing input.