Moving Forward in Equity and Empowerment: Employment After Concussion/Brain Injury
Managing return to work after a concussion/brain injury can be challenging.
OBIA is a leader in education and training and we recognize the importance of improving return to work outcomes for individuals with concussions/brain injuries.
What is the gap in the return to work process?
Employers and individuals with concussions/brain injuries often encounter barriers in the return to work process. Each concussion/brain injury varies from person-to-person and a tailored return to work plan is needed. The inability to return to work and unemployment are often linked to mental health challenges, including depression, low self-esteem, and low life satisfaction.
What we’ve learned so far from individuals living with concussion/brain injury and employers:
- The relationship between the employer and the employee is a key factor in the return to work process
- The job components must align with the employee’s current skills and capabilities
- Mental health and well-being play a factor in returning to work
- Some employees find challenges navigating aspects of short-term/long-term disability, ODSP, CPP, WSIB, etc.
- Change in sense of identity is common among employees after concussion/brain injury
- Employers identified a need for further specialized guidance for supporting their employees with concussion/brain injury in the return to work process
We need to improve the return to work process for individuals with concussions/brain injuries.
What is OBIA’s Role?
The Employment After Concussion/Brain Injury project will reshape how employers support their employees after a concussion/brain injury. The project will help build employer’s capacity to hire and support persons with disability by:
- Providing education on concussion/brain injury, communication strategies, accommodations and practical strategies to employers
- Implementing individualized return-to-work plans by working collaboratively with employers and their employees
- Providing mental health and wellbeing support to employees through one-to-one support and peer support groups
The project team is developing an innovative training and support program that will be offered at no cost to employers based in Ontario. Two virtual training programs will be tailored to the needs of employers and individuals with concussions/brain injuries.
To further support the return to work process, the project team will provide Enhanced Support Services, through access to an Occupational Therapist and Social Worker. Our team will assist you (the employer) by:
- Providing consultation around implementing accommodations and guidance on gradual return to work process
- Assessing job tasks and ensuring the position is a good fit for your employee
- Working with you and your employee to problem-solve any setbacks and obstacles
- Supporting your employee’s mental wellbeing
The program will support employees returning to their place of employment following a concussion/brain injury and will assist employers to create accessible and inclusive workplaces. Follow along for project updates and details:
The Return to Work team has been hired and began to conduct initial research on concussion/brain injury, mental health and the return to work process.
The project team has continued to develop the program and finalize the training content. We started to recruit for the program and have received interest from both employees and employers.Â
The Return to Work team is excited to announce the launch of our new website and programs. To express your interest in participating in one of our programs, please click the appropriate link below:
Return to Work Program Information Session
April 19, 2024
Information Session for Healthcare Professionals
March 12, 2024
![user user](https://braininjuryandreturntowork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/user.png)
The Return to Work Team:
Zoe Fallis, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Project Lead
[email protected]
Mackenzie Klauck, MSW, RSW
Mental Health Coordinator
[email protected]
Opeyemi Adegbemi
Program/Research Coordinator
[email protected]
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The views expressed in this program are the views of the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.
![Funded By The Canadian Government Funded By The Canadian Government](https://braininjuryandreturntowork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FundedByTheCanadianGov.png)