Project Description:
Kessler Foundation BrainWorks Project Description
The primary purpose of this project is to develop a sustainable Customized Self-Employment Model for working-age adults with brain injury (a.k.a BrainWorks for Self-Employment). This project provides self-employment services to individuals with brain injury, including an orientation to self-employment for individuals and supports; Discovery and pre-employment activities; opportunities for mentor-guided self-employment exploration; and resources to create business plans and support teams.
Engaging in meaningful employment is important for the rehabilitation and quality of life of individuals with brain injury, yet it is often an unmet need for a large percent of individuals. The BrainWorks model is focused on addressing those needs. This project, unlike generally available self-employment services, will provide more hands-on support directed at the needs of individuals with brain injury. Moreover, traditional vocational evaluation strategies implemented by disability employment and rehabilitation agencies may not uncover the unique passion and abilities of each individual or their desire to be self-employed. The BrainWorks model uses Discovery, a method of uncovering an individuals unique abilities, passions, and ideal working conditions, which can lead to business ideas that may not be realized through traditional vocational evaluation processes. Further, individuals with brain injury present unique challenges that may interfere with sustaining employment, such as memory deficits, fatigue, executive functioning impairments, physical impairments, and increased irritability and aggressiveness (Catalano et al., 2006). Macaden et al. (2010) found internal motivation, coping skills, previous leisure and work interests, access to transportation, and vocational rehabilitation programs that boost confidence and provide follow-up to be important factors for sustaining employment. The BrainWorks model incorporates similar methods, such as Discovery and the use of natural supports, to meet the unique needs of individuals with brain injury.
A key component to the successful implementation of the BrainWorks model is the participation and expertise of the Participatory Action Research (PAR) team. The team, which includes CHD research staff, self-employment facilitators, entrepreneurs who experience brain injury, and statewide collaborators, contributed to designing the project, developing trainings and protocols, and recruiting participants. The team has also contributed to achieving the following project objectives:
Objective 1: To develop a customized self-employment model specific to adults with brain injury. The model and its specific activities will be developed through an iterative process using the PAR team and collaborative partners with the goal of integrating the model into employment services in Alaska. Collaborative partners include the Alaska Brain Injury Network, State of Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Tribal Vocational rehabilitation, and the Governors Council on Disabilities and Special Education.
Objective 2: To offer self-employment as an option for individuals with brain injury. Self-employment facilitators throughout the state will aid in the implementation of the model and assist individuals with self-employment goals.
Objective 3: To gather evidence that self-employment is a viable option for individuals with brain injury. This objective will be met through project evaluation and results will be disseminated to further the goal of self-employment as an option for individuals with disabilities.
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances
