After leaving the hospital, many people search for intensive rehabilitation programs to complete their recovery. Unfortunately, few communities have specialized programs to address the employment concerns of people with brain injury.
The problem is greatest for people living far from big cities. In smaller or less populated states, many survivors consider out-of-state rehabilitation programs. More and more survivors are choosing to live at home, near family and friends. For many, the limited availability of local employment services is a source of great frustration.

If you don’t find specialized employment services in your home community what can you do?

• Realize that the lack of programs is not your fault

Being angry or blaming yourself, your family, or the professionals in your community will probably not help.

Consider whether their programs can be adapted to meet your needs. Negotiate with service providers and encourage them to make adjustments.

Get ideas from people who have been successful at finding work and finding employment services.

Get together with other survivors in your community whose needs are similar to yours. Work together to educate the public and local organizations about the special needs of people with brain injury. Educate them about the benefits of improved services to the community.

Living with or near friends or relatives will help make the experience more comfortable.