T3: Social Action Networking in Persons with TBI
Project Directors: Carol Gill, Ph.D.
Co-Project Director: Sunil Kothari, M.D.
Overview:
The purpose of this project is to begin a social action networking model that has been successful for increasing positive self-identity, social connection, empowerment, and hope in persons with disability. The project will be carried out along with Carol Gill and colleagues at the University of Illinois-Chicago. The project will involve conducting several groups for persons with TBI in the Houston-Galveston and Austin areas. This project begins later in the grant years.
Significant Developments:
- Participation in the Social Action Networking groups resulted in improvements in perceived choice and control regarding community living and participation, improved participation in a range of community activities, improved integration and sense of membership within communities of choice, and improved social supports and networking.
- Participants gained increased skills in accessing information technology (e.g., web, e-mail) to find information and supports to facilitate community living and integration.
- Participants indicated strong satisfaction with the training and recommended replication and extension within rehabilitation and community-based settings, including within Centers for Independent Living and Clubhouse settings.
- Created a manual to allow replication of the Social Action Networking Group for persons with TBI (available by contacting Dr. Joy Hammel at hammel@uic.edu).
