Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP) MA Rehabilitation Commission

SHIP History Established in 1985 via grassroots advocacy Centralized point of expertise across EOHHS agencies First national model of publicly-funded services for individuals with TBI Long standing collaboration with the BIA of MA Creation of the first Advisory Board

SHIP Purpose Assist individuals with TBI to develop skills and maintain or increase independence within their home, community or at work

SHIP Eligibility SHIP serves over 1,250 individuals and family members annually Eligibility includes: Individuals of any age with an externally- caused TBI; who have related cognitive, physical and/or behavioral impairments; and, Are able to participate in community-based services

Funding Streams State Appropriations –SHIP account –Turning 22 transition funds Head Injury Trust Fund Medicaid Funding Federal Grant Funds

Head Injury Trust Fund Fees collected on DUI’s and OUI’s: Established in 1991, accessed in 1997 Fines assessed for speeding violations: Established in 2000 Funds were combined and became the Head Injury Treatment Trust Fund

SHIP PROGRAM COMPONENTS –Information, Referral, and Linkages –Technical Assistance & Training –Service Coordination –Advocacy –Program Development –Service Delivery via community providers –Multicultural Outreach & Service Delivery –Outreach to returning OIF/OEF Veterans with TBI

SHIP CORE SERVICES Social & Recreation programs Residential Services (24/7) Multi-Service Centers Day programs Substance Abuse services Respite Care Assistive Technology Transportation

SHIP CORE SERVICES (cont’d) Community Supports including case management, support workers, individual aides, and cultural facilitators Clinical services Employment supports Adaptive Housing Homecare

SHIP CORE SERVICES (cont’d) Family Assistance program Homeless Services Translation/Interpreters T22

Sources for Information on Gaps in Services 1988 Needs Assessment Submitted to the Legislature (blueprint) 2006 Consumer Focus Group Report MA Brain Injury Advisory Board’s State Action Plan SHIP Waiting List

Top Nine Needs Identified Through Focus Group Participation Vocational Options Information on Existing Resources Recreational Activities Case Management or Related Support Diverse Housing Options Education for Medical Professionals & General Public Support Groups Facilitated Psychotherapy Groups Rehabilitation Services (OT, PT and Speech)

Gaps & Challenges Identified by Professionals Lack of access to trained medical and rehabilitation professionals Lack of community-based activities that are meaningful and peer appropriate Lack of trained and/or experienced direct care and program staff Program staff salaries are too low Need to address the needs of those with dual diagnosis

Gaps & Challenges Identified by Professionals (cont’d) SHIP Eligibility requires documentation of a TBI (e.g., immigrants, victims of domestic violence) Limited access to vocational opportunities Limited access to community-based services/supports Lack of services for those with other ABI’s Need for cross-agency program development