Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability in children and youth across the United States; as many as one million children and youth will sustain a TBI from motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports-related injuries and abuse. The largest group of individuals with traumatic brain injuries fall within the 15 to 24 year old age group, but the frequency is nearly as high for children and youth under 15 years of age.

 

TBI is a low incidence special education category that is defined as an injury to the brain caused by an external physical force, resulting in total or partial functional disability and/or psycho-social impairment that may adversely affect a student's performance and result in the need for special education and related services. The term does not apply to brain injuries that are congenital or degenerative, or brain injuries induced by birth trauma. TBI specialists provide consultation and support to students who qualify under the TBI category, and to their educational teams. However, there is currently no teacher licensure for the TBI category in the state of Minnesota, although there is a professional certificate available.