Past NCAPPS Webinars


Considering Brain Injury: Why Being Brain Injury Informed is a Critical Component of Person-Centered Thinking, Planning, and Practice

August 12th 2019



Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability for all age groups in America. This, often, hidden disability is commonly found to be a co-occurring condition among individuals living with mental health challenges, substance use related disorders and other disabling conditions. As a result, individuals with brain injury are often served by programs primarily focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities, aging and other populations receiving long-term services and supports. Those engaging in person-centered thinking, planning, and practice in human service systems need to be equipped with tools to consistently and appropriately work with those who have a history of brain injury. This webinar features presenters from the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA) and two individuals with lived experience of brain injury. The webinar’s key points of focus will include how brain injury considerations and person-centered practices differ from plans supporting other disability populations; and accommodations and strategies for addressing brain injury-related cognitive, behavioral and social issues with regard to person-centered plan development.

Meet the presenters


Anastasia Edmonston

Anastasia Edmonston MS CRC, has worked in the field of rehabilitation services for individuals with traumatic and acquired brain injuries for over 30 years in both inpatient and outpatient services, as a case manager, program coordinator, advocate and vocational rehabilitation counselor. She provides training on the topics of traumatic brain injury, person centered thinking and planning to professionals who work in the fields of mental health and addiction (with a focus on the link between addiction and brain injury), and aging services.

Kelly Lang

Kelly Lang and two of her daughters were involved in a horrific car accident in November 2001. This left her daughter Olivia with a severe traumatic brain injury. A few months later Kelly was diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury. Kelly’s advocacy career began once Olivia arrived in the acute care setting and has continued for the past 17 years. She serves on numerous boards and advisory councils and has spoken to brain injury support groups and other professionals regarding her family’s experience with brain injury, including the successes and difficulties accessing services.

Anne Forrest

Anne Forrest is a PhD Economist and an early adopter of technology. After she had a mild traumatic brain injury following a car accident in 1997, she became an international speaker and advocate for people recovering from brain injury. She has brought her message of concussion recovery, neuroplasticity and cognitively-accessible technology to survivors and their families, professionals, and lawmakers. Anne's website (A Plastic Brain | Awareness, Hope, Advocacy) was designed with team through the Knowbility Open Air contest for people like her with visual/cognitive issues following concussion.

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