Dr. James Malec, neuropsychologist, is Research Director for the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Foundation, Adjunct Prof of PM&R at Indiana University School of Medicine, and Prof. Emeritus of Psychology at the Mayo Clinic. He has over 100 peer-reviewed publications and conducts research in brain injury while also active in the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, the International Neuropsychological Society and the Brain Injury Association.
Early medical intervention is much preferred when rehabilitation of people with traumatic brain injury focuses on returning to work.
Dr. Malec discusses Vocational Rehabilitation success through connecting TBI patients early, providing on-the-job support that includes the employer's training, and being prepared for return trips to resolve "issues" of a wide variety.
WITHOUT support, Dr. Malec shows that about 35 to 40 percent of TBI will become gainfully employed, albiet with reduced job duties.
WITH support, Malec shows the success rate is closer to 75 or 80 percent. Dr. Malec also lists a number of other researchers finding similar results.
Colorado State Rep. Dianne Primavera accepts an award from the Brain Injury Association of Colorado for passing bills in last Legislative Session to secure the Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund stability.