Cheryl Green, MS, MFA - Programs Development

BIRRDsong Needs Survey

Why it was created

Persons with brain injury (called peers) may need support for years after rehab, but finding it can be challenging.  So a team of peers have developed our own Needs Assessment that can fill that need.  The team members backgrounds include the following:

  • Counseling
  • Speech-language pathology
  • Biology
  • Anthropology

Because we are brain injury survivors, we know first-hand how finding the right support systems can open us up to a lifetime of continued progress, motivation and joy.  The assessment will help us develop long-and short-term personal goals with each individual and the people close to them so that peers can participate in their lives and communities more fully.

 How it works 

The Needs Survey is for any peer with brain injury who wants to identify potential changes that could improve their lives.  We use these steps: 

  • History form
  • brief telephone interview
  • 2 to 4 hour in-person interview with questionaire (done over several visits) 
  • Questionnaire for someone who know sthe peer well 

Questions cover these areas:

  • Health 
  • Daily life and activities
  • Cognitive  challenges and strengths 
  • Other areas that help us understand each individual's strengths and areas of need.  

How is it admistered? 

Fully trained members of the Programs Assessment Team will interview the peer and assist with the completion of the Assessment Questionnaire according to a peer's cognitive comprehension and response  capabilities.   Some peers may require more assistance than others in writing and or responding verbally to questions.   

Assessment Setting: 

The most comfortable setting according to the needs of the peer will be utilized:their home, BIRRDsong office or quiet public place.  

 How much does the Program cost?

Our desire is to make this important service available to all peers who desire to participate. Therefore our goal is to keep fees low and manageable since the vast majority of our brain injury population are only able to work part time or are  living on SSI or SSD as their primary source of income.  

We are now seeking support grants and contributions from the general public who wish to improve the quality of life for people with brain injury by supporting our pprograms and mission. 

We believe that if eveyone involved makes a contribution the program will be sustainable:  

  • Peers/ families
  • Community and busines professionals
  • Corporate sponsors  
  • Public and private charities 

  Goals of the Needs Survey Program: 

The program will support peers in two main ways: 

  • First we can find which things in peers' lives allow them to thrive and which create obstacles.
  • Second, we will help peers and those close to them access resources in the community and within our own programs and activities.  

We intend to build long-term relationships with peers so we can continue to change and grow together.  

 How peers will benefit:

Receiving the assessment helps peers reflect on their situation and clarify their personal goals so the can take steps to meet them.  A BIRRDsong programs team member will work wit the peer to design a personal plan that might include; 

  • Cognitive enhancement training 
  • Developmental  life- classes 
  • in-home training
  • Leadership development
  • Participating in support groups
  • Referrals to community specialists
  • Workshops
  • Supportive or supported leisure activties
  • Pursuit of career/work, educational or community serivice opportunities  

When can I expect  the Needs Survey Program to begin? 

The needs Assessment is in its pilot phase.  We are working with volunteer peers to improve the overall design.  We intend to be ready to schedule full and complete Needs Assessments in the community sometime in the near future.

How Can I Get An Assessment?

A peer or their family, friend or partner can contact BIRRDsong to request a Needs Assessment. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the program, please contact Cheryl Green at creativeprograms@birrdsong.org.  We will announce the start of the program shortly.  You may contact us at any time to schedule your assessment. 

Please feel free to drop us a request using our contact us page.