Brain Injury

Brain injuries fall under two categories:

  1. Traumatic brain injuries, associated with trauma to the head or skull
  2. Acquired brain injuries, which occur on a cellular level and are not hereditary, congenital, or degenerative.

Even though traumatic and acquired brain injuries occur differently, both may impact the way a person thinks, feels, acts, and moves. Both types can also affect body functions and sensory perception. Each person with a brain injury is unique; physical disabilities, impaired learning, and personality changes are common. Accommodations will vary according to documentation.

Lynne Swerhone

Access Specialist: Mobility

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Understanding Brain Injuries

Regardless of the source of the injury, symptoms of brain injury vary in type and severity for each individual. This depends on the degree of the injury and the area of the brain that is injured. Results of a brain injury include impairment of cognitive abilities and/or physical functioning. Each part of the brain controls specific functions of the body such as vision, physical movement, speech, memory, and emotions.

Loss of consciousness may occur lasting from a few minutes to weeks (coma). A brain injury without the loss of consciousness may go initially undiagnosed with the individual encountering significant problems in their attempts to resume daily activities.

Symptoms of Cognitive Disabilities and Brain Injury may include:

Physical: speech impairments, paralysis, headaches, vision, seizure disorder, muscle spasticity

Cognitive: concentration & attention, perception, planning & organizing, written & oral communication, short- and long-term memory, judgment, sequencing, orientation

Behavioral/Emotional: fatigue, anxiety, self-esteem, restlessness & agitation, mood swings, depression, sexual dysfunction, lack of motivation, difficulty coping, self-centeredness

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will RCPD inform my professors about my accommodations?

Once registration steps are completed with the RCPD, the student receives an accommodation letter. Students are responsible for presenting this letter to each professor at the start of the semester during office hours. It is important to go over the letter to coordinate accommodations.

What accommodations will I receive for my disability?

Each person and setting is unique and needs will vary. Accommodations are determined during a confidential needs assessment with an Access Specialist.

How do I make arrangements to have my service or assistance animal on campus?

Students and employees with a disability who wish to utilize a service or assistance animal on campus should reference the Service Animal Policy page.

How does MSU facilitate note taking services?

Students work with their Access Specialist to identify an individualized solution. Solutions often include: technology assisting independent note taking, shared notes with a peer, or other approaches. Visit our Note Taking Assistance guidelines for an overview of possibilities.

What is the procedure for ice and snow removal on campus?

The MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Department (IPF) is responsible for snow and ice control in support of the University's daily operations.

If students or employees encounter areas where snow removal has not been sufficient please report the area by calling or texting IPF at (517) 353-1760. For more information, visit RCPD's Snow Removal page.

What kind of transportation is available on and off campus?

The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides fixed route services on and off campus, covering all of Ingham County. MSU provides complimentary bus services for on-campus routes.

CATA buses are equipped with ramps or lifts, and run every 7 to 35 minutes depending on the route. CATA also provides a curb-to-curb, advanced reservation (1 day prior) transit service for persons with disabilities, called Spec-Tran. For more information about CATA, visit their website.

For more information about campus accessible parking and transportation, see RCPD's page.

Will I receive the same accommodations that I got in high school?

Upon registering with RCPD, you will talk to an Access Specialist about the appropriate accommodations for your disability during an individualized needs assessment. While RCPD takes historical accommodations into consideration, the college environment has different demands that may shape essential functions and accommodations. Visit our Future Students page for information about coming to Michigan State University.

I'm having trouble in my class, where can I find tutoring?

First, talk to your professor during office hours for ideas on how to succeed in the class. The Neighborhood Student Success Collaborative (NSSC) also offers a variety of resources and supports.

What if I disagree with the disability determination or level of accommodation I receive?

RCPD Specialists are committed to an active partnership with students and employees who make reasonable accommodation requests through our office. In the case you experience a disagreement regarding disability determination or appropriateness of accommodations, you may consider taking the steps outlined in our dispute resolution process.

What campus organizations focus on disability issues? 

Several organizations on campus exist including:

To learn more about CSD, Tower Guard, and the Adaptive Sports & Recreation Club, please visit Department of Student Life's Registered Student Organizations or contact your RCPD Access Specialist.

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