Philosophy
The ABI Program provides students with the tools needed to succeed in important areas of daily life including interpersonal relationships, work, school and community.
Focus is on:
- Rebuilding a "sense of self"
- Integrating strengths and limitations
- Transitions to volunteer placements, work re-entry programs, school and more independent living situations
Students may continue in the program as long as they are demonstrating progress towards their goals.
Progress is measured by:
- student education contracts
- periodic team meetings
- Grades/credit units are not given.
Staff
The ABI Program uses a team teaching approach and has selected instructors who have expertise in the field of brain injury:
- Speech language pathologists
- Rehabilitation counselors
- Recreation therapists
- Counselors
- Paraprofessional support staff
ABI Curriculum
Classes cover the following areas:
- Cognitive Retraining: memory strategies, organization and time management.
- Personal Development: critical issues, adjustment to disability, relationships.
- Communication: expressive writing, cognitive communication exercises, basic literacy, public speaking.
- Academic Skills: study skills, currents, note taking.
- Vocational Exploration: leadership, vocational preparation.
- Coping Strategies: stress management, yoga, leisure planning.
- Advocacy Awareness: brain anatomy and function, assertiveness, self advocacy.
- Creativity Development: independent projects, crafts, drawing.
ABI Class Schedule
-
Monday through Thursday,1:30 - 4:30 PM, Mesa College
- 18-week semesters: Fall (begins August) and Spring (begins January)
- 8-week Summer Session: (begins June)
Enrollment Procedures
Completion of the following requirements is advised 4 to 8 weeks PRIOR to the beginning of the semester:
- Intake Interview at District Office
- Completed Application
- Medical documentation of brain injury (acquired after age 13)
Attendance at a program orientation is strongly recommended.
For Information and Referral, contact:
Lisa Carulli, Counselor Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS), 388-1841 or 388-4944.
Awards
The North City Center Acquired Brain Injury Program was awarded the 2002 Program of the Year Award by the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association, one of the highest honors that the association bestows. The award was given at the annual state convention dinner at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on March 22, 2002. San Diego Continuing Education associate professor Heike Kessler-Heiberg and adjunct instructor Margaret Jones, both certified California speech-language pathologists, attended the dinner and received the award on behalf of the program. The ABI Program, which meets at Mesa College, serves more than 200 students each year.