Puerto Rico

On the last Sunday of every month, we have a support group for people with brain injuries and their caretakers. It is held from 3pm to 5pm at Parroquia Stella Maris in Condado, 69 Calle Cervantes, San Juan, PR. We often have health professionals visiting our group who provide valuable information about TBI and the rehabilitation process. If you want to receive announcements of our support group, sign up to our email list at www.thelsgfoundation.org.

If you're receiving services from the Administración de Rehabilitación Vocacional (ARV) in Puerto Rico and have questions or concerns, the Client Assistance Program (CAP) is there to help. CAP is a federal program administered by the Defender of People with Disabilities and can provide you with important information about your rights and responsibilities as a client of ARV and can mediate any disputes you may have with ARV. Additionally, if you need to file a formal complaint or appeal an ARV decision, CAP can advise and assist you in the process. Don't hesitate to reach out to CAP for the support you need to navigate the AVR system.

If you or someone you know is living with a disability, Independent Living Centers can be a great resource. Movimiento para el Alcance de Vida Independiente (MAVI) is a non profit organization that provides a center for independent living that promotes equality and inclusion for the people with disabilities. This center is consumer-controlled and community-based, meaning they are run by and for people with disabilities. The center offers a range of services, including independent living skills training, peer counseling, and information about services that can help individuals live as independently as possible in their communities. Whether you need assistance with daily living tasks or help navigating disability-related resources, MAVI can provide the support you need to achieve greater independence and improve your quality of life.

Medicaid is an essential program that provides basic health care for individuals who have a disability, limited income, or receive certain other government benefits. If you're interested in applying for Medicaid, you can find information on eligibility and how to apply at your local Medicaid office. In some states, there is an additional option available for people with brain injuries who prefer to receive long-term care services and support in their home or community rather than in an institutional setting like a nursing home. This is known as a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver. If you or a loved one has a brain injury and is interested in receiving long-term care services and support in the home or community, it may be worth exploring whether an HCBS waiver is available in your state. Contact your local Medicaid office to learn more about this valuable program and how to apply.

The Protection and Advocacy office is a vital resource for individuals with disabilities, particularly those who have experienced a brain injury. Their mission is to ensure that these individuals have access to the necessary supports and services that enable them to live fulfilling lives. This can include everything from educational programs and financial entitlements to healthcare, accessible housing, transportation, and employment opportunities. What's especially noteworthy about the Protection and Advocacy office is their commitment to preventing abuse, neglect, and inappropriate placement of people with disabilities. They understand the unique challenges that these individuals face and work tirelessly to ensure that their rights are protected. For anyone with a disability or who knows someone with a disability, the Protection and Advocacy office is an essential resource to turn to. Their dedication to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities is unmatched, and their impact on the lives of those they serve is immeasurable.

State Insurance Departments play a crucial role in regulating insurance companies and protecting consumers. These state agencies are responsible for ensuring that insurance companies operating within the state abide by all relevant insurance laws and regulations. One of the primary functions of State Insurance Departments is to provide information about insurance laws in the state. This information can be invaluable for consumers who are trying to navigate the complex world of insurance. By offering guidance and education, State Insurance Departments can help consumers make informed decisions about their insurance coverage. But perhaps the most important service provided by State Insurance Departments is their role in resolving complaints or concerns that consumers may have with insurance companies. If a consumer believes that an insurance company has acted unfairly or violated their rights, they can file a complaint with the State Insurance Department. These complaints are investigated by the department, and if appropriate, action is taken against the insurance company to rectify the situation. Overall, State Insurance Departments serve a critical function in protecting consumers and ensuring that insurance companies operate fairly and within the law. If you have any concerns or questions about your insurance coverage, don't hesitate to reach out to your state's Insurance Department for assistance.

AMVETS and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) are two organizations that provide critical support to honorably discharged veterans and their dependents. One of the key services provided by these organizations is information, counseling, and claims service related to a wide range of benefits that veterans are entitled to. One of the most important benefits that these organizations can assist with is disability compensation. This can include helping veterans to understand the process for filing a claim and providing guidance on what types of disabilities may be eligible for compensation. Both organizations can also offer guidance on pension benefits, education benefits, and employment opportunities available to veterans. This can include information about programs and resources that can help veterans transition back into civilian life and find meaningful work. Overall, the services provided by AMVETS and DAV are critical for ensuring that honorably discharged veterans and their dependents receive the support they need to thrive after their service to the country. By offering counseling, information, and claims service related to a wide range of benefits, these organizations help veterans to access the resources and support they need to live their best lives.

The federal/state program designed to assist people with disabilities to return to gainful employment is a critical resource for individuals who may face challenges in finding and maintaining employment due to their disability. This program provides a range of individualized services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual participant. One of the key components of this program is assessment and evaluation. Participants undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine their skills, abilities, and interests to identify potential career paths that are well-suited to their needs. This evaluation helps to ensure that the services provided are tailored to the individual's specific needs. Overall, the federal/state program designed to assist people with disabilities to return to gainful employment is a critical resource for individuals who may face challenges in finding and maintaining employment due to their disability. By providing individualized services that include assessment, evaluation, career counseling, counseling, job training, and job support, this program helps to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the support they need to achieve their career goals and succeed in the workplace.