Inclusive Technology: Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is any type of injury to the brain that occurs after birth. It can result from trauma, hypoxia, infection, substance abuse, degenerative neurological disease, or stroke.
The impact depends not only on the cause, but also on which area of the brain suffers damage. ABI can affect a person’s physical, cognitive or emotional functions or, in some cases, all three. This can have serious consequences for the person's level of independence.
It is common for many people with ABI to experience increased mental and physical fatigue and some slowing down in the speed with which they process information and solve problems. They may experience changes in their behaviour and personality, physical and sensory abilities, or thinking and learning. These changes can result in significant implications for full participation in education, employment and other aspects of life. Relationships with families, friends and carers can also be affected by behavioural personality and changes.
The inclusive technology discussed in this section can assists in areas of concentrating, organising and processing information. If the acquired brain injury relates to physical impairment, please visit the acquired brain injury information page.