Governor Signs Momentous Legislation Expanding Services to Students with Brain Injuries
Today, Governor Northam signed House Bill 2182, sponsored by Delegate Tony Wilt, into law. This momentous legislation will expand the Virginia Department of Education’s (DOE’s) definition of traumatic brain injury to include an acquired injury to the brain caused by a medical condition. DOE’s previous definition only included injuries caused by external physical force, excluding many students and families from vital services.
The Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV), a voice for Virginia’s brain injury community for 38 years, worked closely with other advocates, family members, and Del. Wilt to move this legislation forward. “We hear too many stories about students with brain injuries and their families not getting the special education services they need and deserve,” said Anne McDonnell, Executive Director of BIAV. “Changes that seem small, like amending a definition, can mean a whole new world of opportunity for families and would not have been possible without the determination of family members like Amanda Morris and legislators like Del. Wilt. When the brain injury community comes together, we see results like this and I could not be more pleased.”
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About The Brain Injury Association of Virginia: The Brain Injury Association of Virginia is the primary source of information and personal support for thousands of individuals, families, and professionals living in Virginia whose lives have been touched by a life‐altering, often devastating brain injury. The mission of the Association is to advance education, awareness, support, treatment and research to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury. For more information visit biav.net.