WV TBI Services

09/18/2026

Today is National Concussion Awareness Day!

Half of people who suspect they have a concussion never get it checked, which can lead to ongoing health challenges.

Let’s spread the word that our brains are worthy of care. Ankle sprains and weird rashes get medical attention. Why don’t our brains deserve the same?

With your help, we’ll set a new standard. One where every concussion is treated with the seriousness it deserves. Together, we can create lasting change by looking out for one another. Become a Concussion Awareness Now Champion today to starting the conversation around concussion symptoms and care.

CAN makes it easy for you to start a conversation about concussion on social media or at school or community events. Download the free resources below, including social posts, brochures, infographics, posters, and videos.

09/17/2026

National Concussion Awareness Day is tomorrow!

Concussions are one of the most common types of brain injury – in fact, they’re the most common type of TBI. They can be caused by a sudden impact from a fall, bump, hit, or jolt that causes the brain to bounce around or twist inside the skull, concussions can have an effect on the way a person feels, thinks, and acts.

For more information on concussion and , please click the link below!

Concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), are one of the most common types of brain injuries among children and adults.

09/17/2026

Join the WVU Student OT Association (SOTA) to honor longtime faculty advisor, Dr.Amanda Acord-Vira, EdD, OTR/L, CBIS, FAOTA in the Dr.A 5K Run/Walk.

🗓️ October 11, 2026
📍 Star City Rail Trail
💵 $15 to register. All proceeds will go towards the newly developed Dr. A Scholarship Fund and the WVU SOTA student travel fund (a passion of Dr. A's for many years).
🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyIurYXV7GxvBIlV2oat9aiRYtSBKLKDQ_3ZWuRqMjj0zdhQ/viewform

Image Description: photo of Dr.A along with a graphic representation of people running. Information regarding race details are provided, as well.

09/16/2026

This Friday, September 18, is Concussion Awareness Day. Concussions happen every day, yet 53 percent of people who sustain concussions never even seek care. And the number one reason for that? They don’t believe symptoms are severe enough. Symptoms like:

• Headaches
• Vision problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Problems with sleeping
• Emotional changes

Every concussion is different, and symptoms can show up immediately after the injury, or can develop in the hours or days that follow. That’s why it’s so important to see a medical professional right away if you suspect a concussion – even if you don’t have symptoms right away.

West Virginia Athletic Trainers' Association
WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute

Concussion symptoms are what a person feels after the injury. Concussion signs are what others see or notice when a person is experiencing symptoms related to the injury.

09/16/2026

Everyone affected by brain injury has a story to tell. No matter where you are on your brain injury journey, your story deserves to be told. It’s up to us – survivors, families, caregivers, and friends – to tell those stories. Because when more people know about life with brain injury and the resilience it requires, the easier it will be for them to understand us, our experiences, and our community.

If you'd like to submit and share you own story, please tell the Brain Injury Association of America community who you are, where you’ve been, what you’ve accomplished, and where you hope to go.

The Brain Injury Association of America's Personal Stories page is a place where individuals with brain injuries can share their experiences.

09/15/2026

National Concussion Awareness Day is this Friday, and the Brain Injury Association of America wants to amplify the voices of people who know what it’s really like to live with concussion.

In the link below, you will find stories of concussion survivors that shared their experiences: what changed, how they adapted, and what they wish others understood about the lasting effects of concussion.

Whether you have sustained a brain injury or care about someone who has, taking the time to share your personal story can make a profound difference to another.

09/11/2026

The Big Brain has made its way to the Valley HealthCare System 25th Anniversary 9/11 Event! Swing by and take a tour and learn about TBI Services at Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WVU!

08/28/2026

Dr. Amanda Acord-Vira passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Amanda dedicated her career to helping others as a teacher specializing in brain injury rehabilitation and occupational therapy.

Amanda previously served as the Principal Investigator for our TBI Services program at the Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WVU and also served as Chairperson for the state's TBI Advisory Board. Her dedication and motivation in the brain injury field was unmatched, and we are all so honored to continue her mission to make lives better for West Virginians with TBI.

Amanda's kindness, sense of humor, and positive encouragement will always be remembered. We are sending all of our positive thoughts to her family and friends.

View Dr. Amanda Acord-Vira's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/26/2026

Welcome back to school! As we all get ready for a new semester, we wanted to make sure college students and faculty know about our Handbook for Reasonable Accommodations in the College Classroom.

This comprehensive guide outlines the rights and responsibilities of both students and faculty when it comes to requesting and implementing reasonable accommodations. The handbook is for use at all levels of higher education and is not specific to only WVU (although the WVU process is also outlined).
What are reasonable accommodations?

Reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the learning environment that enable students with disabilities to have equal access to education. These accommodations are designed to remove barriers that might prevent students from participating fully in academic activities. Examples of reasonable accommodations include extended time on exams, note-taking assistance, accessible classroom locations, and the use of assistive technologies. The goal is to provide students with the necessary support to demonstrate their abilities and achieve their academic potential without altering the fundamental nature of the course or program.

Read the Handbook in a fully-accessible web version or download a PDF copy here:

https://cedwvu.org/media/5369/handbook-for-reasonable-accommodations-in-the-college-classroom-3.pdf

The purpose of having a handbook for faculty and students to discuss and implement reasonable accommodations in the classroom is to provide a clear, structured and accessible resource that facilitates understanding and communication while supporting both faculty and students throughout the process.