UAB Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (UAB-TBIMS)

10/14/2026

When can someone safely return to driving after a TBI? Our researchers and clinicians are working to create a clearer path forward.

UAB researchers are studying how driving simulators and neuropsychological testing can help predict when people with traumatic brain injury can safely return to driving, improving recovery, independence and clinical decision-making.

09/18/2026

A simple tic-tac-toe grid is a great base for these Two-Dimensional Array activities that focus on 5 key cognitive stimulation targets: memory, visual/spatial, problem solving, attention/concentration, and language.

Check out 40 more partner activities in our Cognitive Stimulation Guidebook designed to promote thinking skills after TBI or brain disorder. https://www.uab.edu/medicine/tbi/uab-tbi-information-network/uab-tbims-home-based-cognitive-stimulation-activities

Level 1
Draw a large tic-tac-toe grid on a sheet of paper.
Write the letters A, B, C above each column and the numbers 1, 2, 3 to the left of each row.
Have a partner name one of the letters or numbers. Use a finger to point to all of the squares in the named column or row. Example: Column A or Row 2
Repeat for all columns and rows.

Level 2
Use the same grid as the previous level.
Have a partner name a specific square on the grid. Example: Column B, Row 2
Point to the named square.
Repeat for all squares on the grid.

Level 3 Instructions
Use the same grid as the previous levels.
Have a partner point to a square on the grid. Example: C1
Name the letter and number of the square.
Repeat until all squares have been pointed to and named.

Level 4
Use the same grid as the previous levels.
Have a partner name a specific square on the grid. Example: B2
Write an "X" on the named square.
Repeat for all squares on the grid.

Level 5
Use the same drawn grid as the previous levels.
Play a game of tic-tac-toe.
Before you mark a square, say the name of the row and column of the square. Example: I select C3.

Level 6
Draw a large grid of 10 columns and rows.
Write the letters A to J above the columns and numbers 1 to 10 to the left of the rows.
Have a partner name a specific square on the grid. Example: E4
Point to the named square.
Repeat for all squares on the grid.

Level 7
Play a game of Battleship.
Work with a partner to develop a strategy for searching for ships and narrowing the search with each "hit."

09/03/2026

Looking for simple activities that can stimulate cognition and thinking skills after a brain injury? Our Cognitive Stimulation Guidebook is filled with over 40 partner activities that focus on 8 specific stimulation targets. This week, give Finger Tapping a try. This activity focuses on Language, Processing Speed, Attention/Concentration, and Fine Motor Skills.

Check out our entire Cognitive Stimulation Guidebook at https://www.uab.edu/medicine/tbi/uab-tbi-information-network/uab-tbims-home-based-cognitive-stimulation-activities

Finger Tapping Instructions
Level 1
Sit at a computer or keyboard.
Have a partner name a letter or symbol.
Type or tap the letter as fast as possible for 10 seconds.
Example: hhhhhhhhhhhhh
Count the number of letters typed.
Repeat 5 times with a 10 second rest between each set.
Repeat the task using all fingers on both hands.

Level 2
Have a partner name 2 letters or symbols.
Type or tap the letters as fast as possible for 10 seconds. Use 1 finger per letter and 1 hand at a time. Example: ghghghghghgh
Repeat 5 times with a 10 second rest between each set.
Repeat the task using all fingers on both hands.

Level 3
Have a partner name 2 letters or symbols.
Type or tap the letters as fast as possible for 10 seconds. Use 2 hands. Use 1 finger from each hand per letter.
Example: dfdfdfdfdfdf
Repeat 5 times with a 10 second rest between each set.
Repeat the task using all fingers on both hands.

Level 4
Have a partner name 4 side-by-side letters or symbols.
Type or tap the letters in order. Use 1 finger per letter and 1 hand at a time. Example: lkjhlkjhlkjh
Repeat 5 times with a 10 second rest between each set.
Repeat the task using all fingers on both hands.

Levels 5-7
Type out short words and phrases using fingers on both hands.
Play typing games or online training lessons.
Type out short emails and text messages.
Type out longer letters to family and friends.

Alabama Head Injury Foundation

08/20/2026

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is hosting a FREE virtual conference all about TBI. We invite you to register to learn, connect, and contribute. Registration link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=7d62zCm9OEuJedcngPYtO5VAj-i7rzdEirUyspUm44FUM0RNNjc5NlI1UElWVFQ4VUxYS1M3UkVFRy4u&route=shorturl&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=aptat&utm_content=ap_aseznnbbu4

Join the 2026 Alabama Traumatic Brain Injury Summit! Dive into a world of knowledge and support at this virtual event on August 24-25, 2026.

Day 1: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Explore Pediatric TBI – from essential recovery steps to the ethical considerations for children and their families.
Day 2: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Delve into General TBI for adults, uncovering resources, impacts, and mental health insights.

Free registration! Learn about TBI basics, therapies, mental health, and screening.

Organized by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) and TBI Centers of Alabama, in collaboration with Auburn University Social Work program.

Scan the QR code now to secure your spot!

04/22/2026

Last week, occupational, physical, and speech therapists and nurses from fellow TBI Model Systems gathered at the UAB Medicine Rehabilitation Pavilion for the annual TBI Model Systems Leadership Forum. Together, they strengthened connections and shared knowledge to advance TBI rehabilitation and improve patient care.

03/09/2026

March is Brain Injury Awareness month, and we are so grateful for Alabama Head Injury Foundation and the many services and resources they provide. Visit ahif.org to view their March events and list of services including support groups, counseling, respite care, and recreational camps.

This month, we join communities across the country in raising awareness about traumatic brain injury (TBI), honoring survivors, supporting caregivers, and sharing the powerful stories that remind us why this work matters.

At AHIF, we are committed to:
✨ Providing education about brain injury and recovery
✨ Hosting community events that foster connection and support
✨ Increasing awareness about TBI and the challenges survivors and caregivers face
✨ Amplifying the voices and stories of our clients and their families

We invite you to learn more about our mission, upcoming events, and the inspiring individuals we serve by visiting www.ahif.org.

Join us this March as we raise awareness, share stories, and stand together for the brain injury community. 💚