Chapter 6: Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS)

Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS), formerly known as Ashby House, was founded in 1978 as the first community-based brain injury rehabilitation program in North America. Dr. Mira Ashby, a hospital social worker whose “pioneering efforts” (H. Chandler, personal communication, March 18, 2010) contributed to the foundation of the Ashby House, recognized a need for continued community support for persons with acquired brain injuries (ABI) discharged from the hospital. Prior to the foundation of the Ashby House (CHIRS), few resources for people with ABI existed (H. Chandler, personal communication, March 18, 2010).

From its origins as a transitional group home, CHIRS has evolved into a multi-service agency that provides a broad range of supports to an adult clientele (aged 18-60) with diverse and complex needs (H. Chandler, personal communication, March 18, 2010). Both adults with ABI and their families are included within CHIRS’ target population.