Strategies to Get Relevant Information

• Schedule more time for a trial involving a person with a Brain Injury
• Consider cultural differences in behaviour
• Speak slowly and repeat frequently
• Statements and questions should be short and to the point
• Break information into small pieces
• Always confirm that what they heard is what you said – do this by having them repeat back to you what they understand
• If necessary, ask a question in several different ways
• Allow the person with ABI more time to respond to questions and tasks
• Read all materials out loud to those who need it
• Use the person’s name frequently, especially prior to asking a question
• Use “visuals” as much as possible (simple diagrams, charts, point form, pictures)
• Consider auditory and visual impairments when situating yourself to them
• Try having the individual with ABI role play what happened
• Prompt the person to keep dialogue on task and focused as they may go off topic or compulsively talk without a break
• Check for comprehension by asking questions about the content of a statement or question, rather than asking if they understand.
• Give verbal cues when activities are about to change (5 min. – 3 min. warnings, give “heads up” that the something different is about to happen in the court… “In three minutes the court is going to take a break…”
• It may be useful to have someone to keep notes and write information down for the accused.

If you wish to use audio or video teleconferencing with a person with a Brain Injury, try to minimize distractions by using a separate, quiet room.

• Avoid inferences
• Avoid asking multi-step questions
• Avoid questions containing complex wording
• Avoid pronouns – use the names of people to whom you are referring
• Avoid assumptions about the accused’s ability to understand and respond appropriately
• Avoid double negatives such as “Did you not see…?”