RadioEd

RadioEd


An Invisible Disability: The Crisis of Brain Injuries in the Courts

April 08, 2025

Show Notes


Brain injuries are often described as an invisible disability.  


You don’t necessarily know just by looking at somebody that they have a brain injury, and they may not even know they have one. But inside, things can be very different. 


The World Health Organization has identified brain injury as a significant public health concern, and traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of death and disability in the United States. 


Without the right care or resources, it’s easy for these injuries to go unnoticed and untreated.  


In this episode, Jordyn speaks with Research Assistant Professor Jennifer McMahon about her combined work in Neuropsychology and forensic psychology to protect and advocate for justice-involved individuals. McMahon helps run The Brain Injury Screening Program which is housed in The Denver Forensic Institute for Research, Service and Training, also known as Denver FIRST. 


Jennifer McMahon is a research assistant professor at the University of Denver. As Program Director at Denver FIRST (Forensic Institute for Research Service and Training) McMahon oversees the community serving forensic programs. She graduated with a PhD in clinical psychology from John Jay College and a master's degree in forensic psychology from DU.


More Information


The Denver Forensic Institute for Research, Service and Training (Denver FIRST) 


Neuropsychologist Kim Gorgens Helps Rebuild Lives After TBIs 


Grant Greenlights Denver FIRST’s Brain Injuries Screening Program