let's normalize spinal cord injuries

Hello my name is Aimee and this is a real life adventure...

This week in my PRM 364 class we are discussing neuromuscular disorders. One topic that has come up is spinal cord injury. Did you know that the average age of a person with a spinal cord injury (SCI) is 28? Seventy-eight percent of these individuals are male and only 25%-32% of all individuals with a spinal cord injury ever return to work. What can we do to change these statistics and integrate individuals with SCI?

First and foremost adaptive recreation information should be given to these individuals upon diagnosis of SCI. We should take into consideration what their interests are and what they did for recreation before their injury to help pursue some adaptive recreation opportunities. Not only should be educate the individual with the disability, but we should educate mainstream society. This can be done by integrating individuals with SCI into leagues or on teams that are not specifically designed for disabled individuals but open to everyone.

Recreation is not the only thing we should take into consideration. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires wheel chair ramps, elevators, and accessible parking (just to name a few) be present in buildings. Consideration for individuals in wheelchairs should not stop there. We should think about the width of walkways and how truly accessible things are. Teaching our youth through example and integration will help them to be more understanding and accepting of individuals with disabilities.

As far as integration into the work force goes, individuals should be required to go through a program that assists with the acceptance of their SCI and helps them locate opportunities for work. Whether or not the individual needs to return to the workforce for monetary reasons, they should still attempt to work a part time job to surround themselves with others. I feel this will help in the healing process and adjustment.

While these are just a few suggestions, acceptance can start now with each and every one of us. I challenge you imagine yourself with a spinal cord injury. What would you change?