The experience, meaning and value of social and community participation following acquired spinal cord injury.

For this thesis, 36 people living with spinal cord injury were interviewed in-depth about what facilitates and what hinders their participation in social activities in the community, in addition to the meanings they attribute to that participation. Social and community participation was described as a journey that influenced the self-worth of the participants. Support from family and friends was central to assisting peoples’ participation, while multiple and complex policies, services and systems were found to impact their social and community participation. The findings contribute important information to inform occupational therapy practice, rehabilitation approaches, and disability and aged care policy.