The lived experiences of adult students with a spinal cord injury (SCI) returning to study in Bangladesh

The aim of this research was to identify the lived experiences of adult students with a spinal cord injury (SCI) returning to study in Bangladesh. A narrative enquiry approach in a qualitative research design was chosen as a methodological framework. 16 participants were interviewed and the research identified seven themes. The results highlight gaps in current rehabilitation and educational practices in Bangladesh that impact the academic participation of students with SCI. It suggests occupational therapists should facilitate meaningful participation at the academic institute by maximising advocacy at different levels, among students, teachers, community and policymakers, to enable equitable participation for non-SCI students. A more comprehensive understanding of these issues and their implications for academic institutes could be gained by investigating the perspectives of other groups of people, such as teachers, families, friends and peers of students with SCI.