Returning to school after a spinal cord injury: perspectives from four adolescents

A phenomenological approach was used to explore the experience of returning to school following a spinal cord injury. Four adolescents who sustained spinal cord injuries and returned to premorbid school environments were interviewed concerning their perceptions, feelings, and experiences of returning to school. The responses were coded into six themes: people, role change, self-image, coping strategies, accessibility, and feelings. The themes were discussed as to their relevance on returning to school following a spinal cord injury. The research participants' suggestions on ways to ease the transition from the rehabilitation environment to the school environment and implications of the study are included.