ABSTRACT

Objective : To investigate experience and coping strategies on wheelchair mobility in the community for people with spinal cord injury through phenomenological method. Methods : Five people with spinal cord injury performing independent wheelchair mobility in the community were recruited. The data were collected through face to face interview. The content of the interview was recorded, transcribed and analyzed according to Giorgi’s analysis method. Results : The content was organized into 4 theme, 12 main meaning and 48 meaning units. Experience on wheelchair mobility in the community involves physical environment, social environment, personal context, related service and natural contexts. Theme about change, and coping strategies involve developmental change, choice of environment and withdrawal. Expectation for society involve expectation about physical environment, national system and service. Conclusion : To improve safety and accessibility for clients with spinal cord injury, detailed approach to physical environment will be needed. To improve social environment, non-disabled people need to have conscious effort and emotional support for disabled people. Along with personal and organizational effort of the occupational therapists, social and national support are needed.