Consumer perspectives on rehabilitation and community integration, experiences of independence, dependence and interdependence

grantor: University of TorontoThis thesis examined consumers' (persons with spinal cord injury) perspectives on rehabilitation and community living and related these perspectives to community integration ideologies in rehabilitation and in society. The rationale for this study was to better understand why existing research indicates a significant discordance between consumer experiences and the community integration ideals of rehabilitation approaches and communities. The study was carried out through Lyndhurst, The Spinal Cord Centre and the University of Toronto. The principles of consumer-based research guided this qualitative study with participatory influences. Twenty participants with diverse demographic characteristics were interviewed in various Ontario communities. This thesis proposes a prevailing societal and rehabilitation ideology of community integration which emphasizes self-sufficient independence to prevent dependence. However, participants emphasized interdependence as important rehabilitation and community living experiences. Challenges and implications for change to prevailing ideologies are raised which could contribute to enhanced social inclusion and community integration for persons with disabilities.M.Sc