Returning to the Community after Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Returning to leisure after spinal cord injury is very important. It offers a way to keep you active, get out of the house and meet new friends. It offers social time and uses your skills in many of "life situations". It may help you feel more independent and build your strength.
While you were in a rehab program, you may have worked with a Recreational Therapist. This person would have helped you learn about getting back to the community after your injury. This lesson will review some of the skills you learned in rehab such as returning to leisure and where to find activities that may interest you.
Challenges after SCI (that affect leisure)
- Mobility
- Bowel and Bladder issues
- Strength
- Pain
- Accessibility issues (physical barriers to places, events, activities, etc)
- Attitudes of others
- Self Esteem issues (the way you feel about yourself)
- Finances
- Transportation
- Medical Problems
- Family/friends support
- Need for more practice or teaching on newly learned skills
Activities to Consider After a Spinal Cord Injury
Horticulture Activities:
Gardening, flower arranging, indoor plants, landscaping, farming or lawn care.
Art Activities:
Painting, drawing, pottery, photography, woodworking, dancing, drama, singing or playing an instrument.
Aquatic Activities:
Swimming, water skiing, scuba diving, water exercises, jet skiing, canoeing or kayaking.
Sports and Fitness Activities:
Handcycling, basketball, tennis, bowling, golf, racquetball, weightlifting, aerobics classes, softball, track and field, self defense, fencing, ping pong, billiards, power soccer, road racing or quad rugby.
Outdoor Activities:
Fishing, camping, boating, water skiing, snow skiing, flying, horseback riding, hunting, riflery, skeet shooting, bird watching, rafting or all-terrain vehicles.
Indoor Activities:
Board games, computer/internet, video games, cards, reading, cooking, model building or crossword puzzles.
Community Activities:
Concerts, restaurants, movies, sporting events, museums, theater, malls, grocery stores, church or synagogue and community service activities.
How Do I Get Started?
Do you know where to go to play tennis, go swimming, take a pottery class or check out a good book? The ability to find programs, people and places is an important step toward becoming and staying active while enjoying recreational/leisure interests.
Listed below are some starting places to find whatever leisure interests you may have:
City parks and recreation departments
Community college/university
Chamber of Commerce
Yellow Pages
Churches/synagogues
Local library
Newspapers or magazines
Local rehabilitation center/day program/hospital
Shepherd Center
Friends and family members
Special Interest Clubs (Vacation Club, Foreign Language Club, Bridge Club, Bowling Club)
Service Organizations (Rotary Club, Elks Club, Kiwanis, Civitan, Jaycees, churches/synagogues)
American Legion
YWCA/YMCA
Therapeutic Recreation Department (404) 350-7375
Listing of news and events
Get Ready: Going Out on the Town!
There is nothing more frustrating than getting your friends and family together only to find out the place you are going is not accessible, too crowded, and too noisy or has very long waits. Always plan ahead so you have a great time with no unexpected surprises. This does not mean that every time you leave the house you must plan or make a phone call. But, you should call ahead if you have never been to the place before, have not been since you were injured or have any doubt about accessibility, your strength or abilities to enjoy yourself at that activity.
1. Build leisure activity into your weekly calendar
Keeping structure in your day is important when planning leisure or any other activity. When making your weekly schedule, plan leisure time on a regular basis. Be sure to give enough time to the activity, transportation, meal and bathroom times. For example, every Monday and Wednesday is bowling night and every Tuesday and Thursday is Cooking Club.
2. Plan ahead: Personal Care Supplies
Be sure to have all of your personal care supplies with you. Be prepared incase something unexpected happens. Your supply list may include IC supplies, medicines and a change of clothes.
3. Plan ahead: Accessibility
When you are planning to go out, call ahead. Make sure you know the size of your chair so that you can get the accessible space that you need. For example, ask about:
Door Width
Parking
Table Height
Door Type
Curb Cuts
Elevators
Stairs (inside & outside)
Bathrooms
Spacing/Aisles
Ramps
Seating
Be as specific with your questions as you can. Do not expect the person you speak with to know all of this information right away. Ask them if they would write down the needed information and arrange to call them back.
4. Call ahead for reservations
If going to a restaurant, try calling ahead for a reservation so there will not be long waits in crowded areas. Be sure to bring any adapted eating utensils...the restaurant will only have standard silverware and cups. Let them know you are in a wheelchair so proper seating can be arranged.
5. Ticketed Events
Let the sales agent know that you want to buy wheelchair seating tickets and if you are going to have someone with you. Often wheelchair seating sections do not provide seats for an able-bodied companions unless asked for ahead of time. They may also limit the number of people who can sit with you to 'one'. When going to a movie theater, there may be special seating in the aisles or in the back. In some theaters, certain rows of seats are removed so wheelchairs can fit there comfortably. If you are going to transfer into a seat (and this would apply anywhere), make sure you put your wheelchair in a safe place so it will not get stolen. Place it close-by incase you have an emergency.
Just remember...even though events may be listed as "sold out", there still may be wheelchair seating available. Always ask.
6. Shopping
When shopping, you may want to plan on going during slower times during the day. Have a list of what you need to buy already made before you leave the house so shopping will be more organized and speedy. To manage what you are buying, try placing a basket in your lap, pushing a shopping cart or ask for the help most stores offer.
7. Transportation
Have travel plans made before leaving the house. If you take the bus, know the schedule and if the bus is wheelchair accessible with a ramp or lift and a tie down system. Make sure the driver ties down your chair.
Call taxi drivers ahead of time to arrange pick up and drop off times. Again, ask about accessibility issues. You cannot be charged extra for the time it takes you to transfer in and out of the cab.
See the "Tips for Hassle-Free Flying" lesson in this Module for information on flying on commercial airlines.
8. Medical
Carry your autonomic dysreflexia card at all times. Carry important phone numbers and a phone (if possible) with you. Bring extra supplies (such as catheters) or medicines with you.
