Community Reintegration

Family members and caregivers can work with someone who has a significant injury to become as independent and safe as possible. Plan ahead to ensure any needed supervision by a responsible adult that can assist with issues that may arise.

We encourage you to use leisure as a tool to maximize your recovery.

• Make leisure a priority alongside other responsibilities to support overall well-being.
  • Build leisure activity into your weekly calendar. Include relaxing leisure throughout the day or week to bounce back from more challenging tasks.
  • Develop routines to make these activities into healthy habits. Keeping structure in your day is important when planning leisure or any other activity.
• Gradually increase the challenge of activities.
  • Monitor symptoms carefully, particularly during physically or mentally challenging activities.
  • If you are not experiencing symptoms at your current level of activity, you can extend the amount of time or increase the challenge of the activity.
• Be sure to give enough time for the activity, travel times, meals, and bathroom breaks.
• When planning places to visit, consider going at quieter, less busy times and minimizing wait times.

Here are some places to start to help keep you connected to your community.

• Adaptive sports organizations, such as Move United and PGA of America Reach Foundation
• Camps and retreats
• City parks and recreation departments
• Exercise facilities at organizations such as YMCAs, YWCAs, and universities
• Injury support groups
• Libraries and museums
• Rehabilitation organizations such as equine therapy programs and Canine Companions
• Service and religious organizations
• Special interest clubs
• Veterans service organizations

To-go checklist

Here’s a handy checklist of items, depending on individual needs, that you might like to have on hand away from home. Consider your own condition and preferences in preparing a mini-travel kit for outings, adding injury-specific items as needed.

• Adaptive equipment
• Bag for soiled linens and clothing
• Blood pressure monitor
• Bottled water
• Extra outfit and undergarments
• Gloves
• Hygienic wipes
• Medications
• Sunscreen
• Thermometer
• Towels and wash cloths

Conserving energy

When planning to be out in the community, make the most of your energy levels by saving your energy for the activities that matter most to you instead of spending it on errands.

• Plan rest breaks periodically, even if you do not feel tired.
• Scout out benches, chairs, etc. to sit on. If waiting in line, ask for a chair.
• When shopping, make a list of what you need to buy before you leave the house to be more organized and efficient.
• Try to schedule appointments, such as dental, medical, hairdressing, etc. early in the morning or during off peak hours. Try calling prior to leaving for an appointment to determine if appointments are running on time.
• Have prescriptions called into pharmacies or use mail-order prescriptions to avoid having to wait to have a prescription filled.
• Make travel plans ahead of time.
  • Work with taxi or ride-share services ahead of time to arrange pick-up and drop-off times.
  • If you take the bus, know the schedule and whether the bus is accessible to any physical needs you may have.
  • Do not drive until you have passed a driving test from the rehabilitation facility.

Planning ahead

Planning ahead is the key to ensuring accessibility in the community.

• Call ahead and be as specific with your questions as you can. Do not expect the person you speak with to know the information you need right away. Arrange to call them back if needed.
• Request to sit closer to the entrance or closer to a restroom, or in a quieter area depending upon your needs.
• Park near the entrance of buildings or closest to the accessible entrances. Use a handicap parking card if you qualify for one.
• Walk or wheel on smooth surfaces. Be careful of thick carpets or uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, asphalt, or grass.
• Utilize curb cuts whenever possible.
• Use ramps when available instead of stairs.
• Look for automatic doorways or ask for assistance when opening heavy doors.
• Use a backpack instead of carrying a purse.

Making way for wheelchairs

• 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 you need.
  • Ask about aspects such as parking, ramps, curb cuts, stairs, elevators, seating, aisle spacing, table heights, door widths and types, and bathrooms.
• If you transfer from a wheelchair to other seating, keep your wheelchair close to you in case of emergency and to prevent possible theft.
• For ticketed events, let the sales agent know that you’d like wheelchair seating tickets and if you are going to have someone with you. Often wheelchair seating sections do not provide seats for able-bodied companions unless asked for ahead of time. They may also limit the number of people who can sit with you. Also let the sales agent know of any other accommodations you may need, such as hearing and visual needs.