Experience of Filipinos with Spinal Cord Injury in the Use of Assistive Technology: An Occupational Justice Perspective

Occupational Therapy International, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6696296 · Published: November 26, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores the experiences of Filipinos with spinal cord injury (SCI) as they use assistive technology (AT) in their daily lives. The research aims to understand how AT impacts their ability to participate in meaningful activities and achieve well-being from an occupational justice perspective. The findings highlight both the benefits of AT in enabling participation and the persistent challenges related to environmental accessibility, attitudinal barriers, and socioeconomic factors.

Study Duration

January 13th to 24th, 2020

Participants

10 Filipinos with Spinal Cord Injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
AT use enables participation in various occupations, enhancing health experiences and independence, but opportunities remain limited due to environmental and societal barriers.
2
Inaccessible environments, including public transportation and buildings, pose significant challenges to mobility and limit choices for individuals with SCI despite AT use.
3
Despite promoting inclusion and altering public attitudes, individuals with SCI still face stigma, negative perceptions, and discrimination, hindering their full participation in society.

Research Summary

The study explores the experiences of Filipinos with SCI in using AT, revealing both enablement and injustices in their daily lives concerning occupational rights. Participants reported that AT facilitates their engagement in occupations, access to locations, social inclusion, and securing basic needs, although significant challenges persist. Structural and contextual factors, such as cultural norms, policy implementation gaps, and socioeconomic conditions, contribute to occupational injustices experienced by Filipinos with SCI.

Practical Implications

Contextualized AT Service Delivery

Adapt AT service delivery to the local context, integrating occupational justice concepts to address overlooked structural and contextual factors.

Empower Charitable Support

Equip charitable support sources with knowledge and resources to provide appropriate AT devices that empower Filipinos with SCI.

Advocate for Policy Implementation

Advocate for the adequate implementation of disability-related policies to enable engagement in occupation and promote occupational justice.

Study Limitations

1
Social desirability bias due to prior acquaintance between researchers and participants.
2
Limited transferability to Filipinos with SCI sharing similar characteristics to the study participants.
3
Potential for ideologies to resonate due to participants being key figures in partnered organizations.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury