Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.962682 · Published: August 31, 2022
This study explores the challenges faced by children in kindergarten through fifth grade when returning to school after a spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D). It uses surveys to gather information from families about their experiences. The surveys revealed that children often encounter obstacles related to accessing the school building, transportation, and receiving appropriate educational support. A major issue was the availability of educational support. Based on these findings, the researchers developed a recommendation form to help bridge the gap between medical professionals and school staff, ensuring that each child's specific needs are met when they return to school.
Schools should prioritize making their facilities more accessible to students with SCI/D to remove architectural barriers.
Schools and therapists need to collaborate to provide appropriate educational support and accommodations for students with SCI/D, even if they do not qualify for traditional special education services.
Parents and therapists should be equipped with the skills and knowledge to advocate for the rights and services of children with SCI/D in the school environment.