Affiliations: Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1314 West Main Street, PO Box 842011, Richmond, VA 23284-2011, USA | Virginia Department of Rehabilitation Services, 8004 Franklin Farms Drive, Richmond, VA 23288, USA | 3105 Park Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221, USA | 1653 Ashton Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, USA | Department of Rehabilitation Services, 307 County Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704, USA | Department of Human Counseling and Developmental Services, College of Education, The University of Georgia, 402 Aderhold Hall, Athens, GA 30602-7142, USA
Abstract: This article describes the barriers that people with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) face when attempting to re-integrate back into their community. We stress the importance of having a basic knowledge of rights, knowing how to use them and having the right supports to facilitate the reintegration process. Individuals with disabilities have become familiar with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (1988) and the Social Security Work Incentives. Through their expertise and/or personal experience, they describe how having a knowledge of those laws can play a critical role in making re-integration possible. Before knowledge can truly be power, customers must be equipped with the tools to put that knowledge into action. This article explains the whole thrust of the self-advocacy component is based on the theory that knowledge is power. Both the basic and the mentor training were created and are being delivered through the Self-Advocacy Leadership Institutes. These Institutes were designed so people with SCI will have the knowledge and tools to utilize their rights. Even when customers have knowledge about their rights under the ADA, a knowledge of Assistive Technology and of Social Security WIs, it is useless information unless they know how to use these rights. Even when one has knowledge and is equipped with the tools to use that knowledge, the road back to the community can be bumpy and full of pitfalls. Having the knowledge with the tools to use that knowledge and having the support of an experienced mentor can make the road to the community much smoother for people with SCI.
Keywords: Customers with spinal cord injuries, Assistive technology, Self-advocacy, Rights, Community re-integration, Social security work Incentives, Employment, Empowerment
