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Experiences of Parents with Spinal Cord Injury

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Abstract

Parenting is a rewarding challenge to be experienced by any adult, regardless of ability. This small scale qualitative study seeks to understand the experiences of parents with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their use of aids and adaptations in caring for their young children. Twelve parents with SCI were interviewed at either Toronto Rehabilitation Institute in Toronto, or in their homes. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory thematic approach. Themes identified included: (1) Psychosocial Aspect of Parenting, (2) Social Attitudes, (3) Division of Labour, (4) Physical Aspect of Parenting, and (5) Resources and Services. These themes enabled the development of an emerging model for managing childcare. Findings led to recommendations for parents with SCI, healthcare providers, and manufacturers of assistive technology to provide strategies for managing child care, improve access and availability of resources, services, and products.

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Acknowledgments

This study was generously supported by a studentship award through the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation and a graduate scholarship through Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Special thanks to my Program Advisory Committee and to the parents who were interviewed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Research, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 62 Bond Crescent, Richmond Hill, Toronto, ON, L4E 3K5, Canada

    Anita Kaiser

  2. Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Anita Kaiser, Denise Reid & Kathryn A. Boschen

  3. Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Denise Reid & Kathryn A. Boschen

  4. Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Denise Reid

  5. Research Collaboratory, Bridgepoint Health, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Kathryn A. Boschen

Authors
  1. Anita Kaiser
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  2. Denise Reid
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  3. Kathryn A. Boschen
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Correspondence to Anita Kaiser.

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Kaiser, A., Reid, D. & Boschen, K.A. Experiences of Parents with Spinal Cord Injury. Sex Disabil 30, 123–137 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-011-9238-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-011-9238-0

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