The life course of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) depends heavily on the existing structures for rehabilitation and social inclusion. People with SC I have to strive not only against impairment, but also against cultural, organizational and architectural barriers. The social exclusion and the lack of support experienced by people with SCI offer an enlightening perspective on the transformations needed by society in order to achieve a comprehensive social organization. Focusing on different moments after the injury (medical rehabilitation, reintegration in the home community) will allow us to evaluate the critical moments and the social structures that contribute to explain the overwhelming exclusion of this social group.

The main purpose of this project is to understand the challenges posed to people with SCI in different stages of their lives. Therefore, by drawing on their life histories, we will explore the individual experiences, personal thoughts and the

subjective itineraries. Thus, with this research project we are aiming to:

 

1) understand the circumstances framing the personal reappraisal processes that follow the existential rupture imposed by SC I and the personal experiences of medical rehabilitation;

2) understand the key challenges faced by rehabilitation professionals at the ACR;

3) understand the personal experiences endured in the process of social integration (setbacks and boosts in the initial envisaged plans for the future);

4) assess the resources and social policies available in the different local settings;

5) identify the obstacles (discriminatory structures and practices) that undermine the establishment of equal opportunities for all;

6) fight against the structural invisibility of disability and disabled people in Portuguese society;

            7) steer the public debate about the social exclusion of disabled people and