Returning to meaningful work is a key aspect of life satisfaction, identity, and social participation for individuals with SCI.
Employment not only supports financial independence but also promotes psychological well-being, self-esteem, and community integration.
However, many people with SCI face significant barriers to re-entering the labour market—ranging from physical and environmental obstacles to social and systemic challenges. These barriers can result in disproportionately high rates of unemployment and underemployment among individuals with SCI, despite their motivation and ability to work.
Labour market integration and vocational rehabilitation are therefore essential components of comprehensive SCI care. A successful return to work often requires coordinated efforts between health professionals, rehabilitation specialists, vocational counselors, social services, and employers. Early, person-centered vocational rehabilitation integrated into the continuum of care—from the acute phase through long-term follow-up—can significantly improve outcomes.
The 'Work' research group is dedicated to the study of labour market integration and vocational rehabilitation. The following subjects are of particular interest:
- Employment rates
- Employment and quality of life
- Unemployment and inequality
- Facilitators and barriers of work
To learn more about the research on work particiaption in InSCI, we recommend reading the following publication:
Post MW, Reinhardt JD, Avellanet M, Escorpizo R, Engkasan JP, Schwegler U; InSCI, Leiulfsrud AS. Employment Among People With Spinal Cord Injury in 22 Countries Across the World: Results From the International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2020 Dec;101(12):2157-2166. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2020.05.027. Epub 2020 Jul 13. PMID: 32673653.
