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NEW ZEALAND SPINAL TRUST 34 Thinking about work after an SCI: what helps? We wanted to understand how to help people think positively about work after an SCI. We developed a ‘gardening model’ to help explain the different types and degrees of growth and support an individual needs to action return-towork (RTW) plans following SCI. We conceptualised the individual with a new SCI as a seed – with potential for growth but requiring specific conditions to flourish. HOPE IS KEY The potential to work is within each person, but energy is required to start the process and sustain change. We found that hope (like energy from sunlight) is needed to turn initial RTW ideas into goals and plans following injury. Early conversations about work allow people to feel hopeful - but the inclusion of clouds illustrates that, at times, hopefulness about RTW can fluctuate. Early conversations and individualised support improved people’s confidence and self-belief in their ability to achieve their RTW goals. DIFFERENT SUPPORTS REQUIRED Identifying supports or resources that need to be in place for individuals to develop their own RTW-focused goals and actions. Some people require a lot of support (like climbers), and others don’t need much at all. What helps: • Allow people time to explore their thoughts about disability and develop coping or adjustment strategies. • Clarity about the individual’s function is typically required before pathways towards RTW can be developed or enacted. STIMULATING GROWTH Exploring options about work and mapping out possible pathways to get back to the type of work that best meets their needs and preferences. Early conversations give people information and support to maintain their selfconfidence and self-belief. What helps: • Over time these conversations can become increasingly targeted towards specific options that might work for the individual and their particular situation. • Support the person to feel in control of their RTW pathway. PREPARING THE TEAM GROUND The entire rehabilitation team (the soil) needs to believe that work is possible following SCI. Family and employers may also need to be included in the ‘team’ – ensuring that people can hear consistent hopeful messaging. What helps: • RTW goals should be included in inpatient goals and reinforced in day-by-day rehabilitation practice. • The whole team should consistently reinforce positive messages about future work options and about what is possible and/or expected in terms of work after an SCI. PREPARING THE SEED People are ready to think about and plan for work at different times. It is helpful for early conversations to focus on how work fits into each person’s sense of purpose and self. Getting to know the whole person and their unique situation is essential. What helps: • Hearing positive stories about others’ work experiences after an SCI. • Focus on a person’s strengths, skills and resources – not just their new challenges as a result of the SCI. • Allow people to think and talk about work in their own time. LINKING WITH EMPLOYERS OR FUTURE RTW SUPPORT TEAMS Ongoing vocational support is required to ensure that growth is sustained. What conditions does each person need to flourish? What helps: • People must remain hopeful about work. Ongoing support is required to help them maintain hope and enact RTW plans. • Communication between vocational rehabilitation providers needs to occur - so people can seamlessly continue exploring work options that will work for them.
SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 35 Thank you to our Funders & Sponsors The New Zealand Spinal Trust appreciates the generous support of the following funders. Without their kind support, the Trust would not be able to deliver the variety of services to assist clients to live independent lives right now. Permobil is a global leader with over 50 years experience in providing advanced medical technology and state-of-the-art healthcare solutions. Today, those solutions include the sale and rental of power wheel chairs, manual wheelchairs, power assist and seating & positioning products. Access Community Health has been at the forefront of keeping people healthy and safe in their homes since 1927. Today our nationwide team of skilled nurses and 3,000 support workers make over three million visits per year, ensuring people can remain active and independent in their own homes and community. Able Axcess are the leading suppliers of aluminium mobility ramps for residential and commercial disability access. We also manufacture rubber threshold ramps and level shower inserts, at our factory in Feilding. Avonhead Rotary Rehabilitation Welfare Trust The Elizabeth Ball Charitable Trust Burwood Volunteers Trust Deluxe Box Riccarton Rotary Charitable Trust Crusaders Canterbury Masonic Charitable Trust Cube Design The Palms Shopping Centre A F W and J M Jones Foundation Fresh Choice Parklands Rotary Club of Christchurch Hyman Marks Charitable Trust Are you a subscriber? It’s easy to subscribe to the NZST and it only costs $30 a year. Your subscription helps with the printing of the Spinal Network News magazine and helps us support the positive futures of people with spinal cord impairment. Go to our website and click on the red ‘Donate’ button www.nzst.org.nz
Page 1 and 2: December 2022 Volume 25 / Issue 3 T
Page 3 and 4: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 3 An Enduring F
Page 5 and 6: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 5 Supporting Po
Page 7 and 8: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 7 Making a Diff
Page 9 and 10: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 9 For some of o
Page 11 and 12: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 11 Travelling a
Page 13 and 14: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 13 The physical
Page 15 and 16: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 15 Book Review
Page 17 and 18: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 17 “I turn th
Page 19 and 20: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS Fadiel Italiana
Page 21 and 22: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 21 decided to j
Page 23 and 24: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 23 Getting Crea
Page 25 and 26: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 25 Meet Our Tea
Page 27 and 28: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 27 Giving back
Page 29 and 30: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 29 The Metrotel
Page 31 and 32: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 31 Hospital The
Page 33: SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 33 Preparing th

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