Article

This is a prospective study. OBJECTIVES: Young individuals with
spinal cord injury (SCI) need support to actively participate in the community
after their injuries. The 'Back on Track' mentoring program was developed to
match mentees with SCI with mentors to assist with post-injury adjustment. The
objectives of this study were to improve the percentage of youth and young adults
with SCI, who access post-secondary education or employment opportunities and to
improve quality of life. SETTING: This study had a community-based setting.
METHODS: Each mentee with SCI was matched with a community-based mentor, with or
without a disability. The mentoring relationship was planned for 2 years.
Participants were evaluated with standardized questionnaires at intake, at the
time of post-secondary education or employment entry and 4 months post entry.
RESULTS: In total, 39 individuals with SCI, age 16-26 years, were enrolled.
Average age of mentees was 19.8 years (s.d.=3.0). In total, 29 participants were
matched with mentors, and 10 participants (34%) completed the program, with seven
(24%) returning to school, two (6.9%) returning to work and one individual (3.4%)
attending school part time. CONCLUSION: Although multiple barriers to success
occurred, this program demonstrated that it could assist the youth and young
adults with SCI to obtain post-secondary education and employment. This type of
support system should be encouraged in order to improve the quality and
satisfaction of life for young adults with disabilities.

Langue : ANGLAIS