For many Connecticut spinal cord injury victims, rehabilitation is the first step on the path to freedom. It is important for the injured person to work since that is the first step toward gaining self-confidence and financial independence. This holds true for any spinal cord injury victim across the United States, including people in Connecticut.

The rehabilitation process starts with an assessment of the job market. A spinal cord injury patient may be interested in a particular job in a specific industry, but if the industry does not have openings, that person will need to consider a different sector of the job market. The patient’s rehabilitation counselor may be able to help the person assess job opportunities. The rehabilitation counselor may also help with tasks, wages and other preparation that the person may have to undertake.

The ultimate goal of any rehabilitation program is to assist the person in identifying which occupation is most suitable and which job gives the person the best chance of success. This is, of course, a long-term goal and in order to reach that goal, the person will need to take several steps in that direction. Additionally, it is important to increase physical endurance and find accessible transportation modes in order to realize the dream of getting a suitable job.

After thorough preparation and planning, a person with a spinal cord injury will have a better chance of getting a job. Again, the individual may wish to seek the help of a rehabilitation counselor to determine if the job is suitable for that person. The counselor may also wish to conduct an analysis to determine the actual skills that are required for the job to ensure that the person’s skill set matches the job description.

Source: MSKTC.org, “Employment after Spinal Cord Injury,” accessed on Jan. 21, 2015