Together for the ride: tandem communication and co-creation of an identity of resilience

Using data collected in Alberta, Canada, the purpose of this case study of communication between one articulate adult with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and his caregiving mother is to contribute to understandings of power in caregiving relationships. We used Conversation Analysis to show interactions through which adults with SCI can expand autonomy and express confidence. Troubles were lightened and trust was affirmed through shared humor and communicating in tandem, resulting in a co-created identity of resilience. The adult with SCI and his mother were co-conspirators in resisting the lack of power associated with dependency. Humor, candor, and tandem communication may provide safety cues of shared power that clinicians may build on. Through this study, we resist narrow associations of autonomy with independence, and we demonstrate how people with dependences exercise autonomy in relationship with responsive others. We offer principles that may help clinicians who work with people with disabilities.