The Experience of Being Grounded: A Phenomenological Study of Living with a Wheelchair

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this existential-phenomenological study was to investigate the experience of being in a wheelchair. It was a prelude to a pilot study examining the effect of "seated" Tai Chi. METHODS: An interpretive research group was used as were direct quotations to support the analysis. The interview question was as follows: "please describe specific experiences you have had in your wheelchair that stand out for you." FINDINGS: The interrelated themes were (a) humiliation, (b) frustration, (c) loss, and (d) humility, arising from a ground of self as disabled and time. CONCLUSION: The accommodations from the ADA Act have greatly facilitated the independence for those who are disabled, yet many obstacles remain. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: People using wheelchairs experience the same health problems as the able-bodied and are thus found in all areas of nursing practice.