Why is peer support important?

By sharing lived experience, peer support mentors can provide practical guidance and understanding of your experiences with spinal cord injury. A peer support mentor can help you to solve challenges and create strategies that can help you to continue living a fulfilling life after a spinal cord injury.

How do I meet other people who have experienced spinal cord injury?

Ask us about joining a ‘Push Thru’ event, where you can meet other people living with spinal cord injury in your region. These events are inclusive, an opportunity to encourage others, share your experiences in a welcoming environment and be inspired. We also facilitate an inclusive community through our recreation programs and peer support groups.

How can peer support help me?

Peer support can empower you to feel seen and connected. You can learn new skills and strategies, discover new perspectives and provide encouragement to others. Our Peer Support Program gives you someone to talk to who has experienced spinal cord injury.

Getting out in the community after spinal cord injury

Practical tips

Getting back out into the community after a spinal cord injury (SCI) can feel like a big step.

Whether it’s heading to the shops, catching up with friends, attending appointments, or returning to hobbies and activities you enjoy, it’s normal to need time to build confidence.

Everyone’s experience will be different depending on mobility, supports, equipment, and comfort when navigating public spaces. Planning ahead and taking things one step at a time can make outings easier, safer, and less stressful.

Here are some practical tips from our peer support mentors that may help:

A little preparation can make a big difference.
Before visiting a new place, consider:
- Calling ahead to check accessibility
- Asking about wheelchair access and accessible toilets
- Checking parking, drop-off zones, or public transport access
- Planning around your bladder and bowel routines
If you use public transport, it’s also a good idea to check accessibility in advance.
In Adelaide, you can contact Adelaide Metro to check whether wheelchair-accessible services are available on your route.
You don’t have to do everything independently straight away.
Many people feel more confident initially going out with:
- A family member or friend
- A support worker
- A peer mentor
- Someone who can assist with longer outings or difficult environments
As confidence grows, you may feel more comfortable navigating independently.
If you use a manual wheelchair, longer outings or uneven environments can become tiring.
Some people find it helpful to consider:
- A power assist device
- Planning fewer stops in one day
- Choosing shopping centres or locations with multiple services nearby
- Taking regular breaks
Pacing yourself is important, particularly when returning to community activities after rehabilitation.
Public spaces can sometimes present unexpected challenges.
Things to watch out for include:
- Uneven footpaths or surfaces
- Curbs and ramps
- Crowded areas
- Narrow spaces
- Obstacles and difficult terrain
Taking things slowly and giving yourself extra time can help reduce stress and fatigue.
Having important items on hand can help you feel more prepared and confident while out in the community.
Depending on your needs, this may include:
- Medication or medical supplies
- Water and snacks
- Phone charger
- Continence products
- Emergency contact information
Before visiting a venue, it can help to ask specific accessibility questions, such as:
- Is the building wheelchair accessible?
- Are the doorways wide enough for my wheelchair?
- Are there any steps or ramps?
- Is there an accessible toilet available?
- Is there accessible parking or a nearby drop-off point?
- Can I reserve seating near the entrance or amenities?
Planning ahead can help avoid unnecessary stress or barriers when you arrive.

Finding accessible bathrooms

Accessible bathroom access is an important part of planning community outings.

You can search for accessible public toilets across Australia using the National Public Toilet Map‍.

Remember - building confidence takes time

Getting back into the community after spinal cord injury is often a gradual process. It’s okay to start small, ask for support, and learn what works best for you.

Over time, many people find they become more confident navigating public spaces, trying new activities, and reconnecting with community life.

At estara, we work alongside people living with spinal cord injury and disability to support independence, confidence, and community participation.