Quality of life (QOL) for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) is influenced by issues related to dependence, as well as age and years postinjury. Individuals with complete, high tetraplegia (C1-C4) are greatly dependent on others for all routine activities of daily living. It is hypothesized that better access to equipment, increased independence, and participation will improve QOL. During three study phases, extending up to 24 years postinjury, 58 individuals answered questions about equipment access, participation in leisure/work activities, and QOL. The major influence on participation is age (younger people participate in more activities) not equipment. Access to a modified van was associated in Phases 2 and 3 with better QOL ratings but not with increased participation. Future studies are required to more closely examine the interaction between income, as well as other factors, and the specific ramification(s) that improve QOL for aging individuals with high tetraplegia.

adaptive equipment, community integration, environment, high tetraplegia, participation, quality of life
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