Citation

Gauld S, Smith S, Bianca Kendall M. Disabil. Rehabil. 2011; 33(19-20): 1901-1911.

Affiliation

Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/09638288.2010.550382

PMID

21261554

Abstract

Purpose. Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) developed in response to delivery of rehabilitation services to people with disability in developing countries, and appears appropriate to address rehabilitation needs of rural and remote populations, including Australian Aboriginal People with acquired brain injury (ABI). This article will describe participatory action research (PAR) as a vehicle for exploring and translating the CBR model within a mainstream brain injury rehabilitation service in Queensland, Australia. Method. PAR was conducted with two self-selected remote Aboriginal communities in Far North Queensland. Key components to this project were the employment of a local Aboriginal worker, facilitating community engagement and consultation. PAR elements of planning, action and review were conducted through individual and group meetings and activities within the communities across a 3-year period. Results. The project has facilitated expansion and change within the current brain injury rehabilitation service model in line with CBR philosophical foundations, including community development and partnership as a desirable way of engaging with key stakeholders. Conclusions. The focus on community consultation through PAR and the development of community partnerships has increased the cultural competency of the rehabilitation service, the capacity of participating communities and of the sector to respond in ways that are valued and owned by Aboriginal People with brain injury, their families and communities.

Language: en