Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

At the SCI level of C8, how might individuals achieve independence?

1. By using a manual wheelchair

2. With modified environment and adaptive devices

3. Through physical therapy exercises alone

4. By reliance on family support

The correct answer is: With modified environment and adaptive devices

Individuals at the C8 level of spinal cord injury often have full function of their upper extremities, which enables them to perform many tasks independently, but they may still experience some limitations in their lower body function. Achieving independence in daily living activities often requires a combination of strategies, including modifications to their environment and the use of adaptive devices. Environmental modifications can include rearranging living spaces to make navigation easier or using assistive technologies like grab bars or modified kitchen tools to facilitate easier access to daily needs. Adaptive devices could also include specialized wheelchairs, dressing aids, or bathroom modifications that enable individuals to perform tasks more effectively. By utilizing these adaptations, individuals with a C8 spinal cord injury can significantly enhance their ability to live independently, thus affirming the importance of tailored environmental modifications and adaptive technologies in promoting autonomy and improving quality of life for those with mobility challenges.