The discovery of disability: a phenomenological study of unilateral neglect.

OBJECTIVE

Clients with right brain damage and unilateral neglect often lack awareness of their disabilities. This study examined how 4 participants with neglect experienced, discovered, and handled their disabilities in the context of their everyday life.

METHOD: The 4 participants were interviewed five to seven times during their rehabilitation process. The data were collected and analyzed using the EPP (empirical, phenomenological, psychological) method.

FINDINGS: Findings revealed seven features that described a discovery process for the 4 participants. During this process, each participant began to discover and understand the consequences of her unilateral neglect in the performance of everyday tasks. This increased understanding was a prerequisite to being able to use compensatory strategies.

CONCLUSION

By experiencing meaningful occupational situations, the participants gradually discovered and began to compensate for their disabilities in everyday life.