With residential program, researchers help young adults with spinal cord injuries build confidence
Transitioning from high school to adult life is a challenge for anyone, but for young people living with spinal cord injuries, the path forward is less clear.
Researchers from Rutgers Health have developed a residential program called True Grit to assist young adults with spinal cord injuries in building confidence and navigating the transition to adulthood. The study, published in Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, examined the impact of True Grit on six participants who were aged 14-21 at the start of the program.
True Grit is a week-long, sleepaway camp held annually since 2024 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick's Livingston Campus in New Jersey. The program combines individualized occupational and physical therapy sessions with recreational activities, workshops, and peer mentoring to address life skills, vocational planning, sexuality, adapted driving, and psychosocial adjustment.
Participants in the 2024 cohort demonstrated progress toward their individual goals, with overall participation scores increasing, particularly among those who had lower participation at the beginning. Barriers such as transportation and limited peer access after returning home were identified as influencing factors on participation and resilience.
The program's success has led to a growing enrollment, with 12 participants expected for 2026, and participants from across the nation joining the initiative.
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