Adaptions for a New Life

A spinal cord injury can be a life changing experience. For many people, getting back to work is a massive step towards regaining a sense of control. Reaching this goal is often a long struggle requiring hard work, determination and a willingness to accept help along the way.

Spinal Injuries Scotland member Craig McRonald's story is an inspiring example of someone refusing to let his disability take away his independence.

Craig, 27, was involved in a car accident 9 years ago, causing damage at T6 level and resulting in paralysis from his lower ribs down. At the time of the accident Craig was completing an apprenticeship in fabrication and living with his parents and sister on a farm in Aberdeen. Craig spent six months after the accident in what is now the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow.

Throughout his time in hospital, Craig never gave up hope of getting back to work. Despite having his bad days, and admitting he still does, he told Newsline how he "always kept a positive attitude. That's just the kind of person I am." This attitude was encouraged by the team of nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists in the spinal unit. He also had great support from his family, friends and strangers who helped along the way.

Craig returned home to start the process of rebuilding his life. Having grown up on the farm Craig saw that a possible route back to employment could be his experience of using farm machinery. The first obstacle to overcome was transferring in and out of a digger. After that, he had to develop some way of controlling the machine.

Craig was two years into his fabrication apprenticeship and as his Dad had also worked in fabrication, they had many of the skills to design customised systems. He commented: "Growing up on a farm, if something wasn't available you really needed to make it.” That is exactly how they created a hoist for transferring to and from the digger. Craig told Newsline, "there is nothing on the market that you can buy off the shelf", so he got in touch with a local mechanic with experience of fitting hand controls. Craig said: "We managed to use all different parts from different systems to create a control that could operate the plant machinery.”

This adaptation was exactly what Craig had been waiting for. He got his qualification for the digger and picked up small jobs. He also found companies to help with work experience until an opportunity came along.

We are delighted to say that Craig now has permanent employment. He got his qualification and a job opportunity came along. His company offered to pay for more qualifications if Craig adapted the machinery he would be operating.

This has been a long and challenging process for Craig but he doesn’t think that should discourage others from doing the same. He told us:

”It has taken time to find paid employment but it is worth it in the end. I would say don’t be discouraged if it doesn't happen straight away.”

We’ve been inspired by Craig’s strength of character. He’s also benefited from help from so many people. Finishing our conversation, we wanted to know how important he thinks a strong support network is. We think Craig's answer is wise advice for all of us:

"I would say to people who have had an accident that they should always ask for help. There is a mutual understanding and people want to pass on their experience and knowledge. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for the help that you need. There is always support there if you want it. People will offer you help if you ask for it and there is nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Everyone at Newsline would like to thank Craig for sharing his story with us. If you have questions about getting back to work or any other goal, please ask (Spinal Injuries Scotland).