Qualitative Examination of Voting Empowerment and Participation Among People Living With Traumatic Brain Injury.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine political participation after traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN: Qualitative, participatory research via interviews and observations. Each participant was interviewed to discuss their experience of voting in 2007 or 2008. Data were coded using Grounded Theory to develop themes, metacodes, and theories. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 57 individuals with history of TBI and 28 family members (N=85). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Not applicable. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data (1) people with TBI have barriers to voting; (2) the voting process can be improved for people with TBI; (3) voting is the responsibility of members of society; and (4) voting is one way we have a voice in society. CONCLUSIONS: The data support the importance of voting as an American right regardless of the presence of disability. While persons with TBI report voting represents their freedom and voice, there may be barriers that can threaten or limit their voice.