Praxis Spinal Cord Institute believes that lived experience equals expertise. Persons with lived experience (PLEX) include people with spinal cord injury (SCI), their family and friends, as well as PLEX-focused community organizations and advocacy groups.
At Praxis, our PLEX team are the experts on living with an SCI:
- Over 150 years of combined experience in living with spinal cord injuries
- Network of over 20,000 people worldwide
- Rich diversity of backgrounds and areas of expertise.
- Navigating complexities presented by the injuries, as well as societal barriers such as ableism, inaccessible spaces, poorly designed systems and devices, and inaccurate assumptions.
Our PLEX team works diligently to make a significant difference in the lives of people living with spinal cord injury through our PLEX Program.
Engagement occurs when PLEX has a meaningful and active role in decision-making, setting priorities, conducting research, and translating research knowledge for the benefit of its intended users.
PLEX engagement is most effective when there is an environment of inclusivity, where individuals are provided the support needed to contribute fully, and are part of mutually respectful teams from the outset of projects.
The PLEX Program at Praxis is led by five individuals living with SCI and one family member of an individual living with SCI. It was created to engage the SCI community in research, innovation, healthcare, and advocacy.
