The discovery of disability: A phenomenological study of unilateral neglect

Objective. Clients with right brain damage and unilateral neglect often lac k awareness of their disabilities. This study examined how 4 participants w ith 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 thei r rehabilitation process. The data were collected and analyzed using the EP P (empirical, phenomenological, psychological) method. Findings. Findings revealed seven features that described a discovery proce ss for the 4 participants. During this process, each participant began to d iscover and understand the consequences of her unilateral neglect in the pe rformance of everyday tasks. This increased understanding was a prerequisit e to being able to use compensatory strategies. Conclusion. By experiencing meaniongful occupational situations, the partic ipants gradually discovered and began to compensate for their disabilities in everyday life.