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

Abstract Objective To examine political participation following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design Qualitative, participatory research via interviews and observations. Setting Community. Participants 57 individuals with history of TBI and 28 family members (total 85). Procedures 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. 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; 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.