Transition from higher education to National Health Service for visually impaired physiotherapists: An interpretative phenomenological exploration

Abstract

This idiographic study aims to hear the voices of a small group of visually impaired physiotherapists to explore their lived experience 1 of transition from higher education (HE) into employment. The findings are based on six semi-structured interviews analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Participants were visually impaired physiotherapists who are either working, or have worked, in the National Health Service (NHS). A number of interrelated themes emerged concerning the work of the disabled self, compensation, stigma and passing, disclosure, barriers, disempowerment, and positive experiences. These appear to be linked to a reluctance by participants to engage with their disability identity. The experiences and perceptions of participants do not provide evidence of a commitment to disability-related support for disabled health-care professionals. The results of this study indicate that a wide range of both personal and institutional barriers still exist in the NHS.