Persons with lived experience (PLEX) of spinal cord injury (SCI), include people living with SCI their family and friends, as well as PLEX-focused community organizations and advocacy groups. Engagement occurs when PLEX have 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 PLEXs are provided the supports needed to contribute fully and are part of mutually respectful teams from the outset of projects.
James works to strengthen partnerships between the community, research, and healthcare systems by engaging the peers and networking with Patient Partner Health initiatives and researchers. These are vital in achieving improved health outcomes and quality of life for persons living with SCI. He is currently working with the Emergency Services Network Committee as a patient partner, providing personal and community feedback to ultimately improve emergency care across the Interior Health emergency departments. After a motor vehicle accident in 1997, James has nearly 25 years of lived experience with a T-6, AIS-A SCI. 
Richard is a proud member of the Cowichan Tribes on Vancouver Island. He is a Paralympic athlete and a multi-Gold medalist, he has successfully represented Canada in multiple sports at multiple events around the world. Richard is a member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and a two-time recipient of the Tom Longboat Award for Indigenous Athletes. With over 40 years of lived experience with a T10, AIS-B SCI, he has developed extensive connections through his longstanding community involvement within the Indigenous and spinal cord injury communities. 
Spring Hawes is the Regional PLEX Engagement Liaison at the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute. Spring has 18 years of lived experience with a C-6, AIS-A injury, as a result of a terrain park injury in 2005.