Spinal cord injury (SCI) consumers are individuals with lived experience, including people with SCI, their family and friends, as well as consumer-focused community organizations and advocacy groups. Engagement occurs when consumers have a meaningful and active role in decision-making, setting priorities, conducting research, and translating research knowledge for the benefit of its intended users.
Consumer engagement is most effective when there is an environment of inclusivity where consumers are provided the supports needed to contribute fully and are part of mutually respectful teams from the outset of projects.
The Consumer Engagement Program at Praxis includes
five individuals living with SCI. It was created to engage the spinal cord injury community to become more involved in research, healthcare and advocacy.
With over 25 years of lived experience of SCI since being paralyzed, John has participated in dozens of research studies in addition to being a co-investigator on a number of research projects. He works closely with SCI consumers (individuals with lived experience including people with SCI, their family and friends, consumer-focused community organizations and advocacy groups) to ensure research is addressing their priorities. 
Sam sustained a C5, AIS-D spinal cord injury in 2017 while working as an IRATA certified Level 1 rope access technician. Following his injury, Sam adapted quickly to his new circumstances and explored opportunities to engage with the SCI community. After volunteering with both Spinal Cord Injury BC and BC Wheelchair Sports Association, Sam realized his greatest interest was rooted firmly in Consumer Engagement by supporting and influencing SCI research, care, and innovation. This insight led him to apply for a volunteer position with the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute in July 2019. 
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. 
Chris has over a decade of experience advocating for inclusion and mobility at provincial, municipal and individual levels for BC. He has been actively involved with Camosun College Board of Governors, Vancouver Island Compassion Club, City of Victoria Accessibility Working Group, and Victoria Regional Transit Accessible Transit Advisory Committee, providing insights on SCI. Currently, Chris serves on the Active Transportation Advisory Committee with the City of Vancouver. Chris has over 15 years of lived experience with a spinal cord injury after he was paralyzed as a passenger in a single-vehicle incident. 
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.