How soon should people return to school or work after a spinal cord injury?

I think it's really important that people set in their mind early on, "I am going to go back to school," or, "I am going to get back to work." And make that a real goal. Don't make the goal, "I'll think about it when I'm walking, or when I can do this," because then that just brings the goal out farther. Once you've set the goal that you're going to do it, make sure that you're medically ready, meaning—Do you have your care down?—Have you pushed yourself in ways so that you can independently handle things? And maybe that doesn't mean you do it yourself, but can you instruct other people? Have you put yourself out in the environment? Test the waters. I don't think there's every a time you can say, "Yes, I'm totally ready right now," because a lot of times you have to jump off and say, "Let's go forward, and see how it works." Most importantly, have the resources in place to help you out if you fall down the wrong path.