Adventure, Autonomy and Occupational Possibility with Jack Kavanagh

About this episode

Jack Kavanagh shares his inspiring journey of resilience and independence following a spinal cord injury, emphasizing the transformative power of occupational therapy.

In this deeply moving conversation, Jack Kavanagh shares his journey following a life-changing spinal cord injury. From grief and identity loss to rediscovering adventure and independence, Jack reflects on resilience, creativity, and the power of trying again. We explore assistive technology, adaptive innovation, and the importance of listening deeply to clients. Jack offers a compelling message for occupational therapists: move beyond prescriptive approaches and embrace curiosity, co-creation, and meaningful risk. A powerful reminder that occupational therapy is about enabling possibility, not defining limitation. Jack's Bio: In 2012, Jack Kavanagh’s life changed forever when he sustained a spinal cord injury, leaving him with just15% muscle function. Rather than letting this define his limits, Jack has since redefined what’s possible, proving that resilience, ambition, and courage can push boundaries beyond expectation. Jack has taken the stage at TEDx with his powerful talk, "Fearless Like a Child: Overcoming Adversity." His impact has been widely recognized, he was honored as oneof the Ten Outstanding Young People of the Year in 2019, has received multiple…

People in this episode

Guest: Jack Kavanagh

Topics covered

• resilience
• adaptive innovation
• occupational therapy
• assistive technology
• independence
• identity loss
• curiosity

Keywords

• spinal cord injury
• occupational therapy
• resilience
• assistive technology
• adaptive innovation
• identity loss
• independence
• curiosity
• co-creation
• meaningful risk

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Move The Needle, National Disability Authority, Trinity College

Books & works: Fearless Like a Child: Overcoming Adversity, Breaking Boundaries

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• Small Tech, Big Difference: Assistive Technology After Brain Injury and for Life! · April 12, 2026 · 33 min
• What Matters To You? FND, Concussion and the Power of OT · April 5, 2026 · 36 min
• Dr Íde O' Shaughnessy on Aging, Ageism and Emergency Department Care · March 29, 2026 · 32 min
• Innovation, Seating and the Power of OT with Martina Tierney · March 22, 2026 · 36 min