Ted Talk Time!

For this weeks journal entry I decided to watch a Ted Talk that discusses Inclusion, belonging and having a disability. Presented by Jennie Fenton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAM9nh8WC-8&feature=youtu.be

Below are some notes and a response to this film: 

• Discusses the Caste System and how horrible it is that people are born to be considered "untouchables" they compare people born with a disability as being seen as an "untouchable" 
• Talks about the negative connotation that individuals with disability get when seeing that they need charity, help, support. 
• Talks about how her own child was born with a  disability. As they struggled to get through the doctor appointments they struggled, they cried, they fought. They called it the "Dark Ages" 
• Her daughter was diagnosed with cerebral Palsy. 
• She came acores several realizations: 
• Hard Work 
• Hard work can be Negative, Neutral, Positive (It is a choice) 
• No one is broken (no one needs to feel broken- should feel loved exactly as they are)
• Disability is natural (it is a part of the human experience- we are diverse) It makes us strong, interesting and vital) 
• Commonality (we have a lot more in common then we think) 
• The importance of dreams (they will be supported to follow their dreams)
• She believes in POSSIBILITY. That anyone is capable of amazing things even those with a label or disability. 
• She provides perspective on living conditions of those with a disability, their lack of freedom, lack of your own home, always having to live with others and be supported in those ways. 
• There is currently a revolution going on about disability around the globe 
• They are focused on attitudes, words and actions and that everyone has a part to play in this revolution. 
• She started a social inclusion program in her community. They ask everyone to do 3 things. Check you head, your words and your actions. 
• People are individuals, they are not their labels and not your assumptions. They belong in all parts of a community. 
• Everyone has something to offer, something to share, something to say. 
• They are members, assets, not burdens. 
• You do not need to CURE diversity, but ENJOY IT. 
• We are all interdependent. Everyone needs each other, whether you have a disability or not. 

This video was really inspiring because it focused on what people with disabilities can do and how they can be supported to have dreams just like everyone else. This mother talked about her child as her child first and someone with a disability second. She talked about how as a community we can create a world where individuals with disabilities are welcome, supported and celebrated. It was really interesting to hear about different people who have disabilities and who are thriving in their lives. Who are teachers, business owners, and working in government. This was related to individuals who were struggling with more than just a physical disability, but was still a great look into what it is like to have a child who needs special assistance and to become accepting and proud of their accomplishments.

Online Support Resources

Below are some resources related to online support networks for those with physical disabilities:

Online Chat Room for Individuals with a physical disability:

http://www.healthfulchat.org/physical-disability-mobility-issues-chat-room.html

HealthfulChat is dedicated to offering a support system for those who live with a physical disability or mobility issue. We are aware that there are millions of people worldwide living with the difficulties associated with limited mobility.HealthfulChat's philosophy is that there is power in numbers. We believe, along with the proper medical care, a caring support network can help someone facing difficulties get through their day. In order to provide this peer support network, we are offering you a Physical Disabilities/Mobility Issues Chat Room, physical disabilities/mobility disabilities forums, and a physical disabilities/mobility issues social network.

In the United States alone, there is not one state in the union that does not have a percentage of people living with a physical disability. Mississippi having the highest percentage, over 8%, Pennsylvania in the middle range with over 6%, and Hawaii in the low range with over 3%² In Australia, over 2 million people under 65 years of age, and more than 1 million people over the age of 65 live with limited mobility³, and in the United Kingdom, more than 9 million people, approximately 15% of the population there have a disability of some kind.⁴

You Might Be Interested In:

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Although these statistics only span three nations of the world, they are staggering, and should prove to you that you are truly not alone in your daily struggle.

Welcome to your own personal support group. Here at the physical disabilities/mobility web page, you are free to use the Physical Disabilities/Mobility Chat Room, the physical disabilities/mobility forums and the physical disabilities/mobility social network. Here, you can reach out to others who share your difficulties, triumphs, tears and laughter in the face of your disability. Enjoy your time here and please meet, greet, share and support with others.

This site is a Meetup Group focusing on individuals living with a disability. 

http://disability.meetup.com

This site is another support site that has a chatroom as well as other resources. 

http://www.disabilities-r-us.com

More Research!

This entry focuses on some an article that I found related to social support in computer-mediated groups for people with disabilities.

Finn, J. (2000). Communication of Social Support in Computer-Mediated Groups for People With Disabilities . HEALTH COMMUNICATION , 11 (2), 123-151.

This article discusses what an individual with a sudden disability goes through as they adjust to their new lifestyle based on their disability. 

"When an individual experiences a serious illness, disabling condition, or both, the effects can influence numerous areas of the person's life: mobility, self-care, employment, communication, and social relationships"  

It talks about how individuals may need different kinds of social support to deal with the areas listed above. It discusses the benefits of social support and how face to face contact can be difficult due to mobility issues, access, or communication. The article then brings up the idea of online support groups filling the void that face to face support lacks due to access. 

Finn discusses House's (1981) four classes of supportive behaviors such as: EMOTIONAL SUPPORT (Concenr), APPRAISAL SUPPORT( affirmation or feedback) INFORMATIONAL SUPPORT (advice or suggestions) and INSTRUMENTAL SUPPORT (physical assistance) 

Finn also provides information about Barbee and Cunningham's (1995) Interactive Coping Behavior Coding System which is comprised of five supra types: a) solve behaviors (problem-focused approach) b) solace-behaviors (a motion-focused approach) C) dismiss behaviors (problem focused-avoidance) d) dismiss behaviors (problem focused-avoidance) and e) escape behaviors (emotion focused avoidance) e) escape behaviors (emotion-focused avoidance) 

It also talks about self-help groups and their purpose. They provide support for individuals to deal with exerting control over circumstances that affect their lives. They are based on principles of empowerment, inclusion, nonhierarchical decision making, shared responsibility, and a holistic approach to people's cultural economic and social needs. 

The article also addresses several positive outcomes of individuals involved in self-help groups. They include: 

• sharing information such as ideas, facts and resources
• engaging in dialogue to reveal multiple perspectives
• discussing taboo subjects 
• being "all in the same boat" with others 
• experiencing mutual support
• engaging in problem solving and rehearsing 
• overcoming alienation and isolation 
• engaging in catharsis 
• taking on the role of helper 
• developing inspiration and hope 
• developing social networks 
• assisting more people less expensively

This article continues to discuss self-help groups in a computer based concept for individuals with disabilities. They share several of the same benefits that face to face groups provide but they take place without the constraints of time and distance by utilizing the internet. 


I hope to continue this research and find more information about available support groups provided to individuals in an online community. I want to find something more up to date and find specific examples of support services available to individuals with disabilities today. 

Theory, theory, theory- The Research Begins!

This week I wanted to take a look at theories surrounding individuals with physical disabilities. There is a large amount of research related to disability but I wanted to find some different things to focus on. In my research I found an article about online communities for the physically disabled, and how they can provide support for those that struggle with this lifestyle.

http://www.informationr.net/ir/11-3/paper253.html

Tilley, C.M., Bruce, C.S., Hallam, G. & Hills, A.P. (2006) "A model for the development of virtual communities for people with long-term, severe physical disabilities"   Information Research, 11(3) paper 253 [Available at http://InformationR.net/ir/11-3/paper253.html]


A model of virtual communities for persons with disabilities:

a mf

Figure 1: The six types of E-Communities that constitute a framework or the cornerstones for a Virtual Community model for persons with long-term physical disabilities. (Note that Access and Barriers relate to all situations - not just those depicted left and right of the diagram.)

The model for a virtual community for persons with long-term, severe physical disabilities that emerged was a meld of six types of electronic communities (see Figure 1). The types of e-communities or sets of well-developed discreet categories (e.g., themes and concepts) that the data from this study revealed were the following, depending on the types of consumer needs they met:

• education;
• fantasy-oriented;
• information-oriented;
• interest-oriented;
• relationship-oriented; andtransaction-oriented
• 
  
• The e-communities or categories are systematically interrelated through statements of relationship to form the theoretical framework that explains the relevant social phenomenon, although they are presented here as separate units for the sake of graphical representation. The statements of relationship between these categories allows for objectification and explains who (relationship), what (information), when (interest), where (transaction), why (education and empowerment), how (fantasy), and with what consequences (access and barriers) an event occurs. For the model to be truly generalisable and transformational, all six types of virtual communities needed to be established as potential portals to be developed for persons with disabilities. It is also possible that the model for a virtual community for persons with long-term severe physical disabilities, in fact, meets several, if not all, of the above needs, purposes or orientations simultaneously. In the end, it must be emphasised that if any one of these types of e-communities were ignored, then the full virtual community experience will not be available to persons with disabilities.

FINDINGS:

Table 1: Grounded theory relationships from study findings

Phenomenon: A sense of control
Categories	Properties	Dimensions	Sub-categories
Education	e-learning, capacity building, information literacy, technologically literate	Digital divide, confidence, information exchange, well-being, motivation, skills	Empowerment, engagement, equality, life-long learning, shared vision
Fantasy	Virtual activities, virtual community, virtual family, virtual living, virtual reality	Access, anonymity, communicate, interact, participate	Double-edged sword of technology, barrier-free, recreation
Information	e-searching, equality, virtual communities	Discussion groups, education, entertainment, legislation, leisure	Access, choice
Interest	Disability rights, leadership, moral purpose, social justice	Access, equity, independence, mobility, participation, values-driven	Assistive technology, civil society, inclusion, self-determination, vision, voice
Relationship	Community role, peer support, systemic advocacy	Collective experience, shared knowledge, self-esteem, valued role	Acceptance, identity, privacy, social networks
Transaction	e-commerce, employment	Investments, shopping, ordering, bill paying	Tele-working, tele-marketing.

This article brings to my attention the concept of a "virtual community" and what it can bring to those with a long-term disability. I would like to look into this idea further and see some of the additional benefits and also some options that may be evadable for someone like Nathan. 

I have also looked into some research into different theories related to physical disability and am anxious to get the articles from the library. The theory that I would like to explore is the "theory of planned behavior" related to college students with disabilities. 

Social Psychology of Education: How well does the Theory of Planned Behavior predict graduation among college and university students with disabilities

Fichten, C. S., Nguyen, M. N., Amsel, R., Jorgensen, S., Budd, J., Jorgensen, M., Asuncion, J., & Ba

Are there theories that can help me better understand what a student like Nathan is going through as a college student with a disability? What are the struggles he faces, how does he cope on a day to day basis?  These are all areas that I want to explore for next week's entry. 

The perspective of those in a wheelchair- Athletic Opportunities

This week I wanted to find some more information on what it is like for individuals who need to utilize a wheelchair. I found several YouTube videos that allowed me to gain a better understanding of the struggles someone in a wheelchair goes through on a daily basis as well as their opinion about how they are viewed by others.

The first video I viewed was about a girl named Ashley with cerebral palsy. Due to this condition she utilized a wheelchair on a daily basis. She explains what its like being a college student in a wheelchair. Below are some of the notes I took when watching the video.

YouTube Video on what its like to be a college student with a disability.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr5hHmZbQHw

• She put a focus on the fact that its not that she can't do things but that she needs to find an accommodation that suits her needs so that she is able to complete tasks and activities. 
• Due to overcrowding of areas she needs to leave for classes early so that she has enough time to get through areas with her chair.
• Taking the elevator is sometimes a struggle because it may be in use for others that are able to take the stairs or it can be out of order at times. 
• Construction on campus can create a really difficult situation when trying to get from place to place on campus. 
• Weather such as snow or rain can sometimes be a really big problem if areas are not cleared properly. 
• She talked about how she feels that people talk down to her because of her wheelchair and that they see her as someone with a disability first instead of for who she is. 
• She feels that men in general are scared of her and don't talk to her because of the wheelchair. 
• She ended the video by speaking about how she feels that everyone has some type of disability or something they struggle with its just that hers is visible and other are not.
• She wishes that people would not assume things about her based on her wheelchair but just ask her for her opinion. 

The next video I watched was about able bodied individuals at Trinity College who spent a day in a wheelchair to get a better perspective on what someone who utilizes a wheelchair goes through. Below are some notes I took when watching the video.

Trinity College: Day in a wheelchair Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMV_mLEY_Ek

• They wanted people to know that despite being in the wheelchair they were the same people they were before. They felt like people looked at them differently. 
• They felt that those in wheelchairs are incredible strong people because they adapt to make things work for themselves. 
• They felt people were not as friendly to them when they were in the wheelchair and got out of their way without communicating as much. 
• They think that people should be treated for who they are as people and not based on their disability. 
• Lastly, they felt that the experience would have been better if they would have been able to spent a whole week in a wheelchair instead of just a day. 

After watching this video I realized that these individuals got out of the experience what I believe I would have taken. It seems like they felt less like themselves and that they were treated differently due to being in a wheelchair. If I were put in this situation I believe that I would feel very self-conscience due to being in a wheelchair and like everyone was watching me all the time. The idea of being visible different than everyone else around you is a very scary thought to live with on a daily basis.

In addition to looking up some resources on what it would be like to be in a wheelchair I also wanted to see what was available for those in a wheelchair that still wanted to pursue athletics. Below is a website that I found that has resources, news coverage and teams for various sports for those with a physical disability. Although much less accessible than your typical school sports or athletics it was still great to see the variety of sports available to those with a physical disability.

In the Ohio area specifically I also found a website about quad-rugby. Here on the OU campus we just hosted a quad-rugby tournament in the Ping Center. Here is the e-mail with information about the tournament

Hey Bobcats!

My name is Dustin Gibson and I am a member of the student organization FourPlay!,which raises money and spreads awareness of the sport Quad Rugby which is played by athletes who have had spinal cord injuries and are wheelchair bound.  Please take a moment and read the following information about this amazing fundraising tournament!

Event: ​ FourPlay! Quad Rugby 8th Annual pay-to-play Quad Rugby Tournament!  

When: Saturday October 4,  2014 with morning and afternoon playing sessions

Where: Charles J. Ping Center located on the campus of Ohio University

Sign up: Gather 4-6 players per team and register to play by contacting Grant Woodard at gw206408@ohio.edu or Dustin Gibson at dg238107@ohio.edu . Please see attachment for registration forms.

Cost: $100 for 4 players, $110 for 5 players, and $120 for 6 players with all proceeds going directly to the Ohio Buckeye Blitz

About:   FourPlay! is a student run organization raising money for The Ohio Buckeye Blitz, Ohio’s only semi-pro Quad Rugby or wheelchair rugby team. It is played by athletes with spinal cord injuries, who compete in wheelchairs that are customized for high impact “tackles” and speed.  The Buckeye Blitz travels to play in tournaments around the country, and as do all amateur sports teams has to raise money for tournament fees, equipment, wheelchairs, and other traveling costs. Many of these costs can make it difficult for the team and players to participate. The cost of a specialized wheelchair that the players need is around $4,000. All proceeds from the tournament go directly to the team to aid them with costs from the sport.

United States Quad Rugby Association
http://usqra.org/players_corner
Buckeye Blitz Ohio Team

Website that shows adaptive sports for individuals with physical disabilities.
 http://www.disabledsportsusa.org/resources/adaptive-sports/

Check out all of the adaptive sports to choose from!

Archery	Cycling	Handcycling	Rafting	Skateboarding	Surfing	Triathlon
Baseball	Cross-Country Skiing	Hiking	Rock Climbing	Sled Hockey	Swimming	Volleyball
Basketball	Curling	Hunting	Rowing	Snowboarding	Table Tennis	Waterskiing
Biathlon	Downhill Skiing	Kayaking	Running	Snowshoeing	Tai Chi	Wheelchair Racing
Bocce	Equestrian	Martial Arts	Sailing	Soccer	Tennis	Windsurfing
Bowling	Fishing	Mountain Biking	Scuba	Strength Training	Track and Field	Yoga
Canoeing	Golf	Paddling	Shooting