Me,osteogenesis imperfecta,and my classmates in physical education lessons: a case study of embodied pedagogy in action

Pupils with disabilities have been found to experience a narrower physical education curriculum and participate less frequently than pupils without disabilities. A lack of knowledge, skills, relevant experiences and confidence amongst physical education (PE) teachers has been said to contribute to these differential educational experiences. This article adds to the paucity of research that analyses the PE experiences of pupils with disabilities while, at the same time, evaluating embodied pedagogy as a tool for better preparing PE teachers for their role as inclusive educators. Specifically, the article aims to: (1) explore the PE experiences of a university student named Violeta who lives with the condition of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI); (2) analyse the views of a group of prospective teachers who participated in a PE lesson (Experience 1) which included Violeta; and (3) examine the perceptions of a group of prospective teachers who participated in a simulated attempt at embodied pedagogy (Experience 2). Data were gathered using field notes, observations and interviews with Violeta and the prospective teachers who participated in Experience 1 and Experience 2. The findings suggest that in both Experience 1 and 2, the prospective teachers developed a greater aware of OI and a more positive attitude towards inclusive PE. That said, the nature of the student learning experience and their ability to empathetically imagine themselves in, and through, the bodies of others that were different from themselves varied significantly in Experience 1 and 2. Such a contrast, especially in relation to notions of alterity, related to the presence or absence of the other as a corporeal entity involved in the lessons. Neither Experience 1 or 2 was found to be ‘better’ than the other, they simply provided different contexts, resources and opportunities for learning to take place. We discuss some implications of these differences for those wishing to engage in embodied forms of pedagogy as a way of helping prospective teachers to have the knowledge, skills and experience to develop a more inclusive culture in school PE.     

Library Employee Views of Disability and Accessibility

Abstract

This study sought to explore library employee attitudes toward people with disabilities and accessibility. It also aimed to determine the training needs of current library employees. A survey with both quantitative and qualitative questions was developed and snowball sampling was used. Analysis of both types of data indicates that librarians across library types generally feel unprepared to work with patrons with disabilities. Based on the results, there are several recommendations for improvement within the profession, including creating a more robust training program focused on accessibility and disability, examining policies from local through national levels, and improving recruitment and retention of people with disabilities into the profession.     

How young children view mathematical representations: a study using eye-tracking technology

This paper reports on a study which investigated the support needs of pupils in mainstream school with a chronic illness or physical disability. The research was carried out in three local education authorities covering both rural and urban areas. In-depth, qualitative data were collected from 33 pupils in secondary school; 58 parents of primary and secondary school pupils; and 34 primary and secondary school teachers. Overall, the data from young people suggest variability in the support offered to pupils by teachers, even by teachers within the same school, and highlights the importance of teachers' awareness and understanding of special health needs. A number of areas where young people need support from teachers were identified, including: dealing with school absence; taking part in school activities; peer relationships; explaining the condition to other pupils; and having someone to talk to about health-related worries. Data from teachers and parents indicate that school staff need assistance with obtaining health-related information; ensuring health-related information is passed between and within schools; providing emotional support; the provision of medical care; and coordinating support for this group of pupils. The implications of the findings for teachers, schools and educational policy are discussed.     

Communication That Changes Lives: Social Support Within an Online Health Community for ALS

Impaired communication due to a disabling illness can lead to reduced participation in community life. Online health communities can provide a substitute community for the purpose of social support and information sharing. This study examines communication between participants in an online community for patients and carers affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a degenerative neurological disease affecting communication and mobility. The study finds community members engaged in a dynamic interchange of information and social support. The results contribute to understanding of communication and social support needs of people with high levels of disability.     

A Course on Disability Advocacy

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a new course on disability issues entitled “Disability Rights and Social Work Practice” that was offered in the spring semester of 1999 in the Bachelors of Social Work program. This disability advocacy course consists of three components: distance education utilizing websites and a computer interactive program, community service learning, and seminars on campus.     

Using video technology in emancipatory research

The writers of this paper are currently engaged in research concerning the lives of young adults who are multi-sensory impaired; they are particularly interested in the areas of communication and the development of meaningful relationships. Part of their fieldwork has involved the use of video recordings. The paper considers the use of video technology in qualitative research, together with the technical issues and ethical sensitivities which might be involved. The issue of emancipatory research is explored, with a particular focus on how this might be applied to research with people who have pronounced and complex disabilities and who use modes of communication which are idiosyncratic and mainly non-verbal. Finally, the writers describe their own work-in-progress in this area.     

Interpreting relational meanings: The influence of sex and gender‐role

This study addresses three types of sex differences in relational communication. Male and female respondents completed an assessment of gender‐role measuring agency and communion and read four scenarios with messages attributed to male and female sources. Respondents rated the relational dimensions of affiliation and dominance. Female sources are judged higher in affiliation. Sex and agency interact with situation for perceptions of affiliation. Situation and communion affect judgments of dominance. Individuals higher in communion perceive less dominance. The results provide insight into dominance and affiliation as competing frames for interpreting situations.     

Towards equality: the voices of young disabled people in Disability Rights Commission research

Increased participation and success in education for disabled people will improve their social inclusion and benefit society in general. In this article Louca‐Mai Wilson discusses Disability Rights Commission research on education and its implications for policy and practice. Research findings are considered in relation to the need for the voices of young disabled people to be heard in research, policy and planning. A key finding was that young disabled people want to be regarded and treated as equal to their peers, with the same rights of access and educational opportunity. But schools and educational establishments vary in their willingness and capacity to address and remove existing access barriers. Inclusion is a key issue for many young disabled people; many feel isolated at school and college and often have lower expectations about their future than their non‐disabled peers. Inclusive practice and participation are key to ensuring that disability equality in education is achieved.     

浅析刑事案件中的交强险赔偿——兼论残疾赔偿金的理性回归

交通肇事如何认定第三者成为保险公司赔偿保险金的关键所在。第三者的认定历来理论和司法实务上存有争议,目前,近因说和瞬间说采用者较多,更能维护弱势群体第三者的权益。但是交通肇事涉及犯罪时,保险公司往往因残疾赔偿金为精神抚慰性质而拒赔,造成被害人流血又流泪。症结就在于残疾赔偿金没有理性回归为财产性质,希望通过解析第三者和残疾赔偿金的性质更好地为司法实务提供可行建议,以维护受害人的合法权益。     

General, special and … inclusive: Refiguring professional identities in a collaboratively taught classroom

In implementing inclusive education, special educators frequently collaborate with general educators in various settings. How does such collaborative practice complicate the configuration of their professional identities? This paper uses the framework of figured world ( Holland, Lachiotte, Skinner, &; Cain, 1998) to scrutinize the practice of one special educator, Stephanie. Alternatively assuming both subordinate and lead positions within a collaborative teaching team, Stephanie refigured her professional identity and practice contingently, initiating a trajectory of change that extended to “out-of-classroom” spaces ( Clandinin &; Connolly, 1996). Stephanie’s improvisations in this process index the significance of teachers’ authorial spaces in the implementation of inclusive education.