March 31 2009 Update

I have created a MG 2 but I'm not all that thrilled about it. It seems so plain and not creative. I seems to lack the imagery I can usually put into a poem. This was inspired by several of the responses I got from my survey. I am considereing creating some sort of pamphlet to promote like the civil rights of handicapped individuals, but I don't think I have the time to do it for this MG... Here is what I have so far...

The world towers over me.
It controls my life and everything I am able to do.
Where I go and what I can do is all predetermined for me.
I am forced to follow the scarce blue lines that form the only path I can follow.
I feel helpless and insignificant from this lowly position.
This world was not made to include me.
It did not account for the lifestyle I lead.

Society tries to shun me away, afraid to show the world that people like me exist.
Fear is drawn out in the “normal” when they look at me.
My presence is as welcomed as the cry of the banshee.
The wail of her cry shatters the illusion of control people hold so near and dear;
It forces people to face their own mortality.
They hurriedly try and look away as if ignoring my presence spares them a fate like mine.
They cover their eyes, cover their ears, and cover their mouths not wanting to acknowledge the evil that is being done.

I struggle to survive in a world that would rather ignore my existence.
I strive for a normal life, but I do not fit society’s definition of normal.

I am at the mercy of others.

I feel humiliated and inadequate as I blunder through a world not suited for me; a world that views my very essence as a hindrance.

Just out of my reach, dangling over my head, is a light waiting to be turned on.
I stretch to reach the pull-chain, but my fingers can only graze it.
If only I could stand up and reach it.
Perhaps then I could light up the darkness the world lives in and illuminate the desecration caused for people like me; the physically disabled of the world.

March 27, 2009 Update on Issue

After Dr. Dvorak spoke yesterday about narrowing down our issues, I thought of something I would like to do with my paper.

Dr. Grace gave me some ideas, but I wonder if it will be to late to implement them. She was speaking of how sometimes when people see a disabled person, they find it to be an inspiration. So I want to see from a survey I created if this applies and how could this affect the negative attitudes that people often see. I'm trying to link they two idea together. I guess somehow show how people often have negative attitudes but how instead people can find them to be a motivator or something.

Damn this medicine for making it so hard to think and link things together...

Interesting Observation

I'm a bit slow today, but I realized that I made somewhat of an interesting observation. So the restroom in the Science and Tech building is a tight space. But it was convenient. Well, like people so often do, someone went into the handicap accessible stall even though there was another stall open. So there's this little tiny space. For anyone who has been in there, the trashcan is pretty big and takes up a lot of space. I didn't want to go out and have to fight to door to get back in, so I just sat there blocking the aisle. There was about 6-8 inches on the other side of me that people could get past. If I moved back I would have been slammed with the door. well one student walks in and was very polite and everyone. Another student comes in looks at it, looks irritated, and then walks back out. Then someone who I think is a faculty member comes in. (All this time one stall is empty). She looks at me and says something to the effect of "what are you waiting for?" I'm thinking well... maybe because the one stall is occupied. Before I could respond though, she realized why I was just sitting there blocking the way. She squeezes past me. Well the polite young lady I first came across came out of the second stall and said to something along these lines, "I really have a greater respect as to why they have these handicap facilities. I used to use the handicapped one because of my wheelie bag, but now I see what that can do. It makes you have to sit there and wait." I was shocked to hear someone say that. I don't mind waiting, but I was blocking the whole bathroom. However, as the person finally came out of the handicapped stall, and while the lady who I think is a faculty member was in one of the other stalls, I just went, "No, this bathroom is just too small!"

Perhaps my dopiness today is what made it so interesting...

March 25, 2009

I conducted my third interview yesterday with a social psychologist. This person gave me some thoughts to think about for my paper. One of the discussions we had is how to define what is "normal". I would like to see if the definition of normal differs in those who are physically disabled from those who are not. I'm still thinking about how to incorporate normal into my paper, but I am thinking about linking it to the accessibility issues that exist today. Is it because the majority don't consider "normal" to include ramps and elevators?

I have made this survey to gather some information.

Click Here to take survey

Interview Update

So today I did yet another interview. SJ, as I will refer to the person here, gave me some insights about what she began to realize after spending a day in a wheelchair for a class project. It gave me ideas to contribute to my findings and also a way for me to look at myself and try and check what I notice. It gave me some ideas for observations.

I cannot judge a person's behavior towards me, but there are certain things I can look for. I can see who opens a door despite there being a door opener that allows me to be perfectly able to open a door myself (unless they forget to turn them on). Or how people go about their normal business and let me manage on my own in those situations. Also, as one person just completely avoided my gaze today when I noticed this person was staring and I returned it with a smile, I can look for certain behaviors like that. I cannot interpret the message with certainty, but there are some universals about behaviors like that.

I am also starting to get some hits for my survey for disabled individuals to take thanks to one of the forums.

I was told some rather disturbing information today as well. Apparently before the elevator in Kennedy was installed, the school rather paid the fines for not having one instead of installing some sort of lift or elevator. Also, it was a student initiative that had the accessibility features installed around campus. Is it really "developing leaders for life" or are the students the ones trying to tell the faculty they need to "become leaders for life"?

Another Update

Okay, so for some reason I have suddenly had all these ideas come to mind. I have created yet ANOTHER survey. However this one is for a small specific population. It is intended for people who are disabled. I went ahead and created it, but I am not sure how to spread this survey. It seems as if I would be harping on a person to express what may be sensitive feelings about a their disability. I am unsure about proceeding with this...

Here is a link to the survey.

Click Here to take survey

March 20th Update

So I decided today to go ahead and become a member of a couple of forums that will hopefully allow me to talk with other people who are disabled from different areas around the country or the world even. I really need a perspective from someone else who is disabled and this seemed an easier way of doing it than confronting a person for an interview. I am hoping it will generate some results. I looked back at my research proposal and was reminded of something I included in it; accessibility issues and the impact they have as well. They do, because how well are people willing to accomodate a person who is unable to get somewhere because they are disabled? Why will some and not others? I have a feeling that most people at STU don't even realize there is NO elevator in Sullivan, so anyone who is wheelchair bound or just not able to make it up the stairs, cannot go and see a majority of the professors. Fun eh? They are building that whole new health complex or whatever, but they can't put money aside to put in an elevator that should already be there because of the ADA?

Anyways, this is not a place for me to go on a tangent. I only wish I had thought of this sooner!

March 19 2009

I decided to rework my multi-genre piece a bit. There was just something about it that I wasn't happy about. The research I found that sparked this MG was an article that addressed the use of media to influence a young child's knowledge and understanding about disabilities. When this article was written (1980) there was less than 1 percent for children that had anything to do with a disabled child. A study showed too, that children who showed the greatest positive change in attitudes had been exposed to these books. The article says that, "almost all the recent books stress the handicapped characters' positive outlook on life and the great gains that these individuals have made despite their disability. The handicapped are realistically portrayed as productive members of society who contribute much to the lives of their family and friend."

I am hoping that this revised version does a better job of that, although they were just simple little things. Unfortunately, I have no younger siblings or great experience with children to know if this would suit a young child around the ages of 4 or 5. I don't want the language to be too repetitive or simple, or too challenging. Any feedback would be great!

Sally lay in her bed trying to fall asleep. It was way past her bedtime. But Sally was too excited to sleep!

Sally was four years old. She was starting pre-school tomorrow! Images of a magical place full of boys and girls to play with filled her mind. She imagined crayons of all the colors of the rainbow! She could almost picture enough blocks to build a tower as tall as her daddy! Most of all though, Sally pictured lots of boys and girls to make friends with.

Finally Sally fell asleep. She dreamed of what her new preschool would be like.

Morning came and Sally’s mommy came in to wake her up. “Wake up Sally,” her mother called, gently shaking her awake. “Your big day is finally here!” Sally quickly sat up in bed. The day had finally come!

Sally’s mommy helped her to get dressed. Before Sally put her new jeans on, her mommy helped her put something on her legs. They were leg braces. The leg braces helped Sally to stand up. After Sally put her braces on, she stood up and smiled. She looked just the same as all the other boys and girls starting preschool now!

Before Sally could walk with her mommy to breakfast, she was handed two sticks that clasped to her arms. They were called crutches. Sally was wobbly when she walked. These sticks kept her from falling.

Sally went down the stairs and into the kitchen. She got her cereal and sat down to eat. She was so excited she could hardly eat. She raced through her breakfast!

After she ate breakfast it was time to go. Sally’s mommy brought her the new backpack she had just bought and she put it on her shoulders. Sally and her mommy then left for preschool.

When Sally and her mommy arrived at her new preschool, she climbed out of the van with her crutches in hand. She clasped them onto her arms. She was ready for school!

Sally walked into the classroom. She was the first one to arrive. The teacher, Mrs. Boyd, walked over and greeted Sally and her mommy. Mrs. Boyd walked Sally over to a table. “This is your seat Sally,” she said kindly. Sally sat down and set her crutches under the table.

“You’ll be a good girl for mommy won’t you,” Sally’s mommy asked. Sally grinned and nodded. Her mommy gave her a hug and a kiss before leaving.

After several minutes more children arrived. “Hi, I’m Daniel,” a little boy said. Sally looked at him and smiled. “I’m Sally.”

Sally and Daniel sat at the table and played with some brightly colors blocks. Together they built a tower that was taller than Sammy’s mommy!

After awhile it was time for school to start. Mrs. Boyd rang a bell to get all of the children’s attention. “Good morning children, I’m Mrs. Boyd. Welcome to preschool!” “Good morning Mrs. Boyd,” the children shouted back with excitement. Daniel and Sally looked at each other and smiled.

The morning continued on. The boys and girls played games to learn each others’ names. Then it was story time! All the children gathered around the rug on the floor. Sally picked up her crutches from under the table and stood up slowly. She made her way over to the rug carefully and sat down, placing her crutches next to her.

“This is our magic carpet,” Mrs. Boyd explained. It’s a very special carpet that will carry you children to different worlds!” The children looked up at Mrs. Boyd in awe. That day Sally was carried away to a land full of princes and princesses.

After story time was over it was time to go outside for snack time and recess. Mrs. Boyd and her helper got all of the children in a line. Sally got to lead! She felt proud.

The class was led to a picnic table that was in the playground. Mrs. Boyd came up and carefully lifted Sally to help her get up to the bench. Daniel sat next to Sally. After they ate their snack Daniel looked at Sally with excitement. “Want to play tag,” he asked.

“But I can’t,” Sally answered quietly. “Don’t you want to play with me,” Daniel asked. Sally nodded. “Then come on!” He gently grabbed Sally’s arm to pull her along with him.

Mrs. Boyd saw what happened and came over. “Are you two okay,” she asked kindly. “Sally won’t play with me,” Daniel answered sadly. “What did you want to play Daniel?” “I want to play tag,” he answered with enthusiasm, “but Sally doesn’t want to.”

Mrs. Boyd sat down next to Daniel. “Daniel, Sally can’t run,” she explained. “Why not,” he asked puzzled. “Sally has something called Cerebral Palsy.” “What’s that,” he asked. “Well, it’s something that effects the everyday things Sally does. Her muscles aren’t quite as strong as yours or mine.” “Really,” Daniel asked.

Sally pulled up the leg of her jeans. She showed Daniel her braces. “What are they,” Daniel asked touching the braces. “They help me walk,” Sally said. “And I use these too,” Sally added, picking up her crutches.

Daniel looked concerned. “Am I gonna get sick too,” he asked. “No Daniel, Sally was born with this. You can’t catch it from her. She really isn’t much different from you. There are just some things that she has to do differently.

“So no tag,” Daniel asked Mrs. Boyd. “Not with Sally she answered. Some of the other boys and girls are playing though.” Daniel looked over at the other children and ran over to them.

Sally looked sad as she watched her new friend playing with the other boys and girls when she couldn’t. She was thought Daniel was afraid of her.

Several minutes later Daniel ran back to Sally with two other children. “Mrs. Boyd, we want to color here at the table. Can we?”

“Why sure! I will go get you some coloring books and crayons.”

Mrs. Boyd had the helper watch the class as she went inside. Daniel scooted in next to Sally. “Will you color with us,” Daniel asked. “Sure,” Sally said with excitement. She and Daniel giggled.

“You’re not scared of my legs?” Sally asked. “What’s scary about them?” Daniel asked. “Cause they are different and I have braces.” “I think it’s cool,” Daniel said excited. “It’s like you have superhero equipment!”

Mrs. Boyd came back outside and handed the children some coloring books and crayons. “And these are for you two,” she added, handing Sally and Daniel both a large golden star sticker, “for being so kind to each other.” Daniel and Sally looked at each other and smiled. They both colored happily for the rest of recess.

Preschool is going to be great, Sally thought as she sat with her new friend.

March 17 Update

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

Today I had an idea strike me for a second survey. I am unsure about how well it will work or generate results, but I thought I would go a head and give it a try.

Click Here to take survey

Here is the survey if anyone would like to take it!

March 14 Update

So I thought of another angle for my paper as well. At least as interviews go. I thought it may be interesting to interview someone who has a close relative or friend that was once not disabled and now is and compare the attitudes or changes that may have occured as a result. I am in the process of setting up an email interview to find out how this may work.

March 10 Children's Story

So I began working on one of my Multi-genre writings. It is a children's story that is supposed to explain disability to children. I'm not sure about this, but it is just a rough draft for ideas. Unfortunately I can't draw to save my life, but hopefully I won't need illustrations... Any comments, critique... anything is welcome!





Sally lay in her bed trying to fall asleep. It was way past her bedtime. But Sally was too excited to sleep!



Sally had just turned four years old. She was starting preschool tomorrow! Images of a magical place full of boys and girls to play with filled her mind. He imagined crayons of all the colors of the rainbow! She could almost picture enough blocks to build a tower as tall as her daddy! Most of all though, Sally pictured lots of boys and girls to make friends with.




Finally Sally fell asleep. She dreamed of what her new preschool would be like.





Morning came and Sally’s mommy came in to wake her up. “Wake up Sally,” her mother called, gently shaking her awake. “Your big day is finally here!” Sally quickly sat up in bed! The day had finally come!





Sally’s mommy helped her to get dressed. Before Sally put her new jeans on, her mommy helped her put something on her legs. They were leg braces. The leg braces helped Sally to stand up. After Sally put her braces on, she stood up and smiled. She looked just the same as all other boys and girls now!






Before Sally could walk with her mother to breakfast, her mommy handed her two sticks that clasped to her arms. They were called crutches. Sally was wobbly when she walked. These sticks kept her from falling when she walked.




Sally went down stairs and got her cereal and sat down to eat. She was so excited she could hardly eat!





Finally she finished eating. Her mommy picked her up and carried her out to the car. “You’re starting to get too big to carry!”






When Sally and her mommy arrived at her new preschool, she climbed out of the van with her crutches. She clasped them onto her arms. She was ready for school!







Sally walked into the classroom and sat at a table with a little boy. His name was Daniel. Daniel and Sally sat at the table and played with some brightly colored blocks. They built a tower together. It was taller than Sally’s mommy! While Sally and Daniel were playing her mommy leaned down and gave her a kiss before leaving.





The teacher, Mrs. Boyd, rang a bell. “Good morning children!” she said cheerfully. “Good morning,” the children shouted back. “Welcome to preschool!” Sally and Daniel looked at each other and smiled. “How about we go outside to the playground boys and girls,” Mrs. Boyd asked. Sally’s smile quickly turned downward into a frown. All the other children cheered as the teacher and her helper lined the children up to go outside. Sally remained in her seat.





Mrs. Boyd walked up to Sally. “Don’t you want to go outside,” she asked her. Sally looked down. “But I can’t play like the other children,” children answered sadly. “Sure you can!” Sally shook her head no sadly. In her imagination, Sally hadn’t thought about having to run around.




Sally looked and saw that her new friend was with the other boys and girls that were going outside. Daniel looked at her confused. Daniel left the line and walked over to Sally. “Don’t you want to go outside and play with me,” Daniel asked Sally. She shook her head no. “Why?”





Mrs. Boyd kneeled down to Daniel. “Daniel, Sally can’t run. She’s afraid no one will play with her then.” “Why can’t she run?”




“Sally has something called cerebral palsy. It made her legs not as strong as other boys and girls. She walks a little bit slower than other boys and girls, but she isn’t much different than the other children.”






“Really?” Sally pulled up the leg of her jeans. She showed Daniel her braces. “What are they,” Daniel asked touching the braces. “They help me walk,” Sally said. “And I use these too,” Sally added, picking up her crutches.





Daniel then ran out of the classroom. Sally looked sad. She thought Daniel was afraid of her. “Don’t you want to come outside with me?” Mrs. Boyd asked. Sally shook her head no.




Daniel ran back into the classroom. Two girls came in with him. Sally was sad to see her new friend with someone else. She watched Daniel root around in one of the large boxes of toys.



Daniel walked to Sally’s table with the other two girls. “Can you color,” Daniel asked. “Sure,” Sally answered. Her face brightened up.




“You’re not scared of my legs?” Sally asked. “What’s scary about them?” Daniel asked. “Cause they are different and I have braces.” “I think it’s cool,” Daniel said excited. “It’s like you’re a superhero with equipment or something!”



Daniel, the two other girls, and Sally all sat at the table coloring together and laughing. Preschool was going to be great after all, Sally thought!

Observation at STU

1.) I sat at the only picnic table around the wannabe pond that I can access. It is on the chapel side of the pond.

2.) a.I just sat there at the table as if I were writing something, letting all of my senses experience what went on around me. I decided on this because I tend to sit there on breaks so it was interesting to see what goes on around me that I don't even pay attention to on a normal basis.
b. I was objective. I would rather take a passive stance and see what other people are doing.
c. I just brought a pen and a notebook, and my senses because it was all I needed to observe.
d. I just made a bulleted list.

3.)I watched all the locations I could see from where I was sitting. I am able to watch a decent amount of the campus from where I was sitting. I used as many senses as were necessary to record any movement or activity that occurred around the portion of campus that I could see. I saw people walking around, laughing, sleeping. I was attentive to what was occurring in nature as well such as the breeze and leaves falling from the tree around me as a result.
What went on seemed pretty natural for a college campus while a class is in session.
I believe most of all I was looking for anything "nature wise" but besides the breeze and leaves blowing there was not much else. The sun shines down towards my back from where I was sitting. It was also a clear sky. A perfect day for sitting outside. However, most of the movement was human related so I recorded that most of all.

4.) I saw more went on than I realized.Although it was quiet out, outside of this screeching sound that I hear every now and then, there is some life on this small and relatively quiet campus. It appeared that people tend to mind their own business and go their own way. I never noticed people laying on the benches in front of the pond resting or paid attention to what people were doing at other tables. Not a whole lot of activity goes on around the pond. It's mostly the same sort of thing. Just walking, taking shortcuts through the grass to the library, sitting and talking. People don't do much out of the ordinary, although the guy laying down on the bench sleeping surprised me a bit.
I see how much people use golf carts around this campus. At least four times in about a 15 minute period someone rode past me. This campus isn't that big...
It did surprise me that most of the people I saw around were not studying but rather carrying on conversations with someone. I suppose people are just readjusting from Spring Break and being back on campus.
Besides the person taking a shortcut through the grass, most people walked at a leisurely pace. Perhaps it is because of the beautiful weather today.

March 7

So yeah, I planned on using Spring Break to make some head way with my research. Well, that hasn't exactly happened. To keep it short, I needed a break to make it through the rest of the semester.