Running head: PERSONS WITH DISABILITY IMMERSION

Shareese Daniel
Persons with Disability Immersion
Georgia State University

PERSONS WITH DISBILITIES IMMERSION

Abstract
Interacting with a culture that experiences oppression routinely allows for the ability to assist and
understand what the needs of the particular culture are. This paper will reflect an immersion
experience with a person who became disabled later in life. Expression of stereotypes prior to the
immersion are detailed within this paper as well. Note of what can be done to continue cultural
knowledge of persons with disabilities is found in this paper.

Introduction

PERSONS WITH DISBILITIES IMMERSION

A lot of the characteristics that are considered advantages and superior are taken for
granted if one possess those characteristics. The ability to think at and communicate at an
expected level is considered normal and almost automatic. Walking into and out of buildings
with ease, entering and exiting vehicles, eating, and even dressing yourself is expected to be
learned and completed. Some persons with disabilities are not able to do these things. Not being
able to do the simple task exposes them to oppression and discrimination frequently and daily. A
reflection of stereotypes, research, an immersion with a person with disability and a plan to
continue to be aware of persons with disabilities will be explained.
Prior Thoughts
It is an internal thought that if someone cannot do what you can, they are inferior, this is
described by Lum (2011) as ableism. Stereotypes of persons with disabilities are seemingly
endless. All persons with disabilities have mental disabilities. Having any disability it is likely
that one was born with it. Thoughts that persons with disabilities cannot complete any task
without assistance were common. It was assumed that a person with disability needed help to get
dressed, to clean themselves and keep up with personal hygiene, to eat food, and even to
communicate with others effectively. These thoughts toward persons with disabilities were never
heard or expressed a loud but rather developed from observation.
Research
Lacking cultural competence and exposure with persons with disabilities encouraged a
cultural immersion. To have a better understanding of different approaches taken in order to
assist persons with physical disabilities a research was completed. Paralysis is a loss of sensation
of touch and ability to move due to a spinal cord injury according to Dolbow (2015). There is
physical therapy that is done to help persons with paralysis. Activity-Based Restorative therapies
(ABRT) is one approach taken in order to provide physical therapy to those who are paralyzed
(Dolbow, 2015). Conducting repeated activation of the spinal cord pathways located both above
and below the point of injury is the guiding principle when working with those with chronic
spinal cord injuries (Dolbow, 2015). Research shows that some of the components of ABRT
includes weight-lifting, electrical stimulation, practicing specific tasks, as well as locomotor
training (Dolbow, 2015).
Immersion/ After Thoughts
For an immersion with persons with disability, a visit to the home of a woman who
experienced an injury causing paralysis from the waist down, was made. During the immersion
initial feelings of discomfort were present. As an individual who does not require a wheel chair,
uncertainty of whether or not to provide assistance was present. Seeing the woman maneuver
within her home with ease was impressive and unexpected. The woman was able to take care of
her child and herself with minimal assistance. The woman explained her greatest exposure to
oppression came from people in public. Judgment that she is not able to take care of her child is
passed frequently.
After the immersion, a determined desire to become an ally was established. Before
leaving the immersion tears were shed because the woman who was paralyzed shared a great
deal of wisdom and detail about her experience. Overwhelmed with the womans ability, even
though having a physical disability, allowed understanding that just because an individual has a

PERSONS WITH DISBILITIES IMMERSION

disability, does not mean that they are incapable of completing or learning to execute task that
come much easier for an individual without disability.
Continued Cultural Work
In attempts to continue cultural work with the community of persons with disability,
volunteering with persons with disability has been decided. After the immersion the decision to
become an ally was made. In order to be more culturally competent it will require engagement
with groups and individuals who possess disabilities other than physical disabilities. Interaction
with people of diverse cultural backgrounds as well as different age groups will allow
improvement in cultural competence wit persons with disabilities.
Conclusion
Persons with disabilities are marginalized because of their physical characteristics and
features as well as their seemingly incomparable mental ability. Learning to overlook those
factors and focus more on what the individual is capable of doing as well as the desires a person
with disabilities has is more beneficial and can minimize the discrimination and oppression that a
person with disabilities has to face. Although the disabilities, whether physical or mental, are
very distinct and result from different factors, there are many approaches that can be taken to
assist persons with disabilities.

References

PERSONS WITH DISBILITIES IMMERSION

Dolbow, D. R., Gorgey, A. S., Recio, A. C., Stiens, S. A., Curry, A. C., Sadowsky, C. L., & ...
McDonald, J. W. (2015). Activity-Based Restorative Therapies after Spinal Cord Injury:
Inter-institutional conceptions and perceptions. Aging & Disease, 6(4), 254-261.
doi:10.14336/AD.2014.1105
Lum, D. (2011). Culturally competent practice: A framework for understanding diverse groups
and justice issues (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.