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Disability Simulations: A Critical Examination
Disability simulations are activities in which non-disabled participants are temporarily disabled (e.g. blindfolded, use a wheelchair) to facilitate a vicarious experience of living with an impairment. These activities are often used in higher education programs to develop empathy, raise awareness of the daily lived experiences of people with disabilities, and build competencies around inclusive teaching practices. However, there is strong contention, especially from disability communities, around the effectiveness and cultural appropriateness of disability simulations. Join us in critically examining one such activity and exploring how we can determine its appropriateness and effectiveness in light of the mission of WVU to “foster inclusive environments that celebrate strengths, experiences and backgrounds of all persons.
Samantha Ross
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Dr. Samantha Ross' research and professional training rests on the central premise that all children have the right to access play and engage in a wide variety of recreational and leisure activities (Unicef Convention on Child Rights, 2014, Article 12 & 31, Unicef.org). Broadly, her current research examines the influence of adequate supports, services and assistive devices on child’s physical activity participation in inclusive community settings. She focuses on integrating adapted physical activity and epidemiological research approaches. As a researcher in adapted physical activity, Ross examines the dynamic interaction between mobility, assistive device utilization, social behaviors and related motor-developmental outcomes. As an epidemiological health services researcher, Ross examines the factors within community and service infrastructure that facilitate or hinder children’s access to mobility devices and inclusive physical activity opportunities. Her research is interdisciplinary including motor-development, disability studies, adapted physical activity and public health.
Ann Richards
Dr. Ann Richards earned her master's degree in Special Education from the College of New Rochelle, and her PhD in Special Education from the University of Arizona. She joined West Virginia University faculty member in the Department of Special Education at the College of Education and Human Services. Her areas of research expertise/interest include mutlicategorical special education, special education law and policy, and therapeutic recreation. Dr. Richards was the recipient of the College of Education and Human Services Outstanding Teacher Award in 2004, and the West Virginia University Heebink Award for Service in West Virginia in 2007.