RehabSci 3125 Guest Lectures PDF

GUEST LECTURE: WHAT IS DISABILITY TAKEN-FOR-GRANTED ASSUMPTIONS ​ Assumptions: Shared social value, norms, and beliefs that are internalized so that they appear “natural” and “true” ​ Assumptions change over time ​ Assumptions reveal deeply held social ideals and shape how we interac...

GUEST LECTURE: WHAT IS DISABILITY TAKEN-FOR-GRANTED ASSUMPTIONS ​ Assumptions: Shared social value, norms, and beliefs that are internalized so that they appear “natural” and “true” ​ Assumptions change over time ​ Assumptions reveal deeply held social ideals and shape how we interact with the world around us Everyday Assumptions ​ Ideas that we assume to be “right” or “common sense” and that are taken for granted ​ These ideas become unquestioned and taken as “fact” ​ BUT those ideas are socially constructed and they can change Common Assumptions in OT ​ Increasing physical function translates to enhanced quality of life ​ Functioning as close to “normal” as possible is preferred ​ Independence is ideal and preferred Ways of Thinking of Disability Medical Model of Disability - Dominant Model in Medicine and OT ​ Disability: situated within the individual ○​ Medical problem requiring a medical solution ​ Actions: assessment and interventions seeking an approximation of “normal” ​ Consequences: Disability constituted as a negative form of being stigma, discrimination DISABILITY STUDIES - Another Way of Thinking about Disability ​ Field initiated by people living with disability/disabled persons ​ Emerged from activism ○​ Disability rights movement ○​ Independent living movement ​ Many DS Scholars are deeply skeptical of Rehabilitation Effects of Assumptions ​ “Notions of “overcoming” disability are inherently present within rehabilitation practices, which is problematic when thinking about perpetuation of negative connotations of disability.” ​ “The environment around me taught me at a young age that I was a problem, a failure, deficient, broken, and to be fixed.” Language Use ​ “The use of a person first language has become routine, and it is likely unquestioned by most therapists, who are under the assumption that this is what people with disabilities want.” ​ “I use the term disabled people within this paper to situate disability as sociopolitical and socially constructed....There is no one politically correct language that represents disability identity” EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION IN LATER LIFE - Dr. Sachindri Wijekoon THE PROBLEM ​ Marginalized older adults face unique barriers that prevent them from fully engaging in life ○​ Discrimination, limited access to healthcare, financial constraints, etc ○​ Marginalized - immigrant older adults, racialized older adults, older adults with disabilities, older women, low-income older adults, etc Research Focus ​ How does marginalization impact the participation of older adults in everyday activities? ​ What are the root causes of these barriers Research Goal ​ Create more inclusive and accessible environments where all older adults can live fulfilling lives ​ Improve policies ​ Design inclusive community spaces ​ Develop interventions PROJECT 1 ​ Create a group of South Asian older immigrants as co-researchers to identify research priorities related to their community participation Methodology ​ Co-researchers: 7-8 older South Asian immigrants involved in shaping the research ​ Focus: Discussing challenges, needs, and goals related to community participation. ​ Action: Ranking research priorities and creating strategies for change. ​ Collaboration: Working with community organizations and stakeholders to address identified issues PROJECT 2 ​ How do racialized older adults define and practice self-care to deal with the effects of racism and ageism they face every day? Methodology ​ Photovoice Approach: ○​ Participants (65+, racialized) capture photos reflecting self-care strategies in ​ response to racism/ageism  ​ Group Discussions: ○​ 8 group sessions (2.5 hrs each) with discussions and photo reflections ​ Photo Exhibition: ○​ Participants’ photos displayed in an exhibit to raise awareness, foster empathy, and promote social change around ageism and racism PROJECT 3 ​ Bridging the cultural gap in mental health: Exploring occupational therapy approaches with older South Asians Methodology ​ Survey of occupational therapists ○​ knowledge and practices around providing mental health care for older South Asians ​ Interviews with occupational therapists ○​ How do occupational therapists navigate conversations about mental health with older South Asian clients? TRANSFORMING OCCUPATIONAL POSSIBILITIES RESEARCH COLLECTIVE - Dr Rudman ​ Individualistic vs Critical Perspective on Occupation ​ Individualistic approaches don’t help - they don't help people participate in society ○​ Systematic structural barriers ○​ Occupation is situated ○​ Occupation is political ​ What are barriers that exist for older adults with vision loss? ○​ Eg. Debit machines all look different, the tap button is in a different spot every time ​ ​ Third Place Article ○​ Third Places: spaces apart from home and work that foster social connectedness ○​ The research examines physical and virtual spaces that precarious workers adapt to mitigate social isolation. ○​ Key findings include: ​ Types of Third Places: These spaces include marginal locations like alleys and public parks, as well as virtual communities. These places, created or adapted by workers, help meet social, material, and emotional needs ​ Social Experiences and Outcomes: Workers utilize third places to foster belonging, respite from precarity, visibility, and resource exchange. However, these spaces can also reinforce social risks, obligations, and exclusions.  ​ Challenges: Precarious workers often face systemic barriers such as financial constraints, discrimination, and spatial exclusion, which limit access to mainstream third places. The sustainability of self-created third spaces is often precarious, relying heavily on workers' agency ​ How Do We Build Community Article ○​ Barriers and Adaptations: Financial constraints, unpredictable schedules, and discrimination (e.g., ageism, classism) can limit access to mainstream third places. ​ People often create informal third places, such as sports leagues or gatherings in parks. ○​ Study Design: Rudman collaborates with Rebecca Aldrich of the University of Southern California on a four-year project, examining third places in London, Ontario, and Pasadena, California ​ The study explores how policy contexts influence these spaces. ○​ Community Building: The research emphasizes the importance of supporting organic development of third places by addressing systemic barriers and providing necessary resources. ​ This fosters stronger, more connected communities. ○​ Health and Well-Being: Social connection is essential for overall health, making the creation and support of inclusive third places a critical societal goal FOCUS ON WORK AND WORK TRANSITION - Dr Lynn Shaw Decent Work ​ Decent Work: sums up aspirations of people in their working lives. Opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace, and social protection for all, better prospects for personal development and social integration ○​ Is decent work a human right? ARTICLE: Retrospective Review of Work Transition Narratives - Advancing Occupational Perspectives and Strategies ​ Explores the lived experiences of individuals navigating work disruptions and transitions ​ It identifies gaps in understanding how people make sense of and overcome barriers in their transitions ​ Contributes to the occupational science perspective, which links micro (individual) and macro (societal) challenges ​ The research emphasizes the importance of addressing structural inequities and promoting policies for equitable access to decent work Methods  ​ A retrospective review of 14 narratives was conducted, using the Arksey and framework. Researchers analyzed how individuals used mechanisms such as reflection, support, and learning to navigate micro and macro-level challenges ​ Demographic data and transition types (e.g., health conditions, natural disasters) were charted to identify recurring strategies Results Seven categories of mechanisms emerged: 1.​ Anchors: Processes or connections that provide stability, contributions of others to help move through challenges 2.​ Catalysts: High-impact triggers like opportunities or new experiences, doing something with others to gain support and participation to move through transition 3.​ Champions: Mentors or supporters who offer guidance, others who help us grow and seek new opportunities 4.​ Coming to Terms: Accepting and adapting to new realities, reflection on the situation give permission to move forward 5.​ Learning: Acquiring new knowledge or skills, act of learning can propel through change 6.​ Critical Conversations: Reflective dialogues about challenges and goals, actions used to orient ourselves in transition 7.​ Critical Reflection: Analyzing experiences to gain insight and move forward, occupational being in context; being a worker in the full life context Discussion The narratives reveal the importance of mechanisms in navigating transitions. These strategies help individuals overcome barriers, gain confidence, and reframe their identities. The study suggests integrating occupational mindfulness—awareness of one's potential and value as a worker—into work transition programs -​ Highlights the need for equitable systems and policies to reduce structural barriers. Conclusion The study emphasizes the value of lived experiences in understanding work transitions. It calls for mindful approaches to support individuals and communities, highlighting the importance of fostering occupational engagement and equitable work opportunities. The narratives underscore the resilience and adaptability of individuals facing work disruptions