Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2024
Degree Type
Capstone - Open Access
Instructor/Advisor
Dr. Melissa Nemon & Dr. Audrey Falk
Abstract
Background: People with disabilities face disproportionate barriers when it comes to social and community participation. Barriers are present across all areas and stages of life and encompass attitudinal, communication, environmental, policy, programmatic, and social barriers. Objective: This research has two major goals: 1) to build perspective taking skills by improving disability sensitivity evoking an attitudinal shift and 2) to introduce the Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) framework exploring person-centered strategies and community support opportunities (allyship) in achieving life goals. Methods: For the purpose of this exploratory-descriptive mixed-methods research approach, an in-person workshop titled “Building Disability Sensitivity: Moving from Reflection to Action” was conducted in partnership with the Merrimack Institute for New Teacher Support (MINTS) at Merrimack College in North Andover. A post workshop online survey was implemented, participants’ behaviors during workshop activities were observed, and activity results were collected. Results: The results of this study clearly indicate that education around disability sensitivity positively affects people’s ability for perspective taking, enhance comfort levels conversing with PWD and has the potential to shift attitudes toward PWD. A majority of participants found the introduction to the CtLC framework useful and believes the tools can enhance their ability to positively influence the lives of PWD.
Recommended Citation
Liedtke, Helena, "Building Disability Sensitivity: How Person-Centered Supports Can Help People with Disabilities Reach Their Full Potential as Individuals and Within Their Communities" (2024). Community Engagement Student Work. 103.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/soe_student_ce/103
