Differences in Itself: Redefining Disability through DanceThis paper brings together two different terms: dance and disability. This encounter between dance and disability might be seen as an unusual, even conflicting, one since dance is traditionally dominated by aesthetic virtuosity and perfect, idealized bodies which are under optimized bodily control. However, recently there has been a growing desire within dance communities and professional dance companies to challenge binary thinking (beautiful-ugly, perfect-imperfect, valid-invalid, success-failure) by incorporating an aesthetic of difference. The traditional focus of dance on appearance (shape, technique, virtuosity) is replaced by a focus on how movement is connected to a sense of self. This notion of the subjective body not only applies to the dancer's body but also to disabled bodies. Instead of thinking of a body as a thing, an object (Körper) that is defined by its physical appearance, dance is more and more seduced by the body as we sense it, feel it and live it (Leib). This conceptual shift in dance is illustrated by a theoretical analysis of The Cost of Living, a dance film produced by DV8.
Interactions Between Autistic Individuals and Law Enforcement: a Mixed-Methods Exploratory StudyA significant number of individuals are being diagnosed with autism in the United States. Autism characteristics have direct implications for how law enforcement officers conduct investigations, make arrests, and respond to the physical and mental needs of autistic individuals. Despite these implications, little is known about what kinds of interactions law enforcement has with autistic individuals and the characteristics of such interactions. The present research is a mixed-methods approach to analyzing media reports involving law enforcement and autistic individuals/autism to uncover what interactions law enforcement has with autistic persons and the characteristics of such interactions. Findings have direct implications for law enforcement media relations and policy.
Extended Commentary: Moving Towards a More Inclusive Society: Full Inclusion for Those with DisabilitiesAmoroso discusses the need for full inclusion for those people with disabilities in the society. The start of the twenty-first century saw the most inclusive, enlightened, and empathetic global society in recorded history. However, regardless of the social, political, or moral position of the national and global citizens, the collective population has failed to recognize and uplift the capabilities of physically and cognitively disabled people, and continues to treat and view this group as helpless victims whose only purpose in life is to exist. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, have a speech or communication disability, a mobility disability, or have a mental health or emotional disability.
‘More people talk to you when you have a dog’ – dogs as catalysts for social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.Abstract: Background: Research has shown Australian group homes, and supported living options, fail to support people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) to develop social connections. This pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of a visiting dog walking program to facilitate encounters with other community members. Method: Sixteen adults with IDs were assigned to one of two groups, matched on key characteristics. Group 1 had 14, 1‐hour outings in the community with a dog and their handler; Group 2 had 14 outings with a handler alone, followed by an additional five outings with a handler and a dog. Within and between group differences were analysed according to number of encounters when a dog was present and absent. Qualitative data provided insights into the nature of these encounters. Results: The number of encounters was significantly higher when a dog was present than when participants went out into the community with a handler alone. This pattern was reflected in the qualitative data, which also suggested the presence of a dog helped to break social norms about speaking to strangers and discourage disrespect towards people with IDs. Conclusions: A dog walking program has the potential to encourage convivial encounters, which in the long term could be catalysts to help people with IDs build social connections in their communities; this should be further explored.