My own reading and research and expericne tends to suggest that such
quasi disability simulation usually aims at getting students to
experience disability.
On this point many disabled people and writers convince me that this
is not possible and harmful.
I recall students saying things like "I didn't realise how
restrictive a wheelchair is" and many other very negative
comments.
If the aim is to perpetuate the tragedy view of disability then
simulation may be the method for you.
So I would always ask what the purpose is?
To develop the necessary skills? then a very cautious yes
Is it to put to the test claims about service providers offering
accessible services, then maybe, but real disabled peolpe, are better
able to do this "mystery shopper technique" then those involved in
simulation.
Often the experience of simulation turns into a bit of fun,
swapping places in the wheelchair while out shopping?
THUS making light, trivializing and perhaps insulting disabled
people?
The research measuring attitudes does claim some positive shift in
attitude, on the ATDP scale But that may lack validity and
reliability and ask such things as "do you think disabled people are
generally miserable" without asking if respondent view all people as
generally miserable. And the experience seems to compound negative
stereotypes rather than have a positive impact, which I assume those
using simulation would prefer.
I do think, within health profession's education it remains very
common, and very dangerous. Students then enter practice with the
view "I know what it's like to be deaf, blind etc" false assumptions
ANY experiences or research would also be fasinating to me too.
Thanks
Philip Scullion
Senior Lecturer
Nursing and Midwifery
School of Health and Social Sciences
Coventry University
Priory Street
Coventry, CV1 5FB
Tel 024 76887969 Direct
or 024 76887928 Reception
FAX 024 76887910
email: [log in to unmask]
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