In a message dated 02/22/2000 3:26:21 PM Central Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< Putting a scarf over one's eyes, or climbing in a wheelchair for 30 minutes
(etc.) is little more than voyeurism or a Disney Land 'ride'. >>
...I have used simulations in my class...I am a person with multiple
disabilities and I believe that simulations when well presented are very
enlightening...Harris Communications puts out a tape that demonstrates
(simulates) the disability inherent in those with nerve damage types of
hearing loss...plainly showing why shouting is ineffective when communicating
with a person with this type of loss (speech sounds garbled and shouting only
amplifies this gibberish)...I have used this tape to explain to my family why
screaming at me makes me angry...they have not raised their voices at me
since then...
Simulations of a 30 minute duration are indeed "Disney rides"...my
simulations are sturctured in such a way that the duration is a 24 hour
experiential event sometimes requiring 2 participants...they are required to
keep a log and to write a paper with an outline I have given them...they are
required to go out in the world not sit at home...thoses without access to
wheelchairs take a tape measure to see if the doors or bathroom stalls are
accessable...if not then they have to find another one that is...they find
that even when parking in handicaped parking places that the elevators and/or
ramps (especially in older buildings) are often quite a distance from the
place they are scheduled to arrive (eg class or work)...it takes quite a bit
of effort to get to point A to point B...my Alzheimer's simulation is a 24-48
hour experence from the perspective of both the caregiver and the patient...I
could continue but I believe you understand the gist of this post...that
simulations need not be exploitive or clowish events but when thoughfully
structured with care and understanding can be a very valuable educational
experience...Kathryn
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