Meeting People Where They Are At: Accessible Approaches To Ceramic Design And The Artistic Process,
2025
City University of New York
Meeting People Where They Are At: Accessible Approaches To Ceramic Design And The Artistic Process, Molly E. Thompson
Publications and Research
This paper explores accessibility for disabled people in ceramics, drawing upon my personal experiences as a disabled potter at Artistry Community Arts Center in Vermont. I begin with a discussion of how the process of creating pottery can be made more accessible, with a list of adaptable tools I have discovered and anecdotes about how pottery instructors can adapt their teaching styles to different needs. I then explore different examples of adaptive pottery made specifically for disabled people, including some of my own work. While recounting my own successes and failures in pottery production, I conclude that imperfection is the …
Comparing Deaf School And Mainstream Student-Athletes' Mental Health: Depression, Anxiety And Risk Factors,
2025
Gallaudet University
Comparing Deaf School And Mainstream Student-Athletes' Mental Health: Depression, Anxiety And Risk Factors, Ella Gamble
Undergraduate University Honors Capstones
The deaf community is diverse, including individuals from all different backgrounds. Sports are a large part of the community and are advocated for the deaf community. However, the mental impacts of sports within the deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) collegiate athlete population has received very little scholarly attention, especially in regards to their varying upbringings. Anxiety and depression are mental health issues (MHI) that have gained increasing attention in the hearing sports community, but this also extends to DHH student-athletes based on empirical evidence. This study focuses on the differences of MHIs in DHH student-athletes at Gallaudet University. The …
'We Owe, You Know, The World Our Perfection': How The Neurodiversity Paradigm Informs Autistic Women's Self-Perceptions,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
'We Owe, You Know, The World Our Perfection': How The Neurodiversity Paradigm Informs Autistic Women's Self-Perceptions, Katybeth Adamo
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
This qualitative, phenomenological study examines how autistic women characterize and interpret their experiences, beliefs, and self-perceptions within the framework of the neurodiversity paradigm. Guided by a social constructivist epistemology, this study explores the complex intersections between autistic women’s experiences of diagnostic processes, gendered socialization, and identity formation in autistic women. Through semi-structured interviews with ten autistic women, themes emerged around gender differences between autistic men and women, external versus internal self-perception, diagnostic age and self-perception, sensory overload and its consequences, and the journey from feeling othered to finding one’s place socially. Findings suggest that delayed diagnosis and persistent societal pressures …
The Joy Of Quitting [Book Review],
2025
Syracuse University
The Joy Of Quitting [Book Review], Jj Pionke
Disability in LIS (DisLIS)
The Joy of Quitting is a day in the life kind of comic of Keiler Roberts where she focuses on child-rearing, relationships, her art, multiple sclerosis, depression, and many other topics.
The Haunting Of Alejandra [Book Review],
2025
Susquehanna University
The Haunting Of Alejandra [Book Review], Amanda Boyer
Disability in LIS (DisLIS)
This review explores V. Castro’s The Haunting of Alejandra as a powerful portrayal of postpartum depression and generational trauma through the lens of horror and magical realism. Drawing on personal experience, the review highlights how the novel offers an unflinching look at the emotional weight of motherhood and the lasting impact of inherited pain.
Joy In Lifelong Learning: An Introduction To Planning For Learning Disabilities In Museum Education,
2025
Seton Hall University
Joy In Lifelong Learning: An Introduction To Planning For Learning Disabilities In Museum Education, Elaine L. Davis
Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)
For over a century, the role of museums as learning institutions has been considered alongside that of schools. However, special education practices are rarely adapted for museum education, requiring educators in museum contexts to undertake extra work to accommodate those with learning disabilities. This thesis used Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Textual Analysis to review pedagogical white papers and academic research on museum programs aimed at neurodivergent audiences. The findings were used to create a professional development guide for museum educators at a range of different types of museums.
Evaluating The Effects Of Social Interaction On The Results Of Preference Assessments For Leisure Items For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder,
2025
Seton Hall University
Evaluating The Effects Of Social Interaction On The Results Of Preference Assessments For Leisure Items For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Andrew M. Weiler
Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)
It may be the case that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prefer receiving individualized social interaction in addition to tangible stimuli rather than just receiving access to only tangible stimuli. In Experiment 1, we compared the results of paired-stimulus preference assessment (PSPA) procedures for the Tangible condition (toys only), Tangible+SI condition (toys with social interaction), and Combined condition (toys alone and toys with social interaction) to evaluate whether making social interaction available affected toy preference for children with ASD. A social interaction pre-assessment PSPA was conducted to help determine a singular highly-preferred social interaction for each participant to pair …
Strengthening Community Health Through Dementia Listening Sessions,
2025
Alzheimer's Association
Strengthening Community Health Through Dementia Listening Sessions, Raven Albertson
Utah Conference on Community Engagement
"This session explores innovative strategies for strengthening community health through dementia listening sessions and engagement, equipping community partners with the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding dementia care and support. Participants will gain insights into effective partnership-building, impactful dementia education delivery, and strategies for fostering meaningful community involvement through community listening sessions and collaboration. Through a live listening session workshop, attendees will participate in interactive discussions, inform efforts in Utah communities, and acquire practical tools to drive sustainable, community-led improvements in dementia care and support."
Exploring The Untapped Workforce Potential Of Employees With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities In The Hotel Industry: Where To Start,
2025
Pennsylvania State University
Exploring The Untapped Workforce Potential Of Employees With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities In The Hotel Industry: Where To Start, Yoko Negoro, Sydney T. Pons, Thomas A. Little, Michael J. Tews, Donna Quadri-Felitti, Phillip M. Jolly
ICHRIE Research Reports
The hotel industry struggles with high employee turnover and labor shortages. Employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (EIDD) offers a solution, providing benefits such as improved loyalty, reduced turnover, and greater workplace diversity. Successful integration of EIDD requires addressing challenges like communication barriers, stigma, and the need for tailored support. Key to success are job coaches, who provide on-the-job training, support, and communication between EIDD and supervisors. They also educate coworkers to foster a more inclusive environment. Hotels should implement structured onboarding, provide reasonable accommodations, and offer socialization opportunities to ensure long-term success. Regular job coaching, performance feedback, and …
Integrating Positive Psychology And Spirituality To Foster Meaning And Well-Being In Older Adults,
2025
St. Mary's University
Integrating Positive Psychology And Spirituality To Foster Meaning And Well-Being In Older Adults, Crystal Morris
Adultspan Journal
This perspective article explores the integration of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) and spirituality in therapy to foster meaning and well-being in older adults. It highlights exercises such as the positive introduction, positive legacy, character strengths, mindfulness, mindful-based yoga, and a manifestation prayer journaling. The interventions presented are tools to support older adults that may experience depression, difficult life transitions, and the search for renewed meaning. Therapists who integrate PPIs and spirituality into therapy can promote a holistic, non-pathological approach to treatment.
Ableism And Museum Art Education: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of Museum-Based Visual Studio Art Teachers,
2025
University of New England
Ableism And Museum Art Education: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of Museum-Based Visual Studio Art Teachers, Elizabeth W. Buck
Doctor of Education Program Dissertations
All people, including individuals with disabilities, who participate in hands-on visual art can experience various benefits. However, visual studio art teachers, especially museum-based teachers, have various backgrounds that do not always include education or training in serving individuals with disabilities. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how museum-based visual studio art teachers perceived that their training and preparation informed their awareness of ableism and ability to serve students with disabilities in art museums in the New England region of the United States. Twelve museum-based, visual studio art teachers participated in this study through semi-structured interviews. Through …
Disability Lectures, Panel Discussion Improve Medical Student Attitudes, Knowledge In Sd,
2025
University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Disability Lectures, Panel Discussion Improve Medical Student Attitudes, Knowledge In Sd, Keely Walker, Eric Kurtz
Scholarship Pathways Program
Despite growing recognition of persons with disabilities (PWDs) as an underserved population, healthcare disparities persist, often exacerbated by provider misconceptions and lack of training. This study evaluated the impact of a two-part educational module consisting of a didactic session and a panel discussion with individuals with disabilities focused on healthcare students’ knowledge and comfort in caring for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Conducted at the University of South Dakota, the sessions included pre- and post-surveys assessing attitudes, confidence, and perceived competencies. Results from 35 participants, primarily medical students, showed statistically significant improvements in 11 of 13 measured domains, …
Exploring The Relationship Between Disability And Stress: A Preliminary Study,
2025
Gallaudet University
Exploring The Relationship Between Disability And Stress: A Preliminary Study, Katie Mcclyman
Undergraduate University Honors Capstones
Mental health issues can become disabling, and living with a disability in an ableist world can cause mental health struggles. This project explores what aspects of living with a disability generate stress. This project is a survey that gathered data through a two-questionnaire survey of disabled college-aged students. The need for a project like this came from the fact that there is not substantial research from the field of psychology done on disabled people and the relationship between disability and stress. The results of this study found that the more disability impact increases, so does disability related stress. This means …
The Wheel Of Fire: An Obsessive-Compulsive Reading Of Frodo Baggins,
2025
Misty Mountains (Utah) Smial of the Tolkien Society
The Wheel Of Fire: An Obsessive-Compulsive Reading Of Frodo Baggins, Andreas J.W. Minshew
Journal of Tolkien Research
Although addiction has been the main psychological framework for understanding the Ring’s influence, it does not fully capture Frodo’s inner conflict. This paper argues that an obsessive-compulsive reading accounts for his ego-dystonic relationship with the Ring and his lack of an initial period of using it for pleasure, both of which differentiate his experience from other Ringbearers. This reading, rather than in opposition to addictive or post-traumatic frameworks, can coexist with both to bring added nuance to how readers and scholars understand Frodo’s experience.
Using Expressive Arts Therapy With Autistic Children To Help Regulate And Build Coping Skills: A Literature Review,
2025
Lesley University
Using Expressive Arts Therapy With Autistic Children To Help Regulate And Build Coping Skills: A Literature Review, Swara Swaminathan
Expressive Therapies Theses
This literature review is about whether we can use Expressive Arts Therapy with autistic children to regulate and build coping skills. The author could not find articles that covers the entire topic, but she split the topic in terms of autism in India and various application of Expressive Arts Therapy globally. She was able to find Expressive Arts Therapy or Creative Arts Therapy was helpful to autistic children, or children with trauma. She could also notice the stigma of autism in India in some of the articles.
Raised Spirits The Visceral Journey Of Black Generational Female Trauma And The Transcendent Healing Power Of Spiritual Dance,
2025
CUNY Hunter College
Raised Spirits The Visceral Journey Of Black Generational Female Trauma And The Transcendent Healing Power Of Spiritual Dance, Wendy Ann Powell
Theses and Dissertations
Black female bodies have endured sustained trauma globally since the transatlantic slave trade, and it continues into 2025. The collective consciousness has carried the generational burden and mobilized it within the womb. Powell uses this intergenerational knowledge to frame the basis for spiritual dance practices as a healing praxis.
Designing And Installing A Disability Accessible Teaching Garden,
2025
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Designing And Installing A Disability Accessible Teaching Garden, Annabelle D. Denham
Horticulture Undergraduate Honors Theses
As horticulture becomes increasingly popular as a subject, activity, and form of therapy, its inclusivity has not kept up with the pace of its growth. In order to address the need for inclusivity and accessibility, gardens must adopt universal design. Individuals with special needs continuously face discrimination. While horticulture therapy has long been studied and catered to primarily neurotypical and able-bodied individuals, there is limited research on creating gardens specifically to include those with disabilities. This project aimed to create a garden that could serve the needs of all participants, regardless of their ability and sensory needs. The garden was …
Representation Of Autism Spectrum Disorders In Realistic Fiction For Children And Young Adults Over The Past 20 Years,
2025
Washington State University
Representation Of Autism Spectrum Disorders In Realistic Fiction For Children And Young Adults Over The Past 20 Years, Jane E. Kelley, Yun-Ju Hsiao, Brenda L. Barrio, Teresa A. Cardon, Madeline G. Joyce
Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts
In our study, we analyzed 147 contemporary realistic fiction children’s and young adult books that feature characters with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We compared these representations with current statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For each book, we examined the character demographics, the main character, the author’s background, and representation prevalence. Our findings revealed a significant increase in the portrayal of characters with ASD over the past decade. There has also been a rise in the number of characters with ASD serving as the main protagonists in stories. We delved into the implications of gender, race, and …
Unheard Dissonance: An Examination Of Disability Representation In Horn Repertoire,
2025
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Unheard Dissonance: An Examination Of Disability Representation In Horn Repertoire, Macy N. James
Music Undergraduate Honors Theses
In recent years, diversity has come to the forefront of many discussions within western art music. Several organizations have been founded to promote the inclusion and representation of musicians of various genders, races, backgrounds, and ethnic roups, but disability is often left out of these conversations. Due to the barriers continually faced by composers and musicians with disabilities, their voices are seldom heard within horn repertoire. However, several works for horn exist which represent disability programmatically, both by disabled and non-disabled composers. In this presentation, I will examine the musical representations of disability in these works as it relates to …
Creating A Multi-Sensory Room At The University Of Arkansas,
2025
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Creating A Multi-Sensory Room At The University Of Arkansas, Alexandra R. Smith
Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses
Autism Spectrum Disorder, or autism, is a genetic neurological condition that can affect all aspects of an individual’s life, depending on their symptoms. Autistic people tend to struggle most significantly with social and emotional issues, which often results in declining academic success. With such a multifaceted disability, autistic students can struggle to perform at the same standards as their non-autistic peers, mostly due to the complications from their disability paired with limited accommodations. The consequences of these issues can manifest as lower admission rates, higher dropout rates, and higher stress levels for autistic students. This creative and service-learning honors thesis …
