WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES AND BELONGING 8
Core Activities of the Group:
Semi-monthly Meetings and Community Activities and Advocacy
SEMI-MONTHLY MEETINGS
ACTIVITY / DESCRIPTION / OUTCOMEAttendance / Providing door-to-door transportation for the women who were interested along with weekly telephone reminders were – and still are – vital for successful attendance. / Higher attendance in meetings
Sister Circle / At the beginning of each meeting a lighted candle is passed around the circle of members; when holding it, group members have an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings with the group. / Fosters sisterhood and a sense of belonging
Task Assignment / Group members discuss the level of involvement they want to have in upcoming projects and activities; each member volunteers to complete a specific task related to these projects and/or activities. / Cultivates a sense agency and ownership of the group
Core Concept Learning / Group facilitator (center staff or guest lecturer) guides discussions on important concepts related to empowerment.
Discussions concern dismantling stereotypes related to
· disability,
· gender expectations, and
· sexual expression.
Information is provided re
· reproductive health issues,
· safe sex instruction,
· independent living,
· resume building and employment, and
· disability rights laws. / Helps women think outside the box and begin to challenge cultural assumptions, especially related to disability and sexuality, and spur a positive identity and an inclination toward disability rights advocacy
Lunch / Group members are given an opportunity to choose a restaurant in the area from which food is delivered; they share the meal together before the meeting is adjourned. / Encourages socialization, group cohesiveness, and feelings of belonging
Closing / Group members say their good-byes and are given vouchers for transportation to and from the meeting. / Encourages continued participation in the group
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND ADVOCACY
Documentary Film Project / · The ubject of three films was chosen by group members as topics profoundly affecting their lives: disability identity, bullying, and dating and sexuality.· Group members were involved in script writing, interviewing, filming, and editing.
· Group members were present to introduce films at community screenings. / Educated members of the community about disability-related issues; gave group members an opportunity to assert their right to belong within the larger community outside the group
Trip to Adult Toy Store / · This cultivated discussions about sexuality and
· explored new ways of sexual expression. / Outlet for sexual discovery and expression not previously available to them and a platform to assert their rights to be sexual beings
Disability Pride Parade / · Group members participated in a parade that celebrates disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity,
· decorated an independent living center float, androde on the fully accessible float or marched/rolled in the parade. / Enhanced visibility of the group and awareness of disability rights among members of the larger community; cultivated a sense of disability pride and connection to others with disabilities
Disability Rights Advocacy via Demonstrations with other Disability Rights Groups / · Members advocated for funding to be allocated towards community-based care rather than nursing home or segregated care,
· advocated for reproductive rights of women with disabilities, and
· advocated for special education funding. / Demonstrated to the larger community that people with disabilities are a force to be reckoned with when their rights are being violated; forged connections with other disability rights groups; advanced knowledge about disability rights legislation
Youth Speak Out / · Youth with and without disabilities from around the nation came together to become empowered through the acquisition of self-advocacy skills and to gain knowledge from other youths with a variety of backgrounds, and
· wrote and performed a short scene on the parenting rights of women with disabilities. / Gained confidence with public presentation skills; gained self-esteem from the warm reception of their scene; gave members an opportunity to travel to a new city; enhanced social networks and forged new friendships
Interview Guide for Individual Interviews
The Meaning of Belonging
Opening Question: I learned about the Group when I worked on the Group Oral History Project last spring. During this project members of the Group were interviewed about their involvement in the Group and what the Group meant to them. It was great to talk with the Group about their experiences. This year, I’m doing a research project on the topic “belonging.” I wanted to talk to some of the Group about this topic. Belonging is important to a lot of people. Sometimes we feel a strong sense that we really belong somewhere or to someone, and other times we get the feeling that we just don’t belong. Can you tell me what the word belonging means to you?
Key Question: Can you tell me about a time in your life when you had a strong sense of belonging?
Key Question: Can you tell me about a time in your life when you felt you did not belong?
Sense of Belonging among the Group
Key Question: How would you describe your sense of belonging in the Group?
Key Question: What do the other members of the Group do or say that helps you feel you belong?
Key Question: I know as a member of the Group you participate in a variety of activities with other Group members. Can you tell me about some of the things the Group does together that help give you a sense of belonging towards the Group?
Key Question How do the Group coordinators help the members of the Group feel that they belong?
Community Participation
Key Question: Think back to your life before you joined the Group. If you participated in activities in the general community, what activities were you involved in and what was it like (ask only if time permits)?
Key Question: How does your participation in the Group influence the way you fit into the larger community outside of the Group?
The Group Influence on Its Members’ Sense of Belonging to Womanhood
I’d like to discuss gender and disability with you through the next set of questions.
Key Question: There are a variety of groups you can feel you belong to such as race as a group, women as a group, etc. Can you describe how being a member of the Group influenced your sense of belonging towards all women in general (women both inside and outside the Group)?
Key Question: Now, think back to before you joined the Group. Can you describe your sense of belonging towards all women in general?
The Group’s Influence on Sense of Belonging Towards Family and Friends
Key Question: How, if at all, has your participation in the Group affected your relationship with your family?
Key Question: How has your participation in the Group influenced your relationship with your friends who do not take part in the Group?
Members’ Perception of Family’s Role in Their Sense of Belonging Towards Womanhood
Key Question: Can you describe the role your family has played in your sense of belonging towards all women in general?
Key Question: How do you think your family’s perception of you as a woman has changed since joining the Group?
Closing Question: We've discussed a lot of things regarding your sense of belonging and your participation in the Group. Is there anything else about this topic that we haven’t covered?