College Honors Program

Moving Towards Inclusive Perceptions of Disability: A Case Study of Holy Cross Students’ Community Engagement Experience with L’Arche

Date of Creation

5-17-2024

Document Type

Campus Access Only

First Advisor

Isabelle Jenkins

Abstract

With one in every four adults in the United States identifying as having a disability, physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities are prevalent among the nation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). Alongside this prevalence, ableist discrimination against individuals with disabilities persists, which creates negative stereotypes and prejudice that fail to uphold human dignity. Ableism can often take subtle forms through implicit biases that unconsciously marginalize people with disabilities (PWD), making these beliefs particularly harmful because they can go unrecognized. Psychological research suggests that two important factors in the formation of implicit biases are the time period of adolescence and contact. Therefore, this phenomenological case study examines young adults volunteering and working closely with PWD. Specifically, this case study focuses on students from the College of the Holy Cross who have volunteered and/or worked with L'Arche, an intentional community of adults with and without disabilities. Findings reveal that through close interpersonal contact with PWD, young adults can make transformative perception changes around ableism that allow them to share in relationships and mutuality while bridging differences. Participants suggest practical strategies for young people to become exposed to education around disability rights, increase disability representation, and become advocates for social change.

Comments

Readers: Noah Berman, Virginia Ryan

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