11PDAVIS@GALLUA.BITNET (Pete Davis) (07/07/90)
Index Number: 9046
Hello out there,
I have just joined L-HCAP and I am pleased to see so much interesting
discussion. Let me introduce myself.
My name is Pete Davis. I am from northern New England, although I also
grew up at Perkins School for the Blind, near Boston. I am currently in my
second year in the graduate program in Communication Therapy at Gallaudet
University, in Washington, DC.
That's enough of that for the time being; now for a couple of replies
and a question.
Re: Deaf Journal of Record
The Volta Review is one side of the coin; probably the most familiar
publication representing the other side is the American Annals of the Deaf,
although I'm embarassed to admit I don't know the address.
If folks are interested in pursueing the subject, I'd suggest
contacting the National Information Center on Deafness; Gallaudet University;
800 Florida Ave, NE; Washington, DC 20002; (202) 651-5051.
Re: Marda's comments on "pet therapy"
The nursing home my grandmother spent her last years in had several pet
cats. Overall, they were very enthusiastically received. Grandma really loved
the cat.
My half-baked theory about pet programs is that they allow people in
institutional settings (and those of us who are still at home) to preserve a
feeling of self-worth. Many people make a great deal of our human need to feel
loved, but rarely mention the need to give love as well. We need to feel
needed. When the need to give out love, care and tenderness is denied I think
that energy stays bottled up inside and can eventually fester. If there is no
opportunity to express loving, caring and tenderness, the only emotional
aspects that are expressed may end up being indifference, anger and self-pity.
In this respect, pet programs promote a perfect simbiotic relationship
between the participating humans and animals. The humans find an avenue to
express their drive to give loving and receive the unquestioning acceptance of
the pets. The pets get too soak up all the loving and attention they could ask
for. Nice work, if you can get it.
Anyhow, that's my theory. It was one of those "Aha!"s that crept up a
few months after an extended period of isolation, frustration and not-being-
much-fun-to-be-with finally ended, when I decided to go back to college a
couple of years ago.
And now... the question:
Can anyone tell me where to find information/plans/patterns for making
a communication board for a wheelchair? A friend who has CP is interested
because she can't sign, but would like to be able communicate around here. She
would like something that would be small enough to go on one armrest, so she
needn't feel confined.
Any hints would be appreciated.
Enough babbling for one mailing! It's nice to be in touch.
Have fun!
Pete