Performers’ Experiences of Participation in Sensory Friendly Performances

Start Date

April 2020

End Date

April 2020

Major Field of Study

Occupational Therapy

Student Type

Graduate

Faculty Mentor(s)

Caroline Umeda, PhD

Presentation Format

Oral Presentation

Abstract/Description

Individuals with disabilities, including those with sensory processing challenges, are susceptible to a decreased quality of life because they may participate less in community activities. Engagement in the cultural arts as a means to social participation is one way for individuals with sensory processing challenges to participate in the community. This research study contributes data that can be used to further inform effective practices for OT consultants working to maximize community participation access for individuals with sensory processing challenges. This study will focus on performers' lived experiences of performing in a sensory friendly performance. These data will provide OT consultants with knowledge to use in the future while working with performers in order to best meet their occupational needs.

This study will utilize phenomenological qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of performers in sensory friendly theater. Modeled after similar sensory friendly programs developed with OT consultation, this research will be based on a pilot sensory friendly program developed between Dominican University of California’s Occupational Therapy Department and community youth theater companies. The intervention includes environmental modifications to the theater and specialized training for the performers. Following the performance, focus groups comprised of small groups of performers will explore the lived experience of the performers in the sensory friendly show.

Comments

This presentation was accepted for the Scholarly and Creative Works Conference at Dominican University of California. The Conference was canceled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic

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Apr 22nd, 10:00 AM Apr 22nd, 8:00 PM

Performers’ Experiences of Participation in Sensory Friendly Performances

Individuals with disabilities, including those with sensory processing challenges, are susceptible to a decreased quality of life because they may participate less in community activities. Engagement in the cultural arts as a means to social participation is one way for individuals with sensory processing challenges to participate in the community. This research study contributes data that can be used to further inform effective practices for OT consultants working to maximize community participation access for individuals with sensory processing challenges. This study will focus on performers' lived experiences of performing in a sensory friendly performance. These data will provide OT consultants with knowledge to use in the future while working with performers in order to best meet their occupational needs.

This study will utilize phenomenological qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of performers in sensory friendly theater. Modeled after similar sensory friendly programs developed with OT consultation, this research will be based on a pilot sensory friendly program developed between Dominican University of California’s Occupational Therapy Department and community youth theater companies. The intervention includes environmental modifications to the theater and specialized training for the performers. Following the performance, focus groups comprised of small groups of performers will explore the lived experience of the performers in the sensory friendly show.