Disability

Students share meal while blindfolded to raise awareness of disability

Developed by: 
Mara Bennett
Institution: 
Griffith University
Teaching and Learning Strategy: 

The blind dinner is hosted in the first physiotherapy subject: An introduction to physiotherapy.The goal of the evening is to expose the students to a short experience of what it means to be visually impaired. The use of a social setting is ideal as the consequences of the loss of sight are played out in making new acquaintances, partaking in a round table discussion, manipulating utensils, organising drinks and attempting to feed oneself in a socially appropriate way.
A guest speaker with a visual impairment who is also a fellow student of Griffith University talks to the group about his/her experience of studying and getting around campus and how everyday difficulties are negotiated.
 
The evening ends with a debriefing session by the manager of student equity services at Griffith University to give the students an opportunity to express what they have noticed and learnt form the exercise and to answer any questions they may have.

Course Name: 
The blind dinner is hosted in the first physiotherapy subject: An introduction to physiotherapy.
Year Level: 
First Year
Expected Outcomes: 

Year Level : (For the double degree students it is the beginning of their third year of a five year program of study, and for the Graduate Entry Masters students it is at the beginning of the first semester of a four semester program of study.)
 
It is expected that the students will have a greater understanding of what it means to be visually impaired in a social setting and as a student on campus. This knowledge will facilitate empathy in future experiences with people with a visual impairment.
 

Effective Aspects: 

Experiential learning is lifelong learning. Some of the students find the exercise challenging and all the students make discoveries that are new to them.

Evaluation: 

Short answer questionnaire was given to the students on the next day.

Evaluation Outcomes: 

Students reported that the evening was a positive learning experience with new discoveries and a greater understanding of the world of the person with a visual impairment. Information discussed by the guest speaker informed the students on correct protocol on addressing and communicating with a person with a visual impairment and the assumptions that must not be made by a sighted person.

Plans for Changes/Developments in Future: 

No

For Further Details
Contact Name: 
Norm Morris
Contact Faculty/School: 
School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science
Contact Institution: 
Griffith University
Contact Link: 
http://gu.edu.au/school/pes/home.html