Editorial
Welcome to the Conference Proceedings of the 39th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability & Diversity 2024
Holly Manaseri and Lauren Lum Ho
This editorial provides an invitation to read the RDS 2024 PacRim Conference Proceedings and a summary of featured submissions.
Research Articles and Essays
Navigating Uncertainty: The Family Perspective of Preparing for Crisis with a Disability
Linda Stjernholm
The journal article discusses the importance of including individuals with disabilities in family disaster planning. Based on interviews, it explores gaps in information, use of technology, adaptive strategies, and support networks. The study emphasizes how crises affect family dynamics and highlights the need for proactive and inclusive planning to enhance resilience.
Simone Schmid, Daniel Heil, Ann Yoshida, Lance Ching, Penny Kalua, and Tetine Sentell.
This article outlines a study to evaluate the physical activity benefits of outrigger canoe paddling for people with and without spinal cord injuries. Since individuals with disabilities often have lower physical activity levels, the study aims to promote this culturally meaningful exercise to reduce health risks and improve overall wellness.
Lily Dyson
This article examines the role of parents in supporting the social integration of children with disabilities in education. Based on teacher reports, the study found limited parent involvement. It highlights the need for better strategies to engage parents and offers insights for improving both practice and future research on social integration.
Who are Twice-Exceptional Students?
Hye Jin Park and Lisa Galloway
This article focuses on twice-exceptional (2e) students—those who are both gifted and have disabilities—highlighting their unique strengths and challenges. It discusses why they are often under-identified and provides practical tips and resources for educators, including support for 2e students from diverse backgrounds (3e), to better meet their needs.
A Promising Intervention Model to Promote Postsecondary Transition and Career Development
Hye-Jin Park, Kendra Nip, and Jerrik Feliciano
The Hōkūlani program helps Native Hawaiian high school students explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through a culturally supportive, strength-based approach. This article focuses on the program’s work-based learning component, which provides hands-on experiences to guide students toward STEM pathways.
The Lived Experiences of People with Disabilities During COVID-19
Sandra Fitzgerald, Julie Chronister, Cristina Cabiles, Tori Thomas, and Qi Michael Zheng
This study examined the experiences of people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic through an open-ended survey question. Analysis revealed nine themes, including social isolation, resource barriers, and coping strategies. The findings highlight the unique challenges faced by this group and emphasize the need to include people with disabilities in public policy and crisis responses.
Inclusion or Segregation? The Specialist Subsidiary System for Accessibility in Japanese Workplaces
Jenni Schofield
In Japan, companies are encouraged to create subsidiaries dedicated to employing disabled people. This article examines NTT Claruty, one such subsidiary, to explore whether this approach promotes genuine inclusion or reinforces segregation of disabled employees in the workplace.
Neuroscience for Neurodiverse Learners: Lessons Learned About Engaging All Students
Scott Bellman, Lyla Crawford, Eric H. Chudler, and Rajesh P. N. Rao
The Neuroscience for Neurodiverse Learners program offers hands-on activities and resources for neurodivergent high school and early college students. This article shares insights for educators on effectively engaging neurodivergent learners and presents key outcomes from the program's summer session.
Yasushi Nakano, Tomone Takahashi, Shinji Okazaki, Haruo Shinoda, Takanori Waki, Kazunori Takeda, and Ginga Sasaki
This study explores the role of assessors supporting students with developmental disabilities in Japanese higher education. Assessors need broad skills, including understanding students and institutions, collaborating with organizations, and conducting psychological assessments. Training should combine foundational education and ongoing professional development to prepare assessors for diverse environments and effective student support.
Natalia Rohatyn-Martin, Denyse Hayward, Lynn McQuarrie, Linda Cundy, Stephan Rohatyn, Jerry Gan, and Sydney Dickner
This study introduces the Fatigue in Educational Contexts (FEC) survey, created to measure fatigue in Deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) students. The survey helps educators and advocates understand and address fatigue-related challenges in the classroom, promoting a more inclusive educational environment.
The Exploratory Survey of Usage Data with Chatbot for Neurodiverse Individuals
Akiha Kashihara, Fukuko Hasegawa, Tomone Takahashi, Masayoshi Ogura, Hideyuki Haraguchi, and Ginga Sasaki
In Japan, people without a medical diagnosis often struggle to access public support services. This study explores how chatbots and professionals can provide helpful information for neurodiverse people through text-based chats. It analyzes data from a developed chatbot to clarify the roles of the chatbot and professionals in improving support for those facing daily challenges, including those without a diagnosis.
Where is Adapted Physical Education Heading? Is it the Right Direction?
Kelle L. Murphy, A. Josephine Blagrave, and Laynie Case
Despite progress in Adapted Physical Education (APE) over the past 20 years, people with disabilities still face challenges accessing physical activities. Stakeholders discussed barriers like limited access, funding issues, and misconceptions. The article emphasizes the need for better interdisciplinary cooperation and understanding to advance inclusion in this field.
Li Ern Chen, Michelle Befi, Rachel Liebert Lewis, and Melissa King-Hubert
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often have worse health outcomes than others. This study found they use primary care often but access preventive care less, despite having significant medical needs. The article suggests strategies to improve preventive care for adults with IDD to support better overall health.
Overcoming Barriers in Job Coaching for Adults with Intellectual Disability in Supported Employment
Charity Embley
This case study explored the barriers associated with job coaching for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in supported employment. Through field notes, interviews, and real-time observations, two main barriers were identified: task analyses and communication and continued presence and support within the workplace. These findings highlight the complexities of providing effective job coaching for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Notes from the Field
Selected posters and recorded presentations from the 39th Annual Pacific Rim Conference.
2024 Selected Pac Rim Poster and Recorded Presentations
Sandra S. Oshiro
Dissertations & Abstracts
Sandra S. Oshiro
These are recent dissertations and theses related to disability studies.
___________________________________________
11Plain language abstracts produced with assistance from ChatGPT and Perplexity.ai.