# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
This is a shark tooth bottle opener. It is the size of a finger.

# data[].attributes.body
What is your item/visual? Why?

The item I chose to represent my visual is a bottle opener in the shape of a shark. First I want to talk about the bottle opener; this is a representation of how one simple tool can open up many sized bottles or shapes. Even though it has one particular shape there are many facets in which it can be used and assist people. Secondly, I chose this particular tool resembling a shark because it reminds me of a unique experience I've had being in a gifted summer camp with my cousin who is impacted by cerebral palsy. They made a special exception for me to be there with all of the other kids who had different disabilities and abilities. While we were there we would often go swimming and a counselor would help my cousin swim and we would race. I lost the race every single time and the counselor would call my cousin a shark. I did not realize it at the time but that was big for my cousin to see himself winning those races against me.

What message about disability is being portrayed by the visual?

The first message is that there are so many unique individuals who are impacted by disabilities and sometimes people believe that there is one answer or "solution" to helping them. When you should be looking at the person and who they are; having an awareness of what impacts them but not judging them for that. Another message is that you can achieve or put anything you set your mind on as my cousin would beat me in a swimming race when majority of his body was unable to move.

How is your understanding of the visual dependent on your own history?

Everyone would just see a bottle opener and assume it is particularly concerned with alcohol or opening the actual bottle. I see the shark and my experience with my cousin is the first thing that comes to mind when he would be swimming so fast. No one would think deeper about how this tool can inspire a different experience or be utilized to describe creating different opportunities for success.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Joey Pagano in his wheelchair outside the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. 

# data[].attributes.body
This is simply a photo of me, since my visual representation of disability is my wheelchair. I know that this is obvious because it is literally the visual representation of my cerebral palsy, but it's more of a representation of my experiences and who I am.  In reality, nondisabled people view my wheelchair as something negative and a representation of what I can't do, but it extends my independence. So the message of the wheelchair is largely interpreted by the viewer. I have family members who say that they feel bad for me, but in my opinion, there's nothing to feel bad about

I think this represents how disabled people and the disability experience are misunderstood. I never have thought about myself as being stuck in my wheelchair. I have heard some other wheelchair users say it's a object of freedom, but though I understand that perspective, I don't view it that way and think about my chair as an extension of me. I am confined by a society that isn't accessible and inclusive and robs me of an identity over and over. In a weird way, I don't think about my being in a wheelchair but instead about how my disability connects me to others and a broader community. My identity is a disabled person, but part of my identity is a person in a wheelchair.

Joey Pagano

# data[].attributes.body
1. My item is a picture that promotes all of the great things that come with the idea of inclusion. I was scrolling through my facebook page earlier in the week when I had come across this picture and thought to myself that it captures an important message about what inclusion is. This picture helps me realize that disabilities and inclusion are an important part of our lives each and every day.

2. The message that is being portrayed in this picture is no matter the disability you have been diagnosed with, does not hold you back from getting the opportunities that "normal people" get every day. As we know from our readings that inclusion did not come about till the early 2000's. I still feel that it did take some time for many people to understand what the real idea of inclusion and that still happens today. This picture focuses on the idea someone with a disability can and has every right to feel welcome around those who do not have disabilities. I saw a picture of what looked like to be a mom and a boy who pointed at people in wheel chairs showing that they are disabled. In my opinion in many places that still is very prevalent for those with disabilities as I feel as if we have not reached a point where people still feel the need to judge someone over a disability. This picture is a clear reminder of the idea that inclusion for all is a lot more than just the idea of fitting in.

3. My history with this has been with me since I started going to school and also as a future educator. As a kid growing up, I was diagnosed with a learning disability. All throughout my elementary and middle school years, I was being pulled out of my classes and missing fun events to receive the extra help I need. It was not until high school where I was able to not be pulled out of any classes and have all my supports fit into my schedule. Now as a future educator, I push for inclusion in the classroom because no one should have to miss anything or be painted a different picture of who they are based on a disability. No one should be excluded from anything no matter what it is and cause we all know that those with disabilities can do anything a "normal person" can do.

- Vincent Arbeeny

# data[].attributes.body
What is your item/visual? Why?

I chose my glasses for this activity for many reasons. The first thing that came to mind was that my glasses help me see; I’ve had poor eyesight since I was in first grade, and actually petitioned to get contacts at a younger age so that I could play sports and not have to wear my glasses while I play. The glasses enable me to see the environment around me clearly, so that I can go about my day efficiently. In the same way that the glasses help me see, there are other objects and devices that help make the environment more accessible to people with certain disabilities, such as wheel chairs, augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC), hearing aids, etc.

What message about disability is being portrayed by the visual?

I feel that the glasses are able to portray a few different metaphors for disability. In thinking about how the glasses can represent accessibility, there are a few important points to discuss. First, I would like to draw attention to how difficult it is for people with certain disabilities to acquire the things they need to access the environment in an equal way to that of their able-bodied peers. One example that comes to mind immediately is how expensive insulin continues to be for people that have diabetes, or how expensive wheel chairs, AAC devices, cochlear implants/hearing aids, etc. can and continue to be. Not all families have the financial means to pay for such devices without the help of insurance, which does not always cover all of those needs. This is an area in which change should be sought after. It is one thing to say that the environment needs to be made accessible from the perspective of the individual, but it is another thing for our society and culture to change its perspective so that they actually help make those accommodations. Second, in saying that the environment needs to be made more accessible, that change should concurrently occur from society itself. Some examples of this include all buildings having ramps for accessibility, all classrooms having t-coil loops for amplification; the list goes on. Change has to occur on all fronts, beginning with education, and following up with action.

How is your understanding of the visual dependent on your own history?

The example of the glasses is dependent on my own history as they are something that I have direct, personal experience with. It is important to note that glasses are widely available and relatively affordable, because deficits in eyesight are rather commonplace. This, for the most part, is not the case with devices that help make the environment more accessible for people with disabilities. Additionally, I am grateful that my family can afford my glasses, and I recognize that there are families who are unable to afford such items, especially those that come at a greater cost (insulin, wheelchairs, etc.) The glasses, in this example, are representative of not only the ways in which the environment can be made more accessible to people with certain disabilities, but also the ways in which there still needs to be change in this area of our society and the way it addresses disability holistically.

# data[].attributes.body
My item is an advertisement for the recently released film CODA. CODA is an acronym for child of deaf adults. It tells the story of a young adult with hearing and her d/deaf parents and sibling. The film features performances by d/deaf actors, including Oscar-winner and deaf activist Marlee Matlin.

I don't know that this film is without any imperfections regarding opportunity and representation of people with disabilities, but I do believe it offers far more human portrayals of people with disabilities, with people with disabilities cast in those parts. I am a very big believed in increasing those opportunities in popular culture and storytelling forms.

I think all of our interpretations are definitely grounded in our own histories as people of various dis/abilities, socio-economic classes, genders, races, lived experiences, educational encounters/opportunities, and so on. I also think, like anyone, my interests/previous experiences shape and inform my understandings of any new text, symbol, situation I encounter in the present or future. Being someone interested in media, media criticism, and media pedagogy, I recognize that I am very much influenced by other media creations I have encountered, as I can't help but compare this image (and the film it represents) to other images and films, etc. I was naturally comparing this film to Sound of Metal, for example, as well as other, and often far less inclusive/human films that feature representations of disability.

Joe Goldberg

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The Acacia tree in FNB's brand logo means their roots  have grown thanks to their commitment to their clients and communities. 

# data[].attributes.body
I am sharing an image or logo of a South African bank called First National Bank (FNB). South Africa is a country that experienced great mayhems or massacres that characterized world uproars particularly during the Apartheid regime. Indeed, history has on record of so many black children and adults who fell victims of the Apartheid era. Although democracy had dawned in South Africa in 1994, individuals and families in black communities such as Soweto, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal and many other black townships, the visual image of this logo, reminds them of their relatives or family members who were victims of Apartheid. So then, what is the connection between this image and disability? Well, many black South Africans who were interviewed about this image mentioned that they were seeing a hidden gun in the image of the tree. The gun in the image reminds them of the harm the army, police, or state agents used to either kill or maim people who were not complying with their orders. Thus, whenever they see persons with disabilities anywhere in the street, it vividly implies those were victims of Apartheid or the guns used to commit such heinous crimes. In other words, they associate disability from this logo brand with disability.

What does this entail about disability?

We are all surrounded by images or individuals that reminds us of certain events, that creates some form of anxiety. And indeed, there are many myths or untold stories about persons with disabilities which unless we inquire from individuals or persons experiencing such or any kind of disability, we will be very much subdued by illusions, then and only can we draw a clear picture. To illustrate a point, I share an apartment with a friend who is visually impaired and today I asked him to explain to me how he lost his sight.  He narrated that as a young boy then when he was playing football with his friends back home in Africa, the ball fell in a ditch and in the quest to retrieve it from there, his eyes were struck by thorns and that is how he became visually impaired.

-Jordan Nyirenda

# data[].attributes.body
·        What is your item/visual? Why?

My visual is a photograph displaying a bunch of old cane tips from the 1990s. The materials assigned to synthesize were an eye-opener.  It helped me to understand the criticality and urgency in creating diverse social spaces that reflect our values as a society. I chose this visual because both my maternal grandparents used canes as a form of mobility device.

·        What message about disability is being portrayed by the visual?

As stated earlier, there is a need to acknowledge the diversity in our societies and create structural spaces that define the notion of diversity, inclusion and, equity in every form. In June 2020, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that about two-thirds of U.S public schools present some form of physical barriers which prohibit their pupils with disability access to facilities. This visual gives me an in-depth understanding of our shortcoming as a society and the need to reconsider our stance on equity.

How is your understanding of the visual dependent on your own history? For me, this visual resonates with my personal experience. I remember my grandmother simply refusing to visit the doctors ‘office for a check-up due to the difficulty she experienced accessing the building. Coming from a developing country, most of our infrastructures do not accommodate the diverse needs of its citizens, and most times, these concerns are overlooked or considered trivial.  Winnie

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Image Description: A black shoehorn is pictured above. The top of the shoehorn is skinny and curved into a handle and the bottom is wide with slight curves. 

# data[].attributes.body
What is your item/visual? Why?
This item is a shoehorn. This item is a helpful tool when it comes to putting on shoes. You slide the wide bottom part into the back of the shoe and then place you heel on the shoehorn and slide your foot into the shoe. I picked this item because I think not everyone would look at this item and realize how necessary/useful it is.

What message about disability is being portrayed by the visual?
I picked this image because I think it can send multiple message. Tools like a shoehorn are so versatile in who they can be helpful for. I think when most people see a shoehorn, their mind first goes to the elderly. It may not occur to some people that this tool can also be useful to people with disabilities that cause mobility difficulties.

How is your understanding of the visual dependent on your own history?
I think a lot of people may not realize that certain tools like this are necessary for some people when it comes to performing daily tasks. I have heard people say, "Only a lazy person needs that". This is very far from the case. I think unless you personally or you have seen other people struggle with daily tasks such as putting on your shoes, it might not occur to you that this tool is very much necessary. -Sarah

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Image Description: "Two advertising flags to promote involvement in a local charity walk."

# data[].attributes.body
1. My item/visual is a flag to advertise a “Walk to end Alzheimers” through the Alzheimers Association. I chose this item because I recently signed up to be a part of this event and was sent these in the mail, expected to display them in my yard. The readings and videos we had to complete this week made me think about this organization in more detail than I would have before and really got me thinking about disability. Is this organization actually raising money for the right reasons? Is advertising this flag just more inspiration porn to make myself and other ‘able bodied’ individuals feel better about themselves, but doesn’t actually benefit those with Alzheimer’s? Is Alzheimer’s considered a ‘disability’? A quick google search informed me only early-onset alzheimer’s is considered a disability according to the social security administration. But then again, why do we have to use medical definitions to decide if someone’s “condition” is affecting their life. Shouldn’t we ask the person with the disability?

2. There are a few messages being displayed about disability in this visual. First, “walk” to end alzheimer’s is a very ableist verbiage. Of course anyone can be a part of this event, but those who are unable to walk may feel like they are un-invited or would not be welcomed at the event because of their abilities. Second, walk to “end” alzheimer’s is portraying the message that we want to find a cure for alzheimer’s, get rid of it, and prevent anyone from having it. Thinking back to the “Autism Speaks” video this week, individuals with a disability may not always be trying to “end” the disability. Using the word “end” gives the message that is disability is different, not good and needs to be fixed.

3. My understanding of this visual based on my own history is a cross between personal and medical/professional backgrounds. Personally, I have had individuals in my family that had Alzheimers and passed on. Medically, we talk about Alzheimers and dementia when learning about hearing loss (I’m in school to be an Audiologist) and how it affects a person’s life, ability to do things on their own and ability to communicate and engage with others. Both of these perspectives are from a person that focuses on the negative aspects of the disability, not from the perspective of a person with the disability who may see some more positive aspects. Because of my perspective, I previously thought that “ending” Alzheimers was a great idea and something to strive for because again, I only saw the negatives. But what I have already learned in this class is that there are many perspectives, and sometimes we don’t need to end or extinguish a disability, but rather make accommodations for those with disabilities for them to live a more inclusive, happy life.

-Emily Muffett

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Image Description: A brown round table with various objects on it. Including different types of fidgets, a coloring book, colored pencils and hand sanitizer.

# data[].attributes.headline
Visual Representation of Disability -Ethan

# data[].attributes.subject
Visual Representation of Disability -Ethan

# data[].attributes.body
1. What is your item/visual? Why?

This is a table in my office where I meet students. It has a bunch of stuff on it including a bunch of fidget toys. I choose this because I use them when I meet with students and they use them too. So times I feel like there is a bit of a stigma when it comes to doing something with your hands while you meet with someone. There isn't any stigma in my office.

2.What message about disability is being portrayed by the visual?

That's a good questions and I'm not sure how deep you should read into this photograph. I think it shows a space where people should be comfortable expressing/being themselves free of judgement.

How is your understanding of the visual dependent on your own history?

Like I mentioned earlier, I do feel that sometimes there is a stigma around using fidgets or drawing while having a conversation. I've often used them myself and I've appreciated in my past when I was in therapy or even meeting with a class advisor if they had objects for me to mess around with. Now a days I usually use my watch

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Image Description: Drawing of two cartoon characters. One is green, the other is a little yellow Pikachu. They are confessing their love for one another. 

# data[].attributes.body
1.  This is a drawing (one of hundreds) that my autistic cousin created. His name is Colin, and he absolutely adores Pikachu ,so much that he calls himself "Pikachu Red Scarf". Most often, he speaks from the perspective of Pikachu Red Scarf, and loves to talk about his girlfriend "Chikorita Go Getter" (who is another Pokémon character). He loves to create these drawings both by hand, but also via online design programs and will often tell a story that goes along with it. You can tell that he is living vicariously through the photos when he is creating them, and will add captions which often align exactly with how he is feeling. Whenever he is angry, he will send texts to our whole family of Pikachu expressing his anger with smoke coming out of his ears, and if he is super happy he will send pictures of Pikachu smiling with stars in his eyes. It has certainly become his favorite way to communicate, and it seems very therapeutic for him whenever he is feeling overwhelmed or upset. It allows him to escape into a fantasy world that he is in charge of since so much of his life is dictated by his parents.

2. This visual shows how there really is no one form of communication that works best for everyone. Some people might communicate through music, sports, art, etc., and it is all about whichever outlet is most effective in allowing them to get their feelings across. My cousin is 20 years old, and you can tell that he's starting to notice girls, and will often mention how he wants a girlfriend. Though, when you ask him directly about it, he kind of clams up and gets very embarrassed. Yet, if you phrase it in a way that you are specifically asking Pikachu Red Scarf, he will nonstop talk about his feelings. As you can see in the photo, he gets so comfortable as Pikachu Red Scarf that he will even say things like " I love you". Therefore, we can see how with some disabilities communicating may take a different form than what you are personally used to. I know with my cousin, he is genuinely much more open and comfortable if he is talking from the perspective of Pikachu, so it really shouldn't matter how two people communicate as long as it works for them and allows them to express their emotions.

3. My understanding of this visual has been totally dependent upon my experiences with my cousin. I am older than him, so I have seen him struggle to communicate his feelings for most stages of his life. Yet, within the past 5 years (ever since he started communicating as Pikachu) I have seen how truly beneficial this form of communication is for him. He used to get very angry with his parents, brother, and teachers which would often result in verbal and physical aggression. However, now that he has discovered a therapeutic way to communicate, he genuinely seems much happier and much less frustrated.

-Abby Picinich

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Image description: a black plastic tail comb, held in hand in front of a vivid green notebook, for contrast

# data[].attributes.body
What is this item, and why does it represent disability?

This is a tail comb. Its intended use is to style and untangle hair. The long handle is useful for creating a part: you brush your hair all forward with a big brush, then run it down your scalp to create a nice neat dividing line. Honestly, on first appearances, it would be hard to understand why this object has anything to do with disability.

One of my stims, my self-stimulating behaviors my autistic self often returns to when I feel stressed or anxious or even just bored, is picking at my hair. Yes, I know, it's gross, unladylike, unprofessional. Sometimes my scalp just itches, and the sound and pressure against my head sates something in my brain.

Honestly, it's for my own health and well-being, rather than (entirely) because it's not a Socially Acceptable Thing Normal People Do, that I'm working on redirecting the stim into some other equally fulfilling gesture. I use my specially purchased Fidget Cube, I clasp my hands together, I roll my ankles around, and sometimes, if I need to touch my head or face, I run the tail comb through my hair.

It has a wide range of use, honestly. I can press it against my face when I'm reading something, hold the handle between my fingers, run my thumb along the bristles...It's just generally an object with an interesting shape and texture. I like it for the same inscrutable reason I like touching my head and face in the first place.

What message about disability does this item display?

Sometimes, disability isn't obvious. Sometimes disability is hidden, either because the difference that society makes an impairment is one that can't be seen, or because they've been taught to hide it through necessity or conditioning.

How does your personal experience of disability inform your understanding of this visual?

Deep down I assume I'm normal, that all my behaviors and quirks would make obvious sense to any outside observer. This is wrong for several reasons I am still in the process of working through. But my first thought on looking at that comb is "that is a thing that I have that I use as intended." Then I remember that most of the things I use it for are not because I care intensely about how my part looks and my hair is styled. When your lived experience is completely through the lens of this alternative configuration of thought and sensory input, the disability becomes invisible in a different way.

Charlotte Schreyer

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Item Description: "Two baby diapers side by side with a hand in between to show scale. Diaper on the right significantly smaller than the one on left."

# data[].attributes.body
What is your item/visual? Why?

I chose a small diaper that is made for micro preemies, infants born at under 2 lbs/less than 26 weeks. These preemies can go on to have long term health issues like cerebral palsy, vision/hearing loss, cognitive delays and others. I chose this because that diaper belonged to my daughter who was a micropreemie. It was the first time that disability had really impacted my life in a personal way. I was bombarded with messages from doctors almost immediately after her birth of all the complications she will have and to prepare for the worst case scenarios. They were approaching my daughter as a set of conditions to treat (medical model) and not as a person.

What message about disability is being portrayed by the visual?

Visually it can give the viewer a quick snapshot of the size difference between a normal sized baby and a extremely premature baby.

How is your understanding of the visual dependent on your own history?

My history with the medical community is one of thankfulness, as the treatments they gave to my daughter helped her become stronger and ultimately not suffer any long lasting health issues but also I have had too many encounters with doctors with horrible bed-side manners who only would tell me my daughter will have that issue or this issue, without educating me any further than that. On the flip side, she has been treated by therapists along the way (ot, pt etc.) that treated her as a whole person, and not just a set of ailments.
~Giovanna Colosi

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Image Description: "small plastic yellow candy wrapper that says 'ginger chews' in brown writing"

# data[].attributes.body
Item/Visual: a ginger candy/ginger chew

1. My item is definitely a bit obscure so you'll have to bear with me. I'm an audiology student so I work with people's ears. Most people think of ears and they think hearing loss--which is true, I do mainly work with people with hearing loss! The lesser known side of audiology are the vestibular/balance disorders. Vestibular disorders occur when part of the inner ear is affected, causing a person to enter a state of vertigo. Vertigo is a sensation that causes a person to become very dizzy and disoriented. As you can probably imagine, having vertigo/being dizzy can limit your everyday activities considerably. When we test for vestibular disorders, we try to provoke vertigo to figure out where in the ear, brainstem, or brain, the pathology is occurring so we can treat it. When people become dizzy, they tend to become nauseous hence, the ginger chew. Ginger tends to settle people's stomach so we give these candies to patients that are feeling nauseous or sick.

2. I think that the message takes more of a medical model approach. We are trying to alleviate someone's symptoms through a  homeopathic approach. As I reflect on my object, I feel less certain about how I would approach vertigo through the social model. Being in the medical field, we are taught the medical model-- diagnose and treat. Hearing loss can definitely have more of a social model approach that I try to incorporate into my practice, but we are taught that no one wants to be dizzy and we must find ways to treat their discomfort.

3. My understanding of the object is very dependent on my education and future profession. I think that a lot of people know of the ginger trick as a homeopathic cure to nausea. Relating that nausea to vertigo is due to my interest in dizziness and balance disorders, working with an audiologist who specializes in vestibular audiology, and because I'm currently taking a class on vestibular audiology!

--Kate Hardacre

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Image description: "Watercolor drawing on the front of a greeting card. There are three stick figures smiling in pink, blue, and green colors." 

# data[].attributes.body
1. My item is a greeting card that my Aunt Janey created in a program called ArtSparks for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Participants are able to take art lessons including drawing and watercolor painting. My aunt has Down Syndrome and I brought this visual as a more personal representation of disability within my family.

2. The message I think stems from this card is the value of community-based programs instead of institutions. My aunt has been part of a broader organization that runs ArtSparks, and they provide employment services, programming, and social events for disabled adults in Connecticut. My aunt was born in the 1950s and at that time, my grandparents were instructed by medical staff to immediately put my aunt in an institution. Because my grandparents refused, my aunt was able to be part of the community just like the rest of her family. Another point that I wanted to express by bringing in this item is the different ways that disabled people can communicate - my aunt has become more non-verbal in recent years, but expresses herself in other forms like  art.

3. I answered this a bit in the other questions, but my personal relationship with my aunt and my local disability community growing up definitely informs my opinion on community-based programs that push for inclusion of people with disabilities in various sectors (i.e. education, employment, the arts).

# data[].attributes.body
Item/Visual: A Straw from Dunkin' Donuts

- I chose this item, because it reminded me of the transition to the sip-lids at Dunkin'/Starbucks, and how people identified that moving away from straws was a more environmentally friendly option. However, while this is eco-friendly, it is not friendly to those who have motor disabilities, or who would otherwise need a straw to consume liquids (thinking of my late great grandmother who needed to drink from a straw later in life while at her nursing home).

- This straw is representative of disability, because many advocates criticized Starbucks for announcing their move to these lids, and for not considering all of their customers while attempting to become more eco-friendly. These criticisms prompted Starbucks to think of their customers with disabilities as well as the environment.

- My history with this has been somewhat referenced. I am personally able to use and enjoy these lids, so I avoid using straws, that said, I acknowledge that others may need to use straws based on their own abilities and so I appreciate both the lid and the straw and how the straw can serve as a representation of disability; somewhat abstract, I know.
-Josh Stone