"Alone in the Ring": A Research-Based Theater Online Performance on Inclusion of Disabled Students in Health Education

• In Event: Inclusive Schools and Pathways for Students With Disabilities

Abstract

Disabled students and clinicians face numerous barriers that are rooted in stigma and negative attitudes. Using Research-based-Theatre to promote experiential learning is a way to access stereotypes about disabled persons. This study presents an in-person and an online version of a Research-based-Theatre project production. The performance aims at promoting inclusion for students with disabilities in health professions. The study included mixed methods. Participants were graduate health students,100 watched the in-person version, and 98 watched the online version. The participants who watched the online version felt that it was an impactful way to raise empathy and increase knowledge about creating safer environments for disabled persons. The results encourage the use of online theatre-based academic teaching resources that promote inclusive educational settings.

Authors

• Yael Mayer, University of Haifa
  Presenting Author

• Laen Hershler
  Non-Presenting Author

• Laura Y. Bulk, University of British Columbia
  Non-Presenting Author

• Christina Cook
  Non-Presenting Author

• George Belliveau, University of British Columbia
  Non-Presenting Author

• Tal Jarus, University of British Columbia
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kathy Xie
  Non-Presenting Author