University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Poster Gallery
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Major
Sociology
Department
Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Stephanie Adams Saulnier, MSW
Mentor Department
Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work
Abstract
Despite the steady growth of rights and acceptance of people from other minority groups, the significance of the issues faced by people with chronic illnesses and disabilities have not enjoyed the same public endorsement. This population has experienced disproportionate disadvantages that have prohibited them from realizing their full potential as active members of society. Much of the scholarship in the area of Disability Studies and research into the social issues faced by people with chronic illnesses and disability is academic in nature, while most advocacy work is non-academic in nature. Relentless is a book of essays that blends personal narrative with research in order to highlight topics such as stereotypes and misconceptions about chronic illness and disability, invisible illness, the mind-body connection, fatphobia, ableism, and accessibility in higher education. The combination of peer-reviewed research, statistics, and personal narrative provides a well-rounded perspective on what it means to have a chronic illness or disability today. Relentless exemplifies the magnitude of the barriers people with chronic illnesses and disabilities experience while also emphasizing their incredible resilience and strength.
Keywords: disability, chronic illness, social identity, creative nonfiction, invisible illness, creative writing, ableism, accessibility, Sociology, Disability Studies
