In terms of perception, people often see persons with mobility limitations as broken, powerless, and incompetent. They are also dependent and need additional physical and psychological support because they cannot fulfil the cultural norms of productivity and autonomy. Moreover, people assume that their world revolves around their wheelchairs, and they are incapable of exploring activities that require intense and several movements such as dancing. Some may think that dancing is an impossible action for wheelchair users. However, movements are everywhere. They are part of everyday life. Any action has the potential for communication and self-expression.
Overall, dance offers an opportunity to release tension and recover a sense of control and ownership over body movements. Dance also provides a chance for individuals with mobility limitations to address their needs through physical and emotional self-expression, improving their well-being.
Benefits of dance or movements to help you defy mobility limitations
- Facilitates psychological change
- Improves communication and interaction
- Strengthens muscles
- Develops flexibility
- Improves posture and coordination of movements
- Enhances manoeuvrability of a wheelchair
- Increases self-esteem and self-confidence
- Promotes socialisation
- Highlights sense of self-acceptance
- Fosters a sense of accomplishment and individuality
- Facilitates self-expression
The conception of movement is not limited to the body but may also include equipment such as wheelchairs. For individuals who rely on assistive technology devices, these devices become a part of their daily movement needs. It becomes an extension of their body and who they are as a person. However, a wheelchair as possible equipment for dancing was not considered when it was conceptualised. Instead, it was primarily designed to address basic functional needs, such as getting from point A to point B.
Wheelchair design limitations should not be a hindrance to self-expression and self-exploration. Rather, this can be used as an opportunity to innovate and think of creative ways to challenge these mobility limitations. Individuals can still tell a story, express emotions, and communicate experiences using a wheelchair.
Through wheelchair dance, wheelchair users can showcase their talent, educate the public, normalise experiences, explore movement possibilities, enjoy the experience of dance, and develop independence.
Others may view wheelchair use as a symbol of weakness and dependence, but for wheelchair users, it is a powerful tool to defy any limitations that are associated with the disability. It symbolises freedom—freedom to initiate change and send a message there is no limitation in disability.
If you’d like one on one mental wellness support, please reach out and we can put you in touch with the right people.
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