Publication details
Security concerns of people using wheelchair
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2016 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | This study was carried out as a starting point for designing a course of self-defence for people using wheelchair. Identifying the level of self-confidence in physically disabled people in the various types of conflict situations is the main aim of the study. 39 people using wheelchair participate in the research (23 male, 16 female; 26 using assistant, 13 not; age 38.8 ± 10,7 years; 18 with completed primary education, 17 secondary education, 4 with a university degree; 13 using electrical wheelchair, 10 mechanical, 16 both).The questionnaire used exploratory methods based on experience of disabled people with risky or violent behavior towards this specific group and their security concerns. The questionnaire was modified to assess experiences of people in wheelchair. The data was collected personally, so the form of the questionnaire led to a form of a structured interview. The interview was divided into 3 sections evaluating the degree of self-confidence in self-defence situations, such as verbal conflict, physical assault (such as “If I were physically attacked I would know what to do”, “It is easy for me to respond to physical conflict.”, “I feel confident solving physical conflict”) and prevention.Despite the significant difference found in self-confidence between men and women, men do not necessarily fear less than women. They just do not show their fear openly. It was also found that people in wheelchair using assistant are more afraid of physical conflict than those with no assistant. This area would be worth exploring as well as unexpected result of higher confidence in solving verbal conflict in disabled with lower education.. People with disabilities feel more vulnerable when being a crime victim, therefore it is definitely worthy for disabled people to be trained in self-defence techniques. Apart from the physical benefit it gives them sense of calm and confidence and a fighting chance in situations that can be dangerous, sometimes life-threatening. |
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