One of our early projects, when we first established the Critical Physiotherapy Network, was to try to write a paper collaboratively. We sent out a call for contributors who would be interested in writing about a theme we thought crossed quite a lot of territories, and seven CPN members responded: Karen Atkinson, Wenche Bjorbækmo, Barbara Gibson, Julie Latchem, Jens Olesen, Jenny Ralls and Jenny Setchell. We set up a basic structure for the paper, and each person added ideas from their own area. The pieces were then slotted into place and the whole paper was then edited to make it coherent and provide a clear narrative structure. The process was remarkably quick, taking only six months … [Read more...] about ‘Connectivity: An emerging concept for physiotherapy practice’ available online
The remarkable Flo Fox
[vimeo 89258867 w=500 h=281] The celebrated New York City street photographer Flo Fox is partially blind, has lung cancer and has been living with multiple sclerosis since the age of 30. In a wheelchair since 1999 and unable to handle her camera on her own, she needs help – from her attendants, friends, even passersby – to take photographs. Amazingly, Fox not only remains humorous and energetic, she has also retained her keen sense for reframing moments, people and places in an endlessly chronicled city, bringing surprising new life to her subjects. Intimately shot with a focus on how Fox navigates the streets of New York City, Riley Cooper’s short documentary was a festival favourite in … [Read more...] about The remarkable Flo Fox
Embodied dance: connectivity at work
A beautiful example of connectivity at work here. Two dancers - one in a wheelchair, one standing using immersive video goggles to embody dance. … [Read more...] about Embodied dance: connectivity at work
An uncertain future for disabled physiotherapy students?
Karen Atkinson's comment on the "Opening doors to disability' blogpost a few days ago (link) really struck a cord with me coming at a time when there are some odd things happening in the profession. Physiotherapy has always had a difficult relationship with disability. While this sounds an odd thing to say, think about how few disabled people are practitioners. Then step out of yourself as a physiotherapist and imagine how this might be perceived by the disabled community. Physiotherapists, it seems, are quite happy being the practitioners, but not so happy enabling disabled people to become therapists. … [Read more...] about An uncertain future for disabled physiotherapy students?
Opening doors to disability
I've been in Wellington for the last three days exploring the archives to find any trace of physical therapy activity in New Zealand in the 19th century. So far it's been a frustrating search. While I've been down here, I've been having some interesting discussions with people about disabled physiotherapy students. We have just graduated our first tetraplegic physiotherapist and I've been in discussion with our regulatory authority about the conditions for their license to practice. So this article sent to me by CPN member Anne Hudon came at a very convenient time. Thanks Anne. Across the country, people with disabilities are redefining the possible by excelling in scholarly … [Read more...] about Opening doors to disability
Connectivity – Stating the obvious?
Thanks to everyone for their comments on connectivity. It's clear that the concept has captured people's imagination. I've had a few queries about the concept that I thought would be worth discussing here. Most revolve around whether connectivity is just stating the obvious - describing very common aspects of practice in high-minded language. So I thought I'd try to address this question here. Is connectivity just stating the obvious? Some people have commented that connectivity, at its basic level, sounds a lot like everyday practice. Connecting people with mediating technologies like other people, things, and new ideas, is something that physiotherapists, OT, doctors and nurses have … [Read more...] about Connectivity – Stating the obvious?
Critical physiotherapy curios – updates, ideas and new postings
Research We have to start with this. WCPT has published a list of the 15 most influential trials in physical therapy. I loved the fact that they used a qualitative process to ascertain which blinded, controlled and randomised clinical trial they found most influential. No hint of irony there then! Fatemeh Rabiee, Anne Robbins and Maryam Khan's article in Health Education Journal Gym for Free: The short-term impact of an innovative public health policy on the health and wellbeing of residents in a deprived constituency in Birmingham, UK is well worth a look if you're interested in how community-based health interventions might work for people in marginalised communities. A paper … [Read more...] about Critical physiotherapy curios – updates, ideas and new postings