Disability and Movement
The concept of ‘disability’ is a rather large one. It spans across all parts of a human, and often times when we say disability, we only refer to one specific type, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, or something else. Some people think that a disability has to be visible, such as a missing limb or the inability to see. But that is not the case. In fact, a majority of disabilities are invisible to bystanders. It is for this reason that I promote the idea of an inclusive definition of the word. It means different things for different people, so nailing down a precise definition can feel exclusive. I define disability as an umbrella term that covers ideas including impairments and limitations of the mind, brain, and body. While this definition is incredibly broad and somewhat vague, one must consider what we really stand to gain in narrowing the definition and therefore refusing people a disability diagnosis. It makes logical sense to instead expand the definition so that more people are thinking critically about their own behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and experiences to live a healthier life.
​Despite the wide array of disabilities that fall under the umbrella definition above, there are some disabilities that are more common in our society, as well as common treatments for them. Two of the most commonly practiced treatments in Western society are physical therapy and occupational therapy. Physical therapy can be utilized by people with physical limitations, as well as cognitive disabilities including autism, down syndrome, dementia, and cerebral palsy, among others. Occupational therapy is used in similar circumstances, as well as more commonly for stroke patients and other cognitive impairments.
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​One type of impairment that is not often considered a disability is a mental illness. According to medicine and the law, mental illnesses are only deemed disabilities when they significantly affect a person’s daily life. That is not to say that mental illnesses are any less real or important than disabilities. Unfortunately, people don’t always treat them in the same way. It is far less common for people with mental illnesses to seek help or treatment. In fact, about 45% of the population with a mental illness is untreated. This is why acknowledging the power movement has on our brains for healing is so critical— treating mental illness and disability is more accessible than most people think.
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Movement therapy is an all encompassing type of therapy that can serve as an effective treatment for all sorts of disabilities. The reason it’s benefits span so broadly is because it is a highly personalizable and customizable practice. Whatever your limitation may be, whatever your goal is, whatever your body, mind, and spirit need, movement therapy will take shape around you.
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Yoga is a unique type of movement than can be therapeutic for all practitioners, including those with cognitive, emotional, and/or physical disabilities. The main reason for this accessibility and openness is that although there is a physical practice component, the focus is more inward, on the mind and spirit. This is a focus that almost anyone can achieve to some degree. Yoga acts as a way to reconnect the body with the mind, which often leads to increased confidence, self worth, and self awareness. Yoga can also help people grow stronger and become more flexible. Yoga improves the well being of those who practice it in various ways, and people with disabilities should not and need not be excluded from this group. ​
In a similar way, dance/movement therapy is designed to be personal. The client can select their goals and utilize this type of movement therapy to work towards them. Because it is so customizable and really never looks the same for any two people, DMT is incredibly inclusive for people with all types of disabilities. In fact, clients with disabilities are very common for dance/movement therapists. By establishing a space where the clients feel safe to express themselves, the therapists encourage genuine self exploration and love, which can lead to numerous benefits for the client like self confidence and a better understanding of their mind/body connection, two goals that are important for everyone, including those with special needs who may find these goals harder to reach.
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​Despite the growing popularity of therapeutic practices such as DMT, there is still so much to learn and explore about how movement can be beneficial for everyone, especially those with disabilities. What sorts of feelings does movement trigger in your brain? In your body? How can you notice healing through movement?
