Constructive Functional Diversity – mindset & language
Constructive Functional Diversity presents a more dynamic and constructive paradigm than the ones that presently exist, to describe and change the impact of impairment and disability. The reflections contained are inspired by my personal and professional frustration with the existing polarised ideology of human function, which fails to adequately describe the diversity of physiological and psychosocial function amongst people. It aims to provoke and inspire dialogue about our current paradigm of human function in relation to value and capacity. I critique society’s biases regarding of functional deficit relative to the subconscious fear of losing function. I question the polarity of the negatively framed language of impairment and disability. I offer constructive, creative solutions to describe the experience of atypical function. I present an entirely new language of diverse human function and my concept of Constructive Functional Diversity (CFD), which includes a complex yet logical array of modes and outcomes of function. Finally I suggest the benefits of a more dynamic paradigm of functional change in enhancing rehabilitative outcomes, including client-directed practice.
Constructive Functional Diversity – mindset & language
- 1. Constructive Functional Diversity A NEW MINDSET AND LANGUAGE OF FUNCTION FOR REHABILITATION Philip Patston CQSW, Dip App Soc Studs Managing Director Diversity New Zealand Ltd
- 2. How would you respond? • I’d Hate it to happen • I’d Fear the unknown • I Wouldn’t mind • I’d be at Peace with the world • I’d Love it to happen
- 3. …waking up tomorrow morning with these changes • You have different coloured hair • You are rich and famous • Your gender has changed • Your sexual preference has changed • You are another race • You have 50% of your physical, intellectual, sensory or emotional capacity H F W P L
- 4. Have you heard of these conditions? • Chronic Physiological Superiority Syndrome • Ineptitude Imperfecta (Einstein’s Disease) • Aesthetic Arrogance Disorder
- 5. • Cerebral palsy • Down syndrome • Multiple Sclerosis • Asperger’s syndrome Have you heard of these conditions?
- 6. Why do we use medical labels for some people and not others? • values, beliefs, attitudes • sadness, a focus on loss, pity, denial • shock, horror and devastation • our own fear of losing function • dysfunctionphobia
- 7. What needs to change? • facilitate a constructive change in the language and thinking used to describe and understand function
- 8. Edward de Bono Precision in the use of words Positive thinking keeps us in undesirable situations Constructive thinking moves us towards the desirable outcome.
- 9. CONSTRUCTIVE FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY (CFD) A new way of thinking about function
- 10. IN A NUTSHELL 25% 75%
- 11. IN A NUTSHELL 25% 75%
- 12. Four core elements: 1. Modes – how we function 2. Outcomes – why we function 3. Value (or desired state) – the level of importance placed on function 4. Capacity (or actual state) – the level of ability to function CONSTRUCTIVE FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY (CFD) A new way of thinking about function
- 13. CONSTRUCTIVE FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY (CFD) A new way of talking about function
- 14. Enabling rehabilitative outcomes Psychological benefit Client directed practice Understanding motivation to recover
- 15. Contact me • Philip Patston Managing Director Diversity New Zealand Ltd • email philip@diversitynz.com • web www.diversitynz.com • @diversitynz • facebook.com/diversitynz
Editor's Notes
- #8: Cerebral palsy Me Down syndrome People with a third copy of chromosome 21 Multiple Sclerosis People with damaged nerve cell insulation covers Asperger’s syndrome People with unique ways of interacting socially, nonverbal communication, and/or restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interes
- #11: Emphasises the importance of precision in the use of words to become more expressive. Positive thinking keeps us in undesirable situations if it immobilises us from action by perpetuating thinking good things about bad circumstances. Constructive thinking moves us towards the desirable outcome.
- #16: Modes – how we function Biological function: chemical reactions in the brain, circulation, organ function Aesthetic function: appearance, beauty, and attraction Motor function (or physical function): coordination, movement, performing activities Sensory function: Sight and hearing, taste, smell, kinaesthetic sensation Cognitive function: thinking, reasoning, perform intellectual activities; intellect, intelligence Social function: expressing and interpreting communication ;engaging in relationships; understanding social mores Emotional function: experiencing, interpreting, understanding emotional feelings; emotional intelligence Creative function: imagining solutions, innovating, designing, inspiring unique outcomes Spiritual function: being rather than doing; higher beliefs about life and self, observing or expressing – through religion, ritual