2020 Volume 71 Issue 3 Pages 447-465
The author of this paper an individual with severe physical disabilities who cannot speak easily. Although the author cannot use standard language, he can communicate his intentions by verbalizing “A, Ka, Sa, Ta, and Na” and can produce a doctoral thesis in collaboration with caregivers. During the writing process, the author recognized the challenge of determining whether the ideas expressed were completely his own or heavily influenced by the caregiver.
This study analyzed transcripts of the authorʼs dissertation meetings to clarify the dissertation writing process in the context of the self and others. Specifically, the author described in detail the context surrounding the “challenge of separating thoughts” that arose during discussions between two individuals and consider the nature of the issues that arose from this challenge.
This survey found that during the process in which the writer conveyed the contents of the abstract and the caregiver recorded it, the steps consisted of: (1) occurrence of the question, (2) sharing of recognition through discussion, (3) clarification of the claim, and (4) determination of the claim. It became clear that the “caregiver who participated verbally” was expected to play a role in these steps.
Consequently, the process of writing the author`s dissertation diverged from the conventional concept that caregivers must robotically work as hands and feet of persons with disabilities , in that knowledge and opinions were shared with the “caregiver who participated verbally.” The process involved the author and his caregiver jointly deciding which expressions to choose, enabling him to find a way to express my ideas. However, questions have arisen as to whether “essential capacity was inflated” due to the “challenge in separating one individual`s thoughts from those of another.” Furthermore, an additional question was raised about generalizations regarding the capabilities of people with disabilities. This analysis highlights the real life situation experienced by “people with severe disabilities who have difficulty speaking.”
