Circumstances Surrounding the Writing Process of People with Serious Physical and Speech Impairments: A Case Study of Daisuke Tenbata’s Self-Determination in a “Frail Individual”

Abstract

Writing is an important form of communication and a significant means of connecting with society. This study clarified the circumstances surrounding the writing process of an author with severe physical disability and speaking difficulties. To assess these circumstances in detail, the email sentence-creation process was analyzed. To interact with caregivers during the writing process, the writer used an original communication method called “A, KA, SA, TA, NA.” This study documented the author’s interactive technique and analyzed the process. The results demonstrated that the person the author works with is extremely important since the caregiver may make suggestions that influence the output. It was further noted that the author changed his interaction style depending on the caregiver he was working with. Thus, the author asserted self-determination by flexibly considering what to do and how to proceed based on the caregiver helping him. Furthermore, the author strategically chose to identify as a “frail individual” and then tried to build individualized relationships with each caregiver, which facilitated accurate interpretations and encouraged the caregiver’s suggestions.