Date of Award
1-1-2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Specialization
Communication and Leadership
School or Department
School of Leadership Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Heather Crandall
Abstract
Individuals who are developmentally disabled and nonverbal, possessing little if any symbolic expressive or receptive language, are virtually invisible in the United States. This study presupposes that all persons, including those who are nonverbal and/or developmentally disabled, have a unique “voice” and contribution to the communication practices of humanity and society. This philosophical study analyzes the qualities of communication of developmentally disabled, nonverbal individuals and their communication partners through the lens of Martin Buber’s dialogic philosophy. Conclusions suggest: 1) developmentally disabled, nonverbal persons do relate and communicate, and definitions of “communication” and “dialogue” should include those who do not think and/or articulate symbolically; 2) communication partners of developmentally disabled, nonverbal persons have the ability and therefore responsibility to regard them as equal in shared humanity; and 3) developmentally disabled, nonverbal persons, being inherently equal to all others, are due the same quality of lifelong, developmental opportunity owed to all citizens.
Recommended Citation
Minium, Elizabeth M., "Silent Voice: Buberian Philosophy And Nonverbal Disability" (2014). Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses. 260.
https://repository.gonzaga.edu/comlead_etds/260
Included in
Communication Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Philosophy Commons, Special Education and Teaching Commons
Comments
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