[Athen] Mindfulness and Stress Relief Activities

[Katherine Deibel via athen-list]

Since you mentioned UDL, I feel obligated to mention that mindfulness activities are not a universal positive for everyone. I am autistic and have found that mindfulness and meditation are a good way to trigger a panic attack in me as it opens me up into circular intrusive thinking or over awareness of environmental senses. Sound based ones in particular really bother me. In learning to manage my own neurodivergence, I did some research on this to learn that I’m not alone in this kind of response. The following linked article points to some of the research on it. I’ve taken to advising instructors that use these practices to let students opt out if they need to. If it’s a remote class, the students can turn off audio and/or video for the moment (but the instructor should use chat to help indicate that class has restarted). In person, putting in earbuds or doing a focused activity may help. I’ve pulled out a book for casual reading at times.

Just sharing the knowledge.

https://www.theswaddle.com/why-meditation-works-for-some-people-but-not-others

Katherine “Kate” Deibel, PhD
Library Accessibility Specialist
Twitter: https://twitter.com/metageeky
GitHub: https://github.com/metageeky

From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu> On Behalf Of Heather Mariger via athen-list
Sent: Friday, June 7, 2024 9:33 PM
To: Access Technology Higher Education Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu>; The EDUCAUSE IT Accessibility Community Group Listserv <EDUCAUSE-ITACCESS at connectedcommunity.org>; Alternate Media <ALTMEDIA at listserv.cccnext.net>
Subject: [Athen] Mindfulness and Stress Relief Activities

Apologies for the Cross Posting I am casting a wide net on this one...

Greetings,

I have a faculty member who uses some stress relief / mindfulness videos as part of his curriculum. All of these videos rely heavily on sound (e.g. soft music - close your eyes, breathe in, breathe out - imagine your body relaxing from your toes, now your feet, ankles etc...).

While we do have these captioned and transcripts available, having to read the instructions rather diminishes (negates) the effectiveness of the activities.

So, I am reaching out for suggestions on ways to make these activities work for those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing - and/or to ask for any suggestions of activities that could be included that don't rely on sound to be effective. As a fan of UDL, providing options for the students seems a great idea at any rate.

Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
H.

Heather Mariger
Digital Accessibility Advocate
Pronouns: She/Her

Center for Academic Innovation
Chemeketa Community College
4000 Lancaster Drive NE - 9/126A
Salem, OR 97305

503.589.7832

*****************
Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.
Verna Myers, author and speaker

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