Wiley’s Walk
Join the journey. Walk the path.
Writing by Kerry Ann Wiley about disability, adaptation, participation, and the difference between access and inclusion.
New on Wiley’s Walk
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Reflecting on Inclusion in 2024 – Navigating Inclusion
Reigniting a Passion for Inclusion Delving back into Peter Downs’ exploration of the “7 Pillars of Inclusion” alongside Timothy R. Clark’s compelling narrative on choosing inclusion deliberately has reignited my passion for this subject. Their perspectives have not only rejuvenated my interest…
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Exploring Participation and Access as Foundations for Inclusion
I recently read two articles that inspired me enough to return to blogging. Peter Downs developed a framework to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in sports and recreation called the “7 Pillars of Inclusion” as part of Play by the…
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Resilience: Continuity, Connections, & Adapting
I have read several articles about resilience over the last few months. Dennis Rensel defines resilience as “continuity and recovery in the face of change”.[1] In March of 2020 our lives irrevocably changed. Lockdown was imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19. …
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Remembering the Mission: The Why and the Importance of Engaging
Approximately 8 years ago, I participated in a conference where a diverse group of people with disabilities, their family members, and professionals came together for a day to learn from each other. The conference was designed to promote new ways to connect,…
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The Physician as a Partner: Beyond Rapport to True Collaboration
We’ve all gotten that standard form letter that contains the dreaded line, “your physician will be leaving.” In my case, the recent letter announced that my physiatrist, Dr. A. would be leaving the region, marking the end of a multi-year relationship. The…
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The Importance of Social Support Following Injury
On November 11, 2015, I sat on a medical exam table waiting for the orthopedic surgeon to return with the results of an MRI. In the span of two months, I went from walking between two and three miles a day to…
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The Knee Injury
Typically, where I live, there is a flurry of activity. There is a steady stream of people and traffic. Everything is in motion. In February, I was a part of that flurry of activity. I went to work, I went to the…
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Stuck in Second Gear
While walking to the Fitness Center for one of my sessions, I passed a pickup truck. The driver is getting ready to pull out of the parking lot. The truck smoothly shifted into 1st, 2nd, and then 3rd gear, and proceeds to…
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It’s not always about the Science
On occasion, I get asked to speak to groups about my experiences with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. In the fall of 2013, I stood in front of a group of health and fitness professionals and delivered a presentation about my fitness and walking program. …
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Person-Centered Support, Care, and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
My walking program has been built upon collaboration. Collaboration is a dynamic, creative, and interconnected process. From the beginning, I have combined approaches from a wide range of health, medical, rehabilitation, and fitness disciplines. I have used methods from physical therapy, yoga,…