An Analysis of the "Wheelchair Dance" Authorial Program for Social and Cultural Rehabilitation of Middle-Aged Disabled People by Means of Ballroom Choreography

Abstract

The article raises the issue of the need to find new theoretical and practical ways of social and cultural rehabilitation of middle-aged people with musculoskeletal disorders, which required the development of appropriate programs with ballroom choreography as the main means of influence. The aim of the study is the theoretical substantiation and partial experimental approbation of the authorial program for social and cultural rehabilitation of middle-aged disabled people by means of ballroom choreography. Its theoretical core is sociocultural rehabilitology and organization of sociocultural activities in socially vulnerable groups. The study also uses works of scholars in this field (Yu.S. Mozdakova, O.Yu. Matsukevitch, E.L. Lutsenko, N.V. Vedeneeva). The employed research methods are: (1) theoretical: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, generalization and systematization of theoretical material on the subject, comparison, classification; (2) empirical: experiment, quantitative measurements of the data. The study examined the main interpretations of disability terminology and barriers to positive personal development. The models of disability are identified. The social model is particularly relevant for the study as it implies "disability" as a result of social, economic and political inequality within society, which is especially true for Russia. The analysis of programs for rehabilitation of people with musculoskeletal disorders in Russia shows that the fundamental factor of the impact of such programs is psychological support of a person in the new situation and then medical support and occupational therapy. Institutions of social assistance and rehabilitation for disabled people practically do not develop social and cultural programs. Hence, the author developed a program for the sociocultural rehabilitation of middle-aged disabled people by means of ballroom choreography, "Wheelchair Dance". The program is based on special exercises aimed to develop the physiology of the dancer's body and methods for managing the wheelchair; the exercises were selected based on systematization of data from specialized literature. Classes are held in the form of both group rehearsals and individual classes. The testing of the program showed positive results in several parameters: the participants' communication, physical activity and endurance increased, their general psychological state stabilized. Thus, the "Wheelchair Dance" authorial program for the social and cultural rehabilitation of middle-aged disabled people by means of ballroom choreography is effective and relevant.