LE3 .A278 2003

2003

Sumarah, John

Acadia University

Master of Education

Masters

Counselling

Education

Nonverbal individuals are unique members of our society who have a special way of communicating. This study explores the communication that occurs in l'Arche communities between nonverbal core members and assistants, and what factors have an influence on the communication, including the impact of l'Arche itself. Data were collected from three core member and assistant pairs in three six-day observation periods. Interviews were conducted with the assistant from each pair as well as an informed observer. Analysis of the field notes and interviews indicated that communication with nonverbal core members is largely nonverbal, and develops over time with a desire to know the individual, knowledge of the individual, training, and observation, resulting in varying relationships between core members and assistants. L'Arche fosters communication with nonverbal individuals by placing emphasis on valuing each person and on building relationships. Field observations of interactions between core members and assistants, as well as participant insights given in interviews are included in the discussion to give a fuller understanding of the communication studied.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2983