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Social & Policy Environment & Dimensional Extremes

For background information on the characteristics of dimensional extremes, a description of who is affected and the types of issues functional limitations related to dimensional extremes create, please refer to Understanding Disability: Dimensional Extremes.

Issues

The goal of improving access to safety for women across the spectrum of ability starts from the premise that variation in ability is ordinary and that there is the opportunity to minimize the negative impacts of a functional limitation by creating environments that accommodate a wide range of ability seamlessly and enhance everyone’s experience. That works across a very wide spectrum but survivors with dimensional extremes may require the provider to take additional steps.

Because small stature is a low incidence condition, there is a common initial fascination with it that can be uncomfortable for the individual. It is important that curiosity be tempered with accurate information and clear expectations of equal treatment.

Attitudinal barriers are a serious and pervasive problem for people who are obese. Even though the condition now affects approximately 22% of the US adult population, there remains a pervasive attitude that it is OK to disparage and disdain people who are extremely overweight. It is common for people who are obese to avoid seeking medical care or help of any kind because of the pervasiveness of negative experiences in attitude and accommodation. Serious co-occurring health problems are common and include diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, hypertension. The functional limitations that an obese woman experiences may be extensive though obesity has not traditionally been viewed as a disability.

Learning to help survivors who are obese to access safety is a critically important challenge when one considers that women with long term exposure to domestic violence have a higher incidence of obesity. ¹

• A dwarf is admitted to a domestic violence shelter with her average size eight year old daughter. Her arrival is the subject of intense conjecture and unconcealed observation by staff and other survivors.
• An obese woman is brought in for a sexual assault examination. She is perspiring heavily and must stand to wait because none of the chairs in the room are big enough. When she goes in for the examination, the table is narrow and high and she cannot get up to it without help. She is afraid of falling and feels nauseous.

Suggested Solutions

• Every staff person and volunteer should have general familiarity with the range of functional limitations. It is more likely that the nervousness that accompanies the unfamiliar may contribute to exaggerated and inappropriate responses.
• Written shelter policies that are given to all survivors should state a commitment to welcoming everyone, making equal access a reality and extending compassion as a reliable expectation.
• Invite the survivor to tell you what would help her feel at ease and safer. Some people and some circumstances inevitably will require individualized solutions. If steps have been taken to design environments that anticipate diverse users, then individualizing solutions is simpler. Ask only if you intend to take it seriously. Even if you cannot accommodate the request, by inviting her recommendation, you have a responsibility to explain the basis for the decision that is made.

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