Participant Interview

On October 14, 2009 I conducted an interviewed a women named, Deborah. Deborah is a fifty year old widowed women with post polio syndrome. I received her contact information through a friend of mine who, is Deborah's in home nurse. I contacted Deborah through email and received a quick response, accepting my offer to interview her. I conducted the interview at her residence in Mesa. She was a extremely personable, and greeted me with cookies!
Being that Deborah's disability limits her walking, I wanted to focus more on less physical leisure activities.

Right off the bat, I noticed Deborah has a life full of love and care, but because of her disability, is reluctant in making new relationships. Deborah enjoys taking her two dogs for walked around her neighborhood on her wheelchair. Deborah also enjoys online video games as well as playing card games with her son. Deborah is a comparative person and hates loosing at Scrabble. During the interview, Deborah told me her least favorite leisure activity is watching TV. Deborah would rather participate in leisure activities outside rather then inside.

Deborah has a lot of strengths but her disability makes it difficult for her to achieve some of her goals. Working with Deborah, I will help her improve her social skills by getting her involved with support groups. I will also teach Deborah less physically strenuous exercises to help her achieve her weight loss goal. Deborah needs to gain more personal relationships so she can have greater support through her life. Deborah struggles from her disability daily, but with some help and dedication, Deborah can achieve great things.