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My Summer at CCBMDR

Kari Smith, MSW, MASTEP=UP Leadership Scholar

August 18, 2009

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The Center for Capacity Building on Minorities with Disabilities Research (CCBMDR)

The Center for Capacity Building on Minorities with Disabilities Research (CCBMDR) seeks to increase the capacity of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (VR) and community-based organizations (CBOs, like Centers for Independent Living and/or other agencies serving minorities with disabilities) to document the impact of their programs and develop culturally competent services.

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The Center for Capacity Building on Minorities with Disabilities Research (CCBMDR)

This effort is conducted in order to promote positive rehabilitation outcomes for minority individuals with disabilities.

We propose to develop long-term relationships with agencies, conduct participatory research and demonstration projects, engage in active dissemination efforts, and provide state-of-the art training and technical assistance to professionals and researchers in the field.

http://www.uic.edu/orgs/empower/Center%20web%20page/ccbmdr.htm

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Presentation Outline

ProjectData AnalysisFindingsWhat I Have LearnedNext Steps

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Project Information

White Privilege Study-Street Corner Interviews

Qualitative Interview Study conducted by fellow cohort buddies during summer 2008

Data Analysis Final Report

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Data Analysis

Being a novice to qualitative data analysis, I began the internship familiarizing myself with the Center’s articles, grounded theory, and the interview study data.

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Data Analysis

I began to attempt to organize the data, in order to prepare the data for analysis but soon realized that was taking too much time and was not getting me where I wanted or needed to be.

I then began another document (mid/end-of-July) that has allowed me to conceptualize/analyze the data

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Data Analysis

In addition, I coded some (approx. 20%) of the interviews with a colleague at the center and engaged in numerous conversations regarding the project with Center colleagues.

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Data Analysis

The themes we found were conceptualized based on Peggy McIntosh’s “Daily Effects of White Privilege” items grounded in the themes discovered in the data

(http://www.case.edu/president/aaction/UnpackingTheKnapsack.pdf)

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Findings

Four racial groups were interviewed on the street:

African American

Asian/Pacific Islander

White

Hispanic

Half were over 40 and half were under 40 (deliberate)

Demographic information (income, education, employment, etc.) was gathered from participants

Key/Themes Emerged:AFA=Affirmative ActionC=ConsumerDK=Don’t KnowO=OpportunitiesEDU=EducationINC=IncomeST=StereotypesSC=Social ConnectionsEMP=EmploymentLS=LifestyleH=HistoricalHOU=HousingP=PoliceGOV=GovernmentREL=Religion/religiousADD REC?? Recreation/Leisure (REC)

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Findings

63% of whites have experienced privilege

For the most part, the themes did fit into McIntosh’s “Daily Effects” items thus giving further validation to the concept of white privilege

An additional factor was discovered. This discovery moves us beyond McIntosh’s work.

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Findings

All groups experienced discrimination

Speaking the language (English, Spanish, etc.) was viewed as an advantage and disadvantage in terms of stereotypes or opportunities afforded

Privilege can be contextual (depends on context/setting)

“Privilege can be detrimental in degrees.” (C. Willis, 8.18.09) For example, the difference between being stopped by the police and let go with a warning and being stopped by the police, dragged out of your car, handcuffed and beaten.

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What I have learned Everyone says research is a process. It doesn’t always

wrap up into a nice little package when you want it to. I have definitely experienced that this summer. Also, the process goes at its own pace, you can’t always rush it.

It’s ok to stumble as you go through your research.

Conversations are key! The conversations I had with my supervisor, the Center director, and other Center colleagues assisted in getting me on the right track with the project.

Stupidity in research is ok, but you gotta work through it and come out less stupid at the end.

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Next Steps

I will continue to work on the project in order to assist in writing a paper for publication.

I will use what I have learned in order to assist me in my future research.

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My Versions:

The process of scientific discovery is, in effect, a continual flight within wonder.

The process of scientific discovery is, in effect, a continual flight between wonder and

understanding.

I plan to enjoy the trip!

The process of scientific discovery is, in effect, a continual flight from wonder.

Albert Einstein