B. Gender, Disability, Sexual Orientation and Aging

Historical Context: VR programs initially catered to men, particularly returning war veterans. Women often face barriers like traditional career roles, limited mentors, and psychosocial challenges (e.g., balancing family and work, double discrimination, identity loss).
Men’s Challenges: Loss of physical functioning may challenge their sense of masculinity, identity, and societal roles as providers.
Key Considerations: VR professionals must evaluate personal biases, attitudes, and stereotypes to ensure gender-sensitive services.

Key Disability Factors:
- Time and type of onset, severity, prognosis, stigma, visibility, and necessary treatment.
- Sociocultural issues, such as stigmatization and internalized stereotypes.
Impact: Disability responses vary, influenced by individual experiences and sociocultural contexts.

Challenges: LGBTQQIA individuals face stereotypes, societal oppression, and mental health challenges (e.g., higher rates of anxiety, depression, and adolescent suicide).
Considerations for VR Professionals:
- Understand heterosexism, sexual orientation/identity development, and the coming out process.
- Address the unique experiences of LGBTQQIA individuals, including ethnic, cultural, and aging issues.
- Be knowledgeable about affirmative therapy resources.

Challenges for Older Adults:
- Increased likelihood of disability, health-related issues, and life transitions (e.g., loss of independence, diminished functioning).
- High rates of depression, dementia, and psychological issues tied to chronic illness.
Societal Bias: Ageism perpetuates stereotypes of older adults as frail, asexual, and burdensome.
Role of VR Professionals:
- Avoid age-based prejudices.
- Focus on older adults’ interests and abilities rather than age-related stereotypes.

Why were early VR programs originally designed for men?
a. Men were seen as more adaptable to rehabilitation.
b. They were created for returning war veterans.
c. Women were excluded from the workforce at the time.
d. Disability was considered a masculine issue.
Which psychosocial implication is common for women with disabilities?
a. Women often define themselves through their vocation.
b. Women may feel emasculated by their disabilities.
c. Women may question their ability to balance career and family.
d. Women frequently suppress feelings of sadness and grief.
What is a key factor influencing the response to disability?
a. Socioeconomic status
b. Visibility of the disability
c. Gender roles
d. Marital status
Which group faces higher rates of adolescent suicide?
a. Older adults
b. LGBTQQIA individuals
c. Women with disabilities
d. Men with spinal cord injuries
What is a common societal stereotype about older adults?
a. They are overly independent.
b. They are resilient and active contributors.
c. They are senile and burdensome.
d. They are ideal employees for modern jobs.

Men coping with disabilities often struggle with feelings of emasculation.
LGBTQQIA individuals with disabilities experience fewer instances of discrimination than their heterosexual counterparts.
The onset of a disability has no bearing on the individual’s response to it.
Older adults face unique challenges, including ageism and societal stereotypes.
VR professionals must examine personal biases to provide effective rehabilitation services.

Multiple Choice

True or False

10. True

CVRP Exam Study Guide