Rethinking Assistive Technologies
PODCAST BY SILVA LAUKKANEN
In this episode of DanceCast, Silva interviews Merry Lynn Morris, assistant director of dance at the University of South Florida. One aspect of Merry Lynn’s work has involved inventing new assistive technologies for disability dance, including a rolling dance chair with remote control, height change and omni directionality. In this podcast, she discusses the relationship between freedom and control, how her father’s disability shaped her view of disability and technology, and the importance of embedding disability dance in the college curriculum.
LISTEN HERE!
Merry Lynn Morris is the assistant director for the dance program at the University of South Florida, and a full-time faculty member invested in teaching and research. She holds an MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Florida State University and a PhD in Dance Studies from Texas Woman’s University. Her background includes extensive classical ballet training and various modern dance techniques. She began exploring integrated/inclusive dance in 2002 after being a caregiver to a disabled father for over 21 years. She currently teaches students with and without disabilities for REVolutions Dance, and regularly choreographs as well. She has also worked collaboratively to invent new mobility devices. Her dance/mobility chair project (artsanddisability.blogspot.com) involves approaching wheelchair design from a dance performance perspective.
For more information, visit usf.academia.edu/MerryMorris