Drama therapy for all: A call towards universal design in training and practice

Abstract

This clinical commentary explores how drama therapy (DT) can become more inclusive for dis/abled trainees and clients. The author shares their subjective experiences as a dis/abled DT clinician-in-training, including how and when they have felt marginalized as a result of their body and identity. Challenges with training are explored in the context of reflecting on how they conflate with narratives shared by trainees who also identify as dis/abled. The pitfalls of self-advocacy and accommodations are examined through a social justice framework supported by the author’s personal narrative. An argument is made for universal design, followed by recommendations about how DT training and practice might achieve this.