Community Engaged Scholars

Susan Newman and Gwen Gillenwater are one of six teams participating in the Community Engaged Scholars (CES) program. Below is a spotlight on their partnership and work together. For more information on CES, contact Melissa Cox at coxme@musc.edu.

Susan Newman and Gwen Gillenwater have been working together since the fall of 2007. The partnership began when Gwen was hired as executive director of the disAbility Resource Center (dRC), a Center for Independent Living, in North Charleston, SC. Just prior to Gwen’s arrival, Susan had joined forces with the dRC to conduct her dissertation research. The study used the community-based participatory research method Photovoice to identify barriers and supports in the community that affected people with spinal cord injury. Gwen’s background in disability policy legislation provided her with the insight to immediately recognize the potential benefits of the Photovoice study in supporting the mission of the dRC – “Advocate, Educate, Empower for a fully inclusive community.” As a result of the partnership, the dRC and consumers with spinal cord injury were able to use the evidence gathered during the project to effectively advocate for changes in SC’s accessible parking laws. A participatory approach to disability research is endorsed by disability scholars and advocates and similarly reflects the mantra of the International Disability Rights movement – “nothing about us without us.” Gwen and Susan share a personal philosophy about disability research – that it should be conducted with, not on, people with disabilities.

The strength that each partner brings to the team has helped the relationship to flourish. Gwen has 20+ years of experience in working in the disability community – including involvement in direct services, grassroots organizing, local, state and national advocacy and public policy planning. Gwen’s years of experience in advocating for public policy have helped her to develop a deep appreciation for the value of research. She says that many times in advocating for disability policy before national legislators, she was asked to provide “evidence” of the potential benefits of the policy change.

Susan, a CON faculty member, is a certified rehabilitation registered nurse with over 14 years of clinical experience in acute inpatient medical rehabilitation, caring for individuals with a variety of disabilities. Her experiences as a rehabilitation nurse provided her with a unique perspective and insight into the needs of individuals with chronic disability. Susan’s research reflects her understanding that the availability and accessibility of appropriate resources in the community plays a significant role in the process of adapting to life with a chronic disability and in an individual’s ability to continue to function as a productive member of society with a chronic physical disability. Her research interests include application of community-based participatory research approaches to address issues affecting community participation, health, and overall quality of life of individuals with disability. Both partners share a common mission to promote the independence and full community participation of people with disabilities.