Honors Theses
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/240912
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Open Access Picture books: an effective tool for disability education in preschools(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Weiler, Megan, author; Bundy, Anita, committee member; Merz, Emily, committee memberPicture books play a critical role in shaping a preschooler's beliefs on diversity and inclusion. Throughout history, popular picture books have lacked an accurate representation of disabilities. In the scenario where representation is included, the character commonly falls under the burden trope, the supercrip trope, and the medical model of disability. These tropes and stereotypes perpetuate ableism onto young readers. A lack of disability representation limits the confrontation of growing biases, allowing ableism to develop during a child's formative years. A picture book, Time to Fly! was constructed in order to combat this growing issue. This story included a character with a physical disability whose accomplishments were emphasized over their limitations. The character was also portrayed as a relatable individual to a preschool audience. Because of this positive and accurate representation, preschoolers without disabilities are able to empathize with the character and see them without the influence of ableism or unconscious biases. Additionally, preschoolers with a physical disability are able to grow their self-confidence. Seeing characters accomplish tasks with their disability lets the preschooler know that they are able to accomplish those tasks as well. The proposed methodology is structured as a pre-post pilot study, involving preschoolers aged five to six years old. A survey of questions asked to the preschoolers grants an evaluation of the picture book at the intended level. Edits to the picture book will be made after preschooler reactions are received, depending on the overall consensus behind Time to Fly!'s intended message. The work behind this project is intended to motivate educators to include books that contain disability representation and add the read-alongs into their preschool curriculum. Allowing these stories to hold a spot on a preschool shelf helps spread their message and promote inclusivity for all children. All children deserve to feel valued, represented, and understood.Item Open Access Investigating the biopsychosocial factors impacting eating disorder/disordered eating etiology, treatment, and advocacy within the LGBTQIA+ community(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Richister, Audra, author; Sly, Brittney, advisor; Moseley, Ally, committee member; Cotner, Molly, committee member; Welker, Aly, committee memberEating disorders are an increasingly urgent issue in both healthcare and society, with rising prevalence discriminating against no one. Yet, eating disorders may impact certain populations at disproportionate rates such as the LGBTQIA+ community. A variety of factors may influence this spike in rates: biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural. Each category must be acknowledged in working towards trans and queer patients' recovery and liberation, as discourse surrounding eating disorders tends to follow a feedback-like pattern and feeds into itself to provide a holistic and dynamic final view. With respect to this, it is imperative that at least three separate facets of eating disorder experiences be considered: etiology, or causes of disease; advocacy, or how to increase visibility of both disease and specific groups impacted by it; and treatment, remediation of disease symptoms. Most important, these efforts must maintain a forward view and work to relieve current limitations such as inadequate research and hegemonic care systems while not capitalizing on LGBTQIA+ trauma nor undermining the immense, beautiful diversity within these people.