Letter of Informed Consent
Relationship among Resilience, Social Support and Grit in People with Visible and Non-visible Disabilities

Principal Investigators: Richard Bedard
Department: Clinical Psychology
Institutional Contact: Institutional Review Board Hofstra University Office of Research and Sponsored Programs 516-563-505 or IRB.help@hofstra.edu

Introduction and Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among resilience, grit, and social support in individuals with visible and non-visible disabilities. This is to help foster positive self-identity and to have a strength-based focus. A disability is an important part of someone’s identity. Therefore, this study will foster an awareness of a social identity surrounding an individual’s disability. The following scales will be used: the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Grit scale.

Description of the Research:  When you agree to participate in the study, you will be asked to complete a demographics questionnaire as well as three other questionnaires. The questionnaires will inquiry about your level of resilience and adaptability, your ability to identify and stick to long term tasks, and the quality of your social support in your lives.

Subject Participation:  I estimate that 50 participants will join the study. Participation will involve approximately 30 minutes of filling out questionnaires.

Potential Risks and Discomforts:  There are no foreseeable risks to your participation in this research.

Potential Benefits: People who participate in this study may have a better way to foster positive self-identity and to have a strength-based outlook. A disability is an important part of someone’s identity. Therefore, this study will foster an awareness of a social identity surrounding an individual’s disability.

Confidentiality:  All information taken from the study will be coded to protect the identity of each subject’s name. No names or other identifying information will be used when discussing or reporting data. The investigators will safely keep all files and data collected in a secured locked cabinet. Once the data has been fully analyzed, it will be destroyed.

Compensation:  Subjects will not be compensated for participation in this study.

Voluntary Participation:  Your participation in this study is completely voluntary.

By signing this form, I authorize the use and disclosure of my records, any observations, and findings found during the course of this study for education, publication and/or presentation. Withdrawal from the Study and/or Withdrawal or Authorization.

If you decide to participate in this study, you may withdraw from your participation at any time without penalty.

Cost/Reimbursements:  There is no cost for participating in this study.

Disclosure of Conflict of Interest: There is no conflict of interest.

Concerns/Complaints About the Study:  If you have concerns or complaints about the conduct of research in this study, you may contact me by email (rbedard1@pride.hofstra.edu). Additionally, you may contact me by phone at 516- 668-4216 you may also contact my supervisor (Kimberly.A.Gilbert@hofstra.edu). , or by phone 516-463-6258

If you wish to be involved in the study, please click the link to sign:  https://hofstra.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_07JbDkLTMayxtno

About the Principal Investigator:

Richard Bedard was born with Cerebral Palsy and has been a wheelchair user all his life. However, that has never deterred him from embracing his life to the fullest.  Upon graduation from Henry Viscardi High School and moving on to Adelphi University, Richard confronted and successfully surmounted the physical and academic challenges that he faced in a typical higher education setting, that was not designed to accommodate and support college students with disabilities. He became well known to the Adelphi Student Access Services office and was featured in many Adelphi newsletters. Richard inspired the President of Adelphi University to create the Diversity and Inclusion Committee to which he was appointed and served as an advisor and subject matter expert for his knowledge, expertise, compassion and advocacy for all students, especially those with special needs.

Richard G. Bedard is currently a doctoral student at Hofstra University, on a full academic scholarship. Upon his graduation he will be conferred a PhD in Clinical Psychology. This accomplishment is especially remarkable given that Richard will become the first alumnus of the internationally renowned Henry Viscardi School system to have achieved a doctorate degree, having graduated from Henry Viscardi Elementary, Middle and High Schools. At HVS high school graduation, he received the Richard Switzer Award for leadership.  Since graduation from Viscardi, Richard has remained closely connected to his alma mater and during his Master’s education in Psychology, he did his Internship at Henry Viscardi.

Richard’s passionate commitment to be a champion for the disabled has been unwavering. In this regard, his self-advocacy is unremitting.  He continues to represent and make contributions in various capacities to numerous disability support and sponsorship groups and organizations, including Southampton Fresh Air Home, where he is currently a member of the board of directors. As a doctoral clinician-in-training he provides family, individual and group therapeutic sessions, including for young adults with severe psychological illnesses, such as borderline personality disorders. Richard is also currently on a research team that is investigating the intersection between ASD marginalized populations, and disability in underserved communities.