Demonstration
8
Live Demonstration of the Empathy Belly®
Time Required
When demonstrating the Empathy Belly®:
• In a classroom setting, allow approximately 30 minutes for a complete demonstration.
-
Allow an additional 10 minutes for a second volunteer to wear "the belly" at
the same session.
-
Additional time can be allowed for follow-up discussion, depending on the
curriculum.
-
Future class meetings with the same group will require less time, since the
full introduction and explanations won't be necessary. You will simply put
the Empathy Belly® on another student.
• In a one-on-one situation such as a medical or counseling session, or in a large group
presentation where time is limited, allow 15 minutes for a more succinct, rapid
demonstration.
This is only recommended once you have had sufficient experience demonstrating the
Empathy Belly®, and are able to quickly and easily move through the required steps.
Empathy Belly® Sizes
The Empathy Belly® comes in two sizes. Be sure to choose the appropriate size Empathy Belly®
for the volunteer(s) you will have.
• The large size is designed for men of average or above-average size, or older
teenage boys who have the build of an adult male.
•
The small size fits most women, men of small stature, and most teenage girls and boys,
ages 12 to 18.
If you are unsure, the size is shown on the care label sewn inside the garment.
REMINDER:
The Empathy Belly® should not be used on anyone weighing less than 100
lbs (
45 kg)
or more than 300 lbs (
136 kg).
Materials Required
To do this demonstration, you should have:
• a box containing the following:
-
typical household items that might be left on the floor, such as shoes, socks, men's
pants, newspapers, books, bath towels, children's toys
-
Empathy Belly® components, placed in the box in this order (so the rib belt can
come out first):
a. maternity smock
b. two 7lb balls
c. bladder pouch
d. torso garment, containing the water-filled vinyl bladder
e. rib belt (with the caution label visible)
•
five bed or floor pillows
•
cleared floor area, large enough for the volunteer to lay down on the floor (ideally at least
100 square feet
(13 square meters)
)
• large wall mirror (could be in nearby restroom)
•
sofa or upholstered chair (optional)
•
desk with chair, or student desk and chair when working with teens (optional)
