Disability awareness is slowly becoming more commonplace in workplaces around New Zealand, though it hasn't really taken off like other diversity issues. You find it sometimes in community organisations, particularly disability service providers, and some Government agencies.
In most cases the corporate world asks, "What does disability have to do with us?"
So here's the dilemma: Awareness of disability is a red herring. Everyone is aware on some level that what we call "disability" exists in some people (medical model). Some are even aware that "disability" can be seen as a social construct of environmental, attitudinal and policy barriers that exclude 20% of society (social model).
In my early 20s I made a conscious decision to start using a wheelchair when I was out in public, even though I could walk, albeit unsteadily.
There were many reasons for my choice. Using a chair stopped me being anxious about falling over. It allowed me to communicate in a more relaxed and articulate manner. And it stopped strangers thinking I was drunk or deranged.
The wheelchair acted as a recognisable symbol that I was "disabled". People got it, they didn't need to cope with ambiguity and I didn't need to respond to their uncomfortable, confused reactions.
We are obsessed with function. Doing things. Doing them well, best, perfectly. Winning at what we do.
Our world would be very different if we were obsessed with experience instead. Experience is much more inclusive than function. Anyone can experience anything, through function, presence or imagination.
Research shows our brains don't know the difference, whether we do something, remember doing it, or imagine doing it.
Recently I ran a Diversity Inquiry ("DIV:INQ") workshop as part of Diversityworks Trust's How Diversity Works exhibition. We ran it at 5.30pm, in an art gallery, with food and wine. Over forty people came.
During the small group activities, the noise was almost deafening. People laughed and told their stories of similarities and difference. They explored ideas, agreeing enthusiastically and disagreeing generously. They contemplated and lamented.
They had some more food and wine.
This morning I watched, uncustomarily, TVNZ's Breakfast programme and caught an item on "unschooling", described as "home-schooling without the books". Broadcaster and education commentator, Gordon Dryden, spoke about the unconventional and controversial experiential learning technique.
Serendipitously, while clearing emails after a week away, I opened an email from my brother with this video, made by my nephew Matt, arguing against homework. I think it's great.
At Diversityworks Trust we take a wider view of "creativity" than just arts and culture. For example we are interested in how creativity can be used for benefit across several sectors, including the arts, education, business and social/community sectors, and our work at any given time may span more than one. Our issue is that funding streams are usually so narrow that any hint of a project crossing streams is seen by funders as a reason to say no, because it doesn't fit one particular stream's criteria.
DIVINQ stands for Diversity Inquiry. It is an online and offline process, designed by Philip Patston, for young people and open-minded adults, who want to create space for a light-hearted and fun yet meaningful and exploratory conversation. The conversation aims to generate empowerment, understanding and self-acceptance by encouraging creative thinking about values, beliefs, assumptions, diversity, human rights and a myriad of other things. No DIVINQ is ever the same.
We are looking for schools, youth organisations, businesses, government departments and community groups who are interested in doing DIVINQ - watch the video and get in touch.
[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoQSw_9IdTY"]
Written for 3news.co.nz | 14 April 2010
Last night I caught up with a friend who is back for a week between travels to Vancouver and London. It reminded me how great it is to live in Auckland. There have been times that I’ve returned from a trip abroad and felt decidedly dissatisfied with the place, itching to be off again. But these days I’m very pleased to call LA home.
Tony and I played at 5th Plinth last weekend – we're at the end. Well done Uptown Arts Trust!
I like this film by Joseph Pelling. Winner of the Digital Artist Awards 2009 animation category
outside the box from joseph Pelling on Vimeo.
