The Water We Swim In

The Water We Swim In is a series of cultural context conversations which explore our perceptions about disability, where they come from and how they impact on us all as individuals, organisations and society generally.

Through two-way conversations we will address ableism, unconscious bias, and the longstanding aesthetic and attitudinal barriers faced by Deaf and Disabled people.

Together, we explore their impact on language, cultural visibility, and identity through disability-led facilitated discussion and discovery learning within a dynamic learning space.

Session 1: What is Disability? What is Ableism? (Delivered as pre-recorded material to be viewed in advance of the face to face session)

• Defining Disability and Ableism
• Models of Disability
• Disability Identity and Intersectionality

Session 2: (Brief) History of Disability Activism & Disability Rights

• Language, stereotypes and representations
• Major Disability History Events
• Segregation and Integration – historical and ongoing

Session 2: Creating Access & Universal Design

• Creating welcoming environments
• Disability Pride and Leadership
• Principles of Universal Design