As a professional practitioner in the TV sector and as an associate lecturer at LCC, delving into these resources has taken me on an enlightening voyage of discovery, a journey amplified by my minimal interactions with individuals with disabilities, whether visible or invisible.
These enlightening resources can significantly influence my role as a university lecturer in various ways. Firstly, they underscore the importance of inclusivity and diversity, reminding me that our students’ experiences are rich and varied. Understanding that not all disabilities are visible or easily quantifiable nudges me to approach my teaching with heightened empathy and flexibility. I will aim to create an environment where all students feel seen, heard, and accommodated, whether they’re living with a disability or not.
It was a real pleasure to watch the film about Christine Sun Kim.
Christine Sun Kim’s reflections on the physicality and ownership of sound offer a valuable perspective on the diverse ways in which we perceive and interact with our environment. This reminds me to present information in varied formats, catering to different learning styles. For instance, using visual aids, written transcripts, captions on videos or even tactile materials alongside verbal explanations can make content more accessible to everyone.
The deeply personal experiences shared by Khairani Barokka about her struggles as a disabled, Indonesian, and female artist and academic serve as a potent reminder of intersectionality. It has sensitised me to the varied challenges faced by students stemming from their distinct identities. This awareness will inform my approach to student support, pushing me to consider multiple dimensions of identity in dealing with their concerns and creating a supportive academic environment.
Vilissa Thompson’s interview on #DisabilityTooWhite has emphasised the critical role of allyship and the need for sustained attention to issues of diversity. This pushes me to continuously self-educate, challenge my biases, and actively promote an inclusive and diverse environment in the classroom. Her emphasis on dialogue encourages me to foster open discussions about diversity and disability, helping students understand these concepts profoundly and, more importantly, empathetically.
These resources strengthen my commitment to fostering an inclusive, sensitive, and respectful learning environment, acknowledging and appreciating all students’ diversity and unique challenges.
References
Christine Sun Kim – 10min, 2011. https://vimeo.com/31083172.
Barokka (Okka), Khairani. “Deaf-Accessibility for Spoonies: Lessons from Touring Eve and Mary Are Having Coffee While Chronically Ill.” Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance 22, no. 3 (July 3, 2017): 387–92.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13569783.2017.1324778.
HuffPost. “Confronting the Whitewashing Of Disability: Interview with #DisabilityTooWhite Creator Vilissa Thompson,” June 28, 2016.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/confronting-the-whitewash_b_10574994.
Christine Sun Kim’s film was an eye-opener for me as well. It made me realise just how often we take for granted our ability to perceive and interact with sound. I agree that implementing various formats in teaching helps ensure students with diverse learning styles can fully engage with material presented.
It’s great to see that you are taking active steps in challenging biases while promoting open dialogue on diversity issues such as disability rights. Open discussions such as these are essential in developing empathy and understanding among students. However I’ve been struggling with how we create a space which is conducive to open discussion without it feeling “forced”, or is it more about peppering these conversations as and when appropriate. I applaud your commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment – by acknowledging and appreciating students’ diversity and unique challenges we can empower them.
It’s great how in your blog you’ve acknowledged different ways to support students and outlined some of the different content formats one might be able to implement, from visual aids to tactile materials. It makes me think that there are some very creative and practice-based or practice-focused solutions you can apply here, particularly as the subject you teach supports students in making content themselves. I wonder if you will apply some of these ideas or overarching thinking to your Artefact. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I enjoyed reading your blog and how you started highlighting the impact of these resources in your practice. However, I would say the key for me is how you are already moving into action: ” I will aim to create an environment where all students feel seen, heard, and accommodated, whether they’re living with a disability or not.” and after watching Christine Sub Kim video ” using visual aids, written transcripts, captions on videos or even tactile materials alongside verbal explanations can make content more accessible to everyone.”. It is very valuable how you are being practical and taking action.
You also mentioned how you will foster open discussions. Just wondering how you will approach that, as this is also something I have in mind.
Thank you for your thoughts!
Simon, I love your honesty about the resources significantly influence your role. I agree if we dont know or are made aware of something that is not obvious or even discussed, how will we know we are doing something wrong. Being enlighted can definatly change our approach for the better and then we can educate others. The film about Christine Sun Kim, will allow all of us to approcah situations and inderviduals differently. To make the learning environment a better place to be.