The Lawn Academy’s Post

Making some final revisions to a paper on Heidegger, disability and the uncanny today. The paper grew out of this short presentation I did at a conference in the summer: https://lnkd.in/eJJw4Jqm #PhDLife #Philosophy

In light of the debates on the new ‘Assisted Dying’ bill in the UK I wanted to offer some enlightening perspectives on the subject relating to disabled people and our history… 📚 Disability, Nazi Euthanasia, and the Legacy of the Nuremberg Medical Trial by Emmeline Burdett Burdett offers a reflection on how a lack of prosecutions at the US military tribunals has shaped the euthanasia debate in the US and UK. She also explores the link between Disability and Holocaust Studies and debates on how comparisons with the Holocaust are used to gain attention and calls for justice for atrocities. In my opinion, at least, this is possibly because so many others have gone without the same meaningful justice process and people appeal to this as a call for justice. 📚 Medicalising Blackness: Making Racial Difference in the Atlantic World by Rana A. Hogarth A recent discovery for me, Hogarth examines how scientific racism and white supremacy shaped the pathologisaion of resistance to slavery and how ability to labour was equated with normalcy. As I develop an interest in the possible pathologisation of resistance to oppressive regimes in history and to late stage capitalism today - it is key to remember the many ways the western medical model and the developing disability rights movement owes much to the subjugation, and incredible resilience and resistance, to black communities far avd wide. I’m sure I’ll be bringing more and more reading reflections and recommendations as my PhD progresses - and please do share yours! #DisabilityRights #HumanRights

Juneteenth: A Day to Reflect, Celebrate, and Advocate for Change On this day, June 19th, we at Interactive Advocacy join millions across the United States in commemorating Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in African American history that marks the official end of slavery in Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is not only a day of celebration but also a time for reflection, education, and advocacy. As we honor the resilience and strength of those who fought for freedom, we must also acknowledge the ongoing struggle for true equality and justice. At Interactive Advocacy, our mission is to create a world free from violence and oppression, where every individual can thrive. On this Juneteenth, we reaffirm our commitment to dismantling systemic racism, advocating for marginalized communities, and promoting healing through storytelling and empathy. Today, let us celebrate the progress made, while also recognizing the work that still needs to be done. Let us uplift the voices of the unheard, stand in solidarity with those fighting for change, and create a future where freedom and equality are not just dreams, but a reality for all. Happy Juneteenth! 🖤❤️💚 #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EmancipationDay #Equality #SocialJustice #EndRacism #Advocacy #Healing #Storytelling #InteractiveAdvocacy

Why does it matter that most churches don’t welcome people with disabilities in leadership? If a church excludes people with disabilities, is it really a church? Rev. Dr. Andrew Draper, coauthor of Disabling Leadership (InterVarsity Press), talks with me about: * Ways in which churches exclude and marginalize people with disabilities * Why it’s essential to centralize people with disabilities in church life and leadership * How disability inclusion benefits the whole congregation * Reimagining church employment practices to create opportunities for people with disabilities * Why churches are tempted to pursue efficiency and productivity, and the invitation to a different way * How to minister in the midst of humanness Listen in here: https://lnkd.in/gsPWVUWQ

🌟 New Article Alert: The History of Juneteenth and Its Significance Today 🌟 As we celebrate Juneteenth, we take a moment to reflect on its profound historical significance and how it aligns with the goals and mission of the Peace Economy Project (PEP). In our latest article, we delve into the rich history of Juneteenth, a day commemorating freedom and the end of slavery in the United States. We also explore its relevance today as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice. Discover how PEP’s mission to reallocate resources from military spending to vital human needs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure resonates with the spirit of Juneteenth. Our advocacy for social justice, empowerment through education, and community building all contribute to a vision of a more equitable and peaceful world. Join us in honoring Juneteenth and recommit to making a difference. Let’s continue to work together to create a society that values freedom, equality, and justice for all. https://lnkd.in/g3cz-iSd #Juneteenth #PeaceEconomy #SocialJustice #Education #Healthcare #CommunityBuilding #Equality #Freedom #PEP #Advocacy #HumanRights

On the question of "DEI Hire," I have so many thoughts. One, absolutely, I am proud to be a DEI Hire. What that means to me is that I do believe many of my past employers had in mind my lived experiences with regards to race, gender, queerness etc alongside my remarkable qualifications when it comes to civil rights expertise, community networks and more. We have to stop the incorrect and weird conflation of DEI and unqualified. Instead of being defensive about this term, unpack it. To me it has meant bringing on people who are completely qualified and also bring a range of identities and community contacts that we would not otherwise have because of so many barriers that continue to exist in our society. The truth is that employers and others continue to affirm that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs are both good for business and sorely needed to create the multi-racial democracy we all need and deserve. Don't let up now. To that end I am excited to share two links. One, you are invited to this evening's 7pm Lost City bookstore event where I will be reading and in discussion with Dara Baldwin at the Line Hotel in Adams Morgan. The event is a celebration of Dara's new book and truth telling when it comes to race and disability justice work. Her book "To Be A Problem, A Black Woman's Survival in the Racist Disability Rights Movement" is educational and a must-read for all of us who want to do better in our broader movements. RSVP for the event here. https://lnkd.in/e3KXyWEr Second, I am proud to share our brand new report, (Safeguarding and Strengthening Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives), regarding the attacks on DEI over the past year as it helps to separate the actual legal concerns from the fears that our opponents want us to take to heart. Don't fall for it. This report reflects the work of many of my colleagues at Democracy Forward and it provides clear take-aways and examples of the range of contexts (gov programs, grants, workplace, education, health equity and more) where these fights are taking place. Check it out, and please share this report with your communities. Thank you for your continued solidarity and partnerships. https://lnkd.in/eHbkexJX

In this video Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde describes the Six Stages Framework and the impact it has had on the Church of England Schools. She reflects on the global challenges we are faced with in navigating differences and in creating truly inclusive environments: communities, workplaces and schools. She concludes with a call to action asking where your organisation or school are in the journey towards understanding differences. She asks the following 3 questions: 1) Where do you long to see change in your contexts? 2) How can The Six Stages Framework help you to better support the diverse needs of your students? 3) In what ways can you involve your wider school community in the implementation of this framework? Alysia-Lara Church of England https://lnkd.in/eDc9v7q3 #SSFSchoolsNetwork #SixStagesFrameworkConference #SSFConference #diversity #EDI #DEI #racialjustice #black #disability #lgbtq #schools #hate #inclusion #peace #biases #discrimination #unconsciousbias #HR #racism

Brighton's anti-racism protest gathering yesterday showed many of us the way. The same can be said for the people of Walthamstow. Reflecting on recent events in England, it was a concern to delve too deeply into the political as the main spokesperson for Candy Healthcare. However, we are built on inclusion and community, something which reflects not only in passive circumstance (our nursing demographic as an example) but in the active business decisions we take against these values of equal opportunity, true service and uplifting the communities we serve. Part of that responsibility is to recognise that by saying nothing, you become the bystander. "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends" Martin Luther King We are here especially for our workforce, many of whom are "accustomed" to the ongoing micro-aggressions of racism and bigotry still prevalent in our society, which have now boiled over into direct, physical threat from the far right. Supportive conversations, sharing advice and local or national support networks for them is only the beginning for what we intend to do as a business, ongoing. Nick Clegg, Meta's President of Global Affairs, recently stated categorically that there was no evidence the rise in social media had anything more than a correlative resemblance to the increase in racism (particularly Islamophobia) and polarisation across our society. I wonder if he is still willing to stand by these words? We stand by the actions of our government and Wes Streeting's recent directive for our NHS staff not to treat patients who demonstrate racist attitudes towards them. We recognise the positive and necessary impact of immigration on our economy, public services and the enrichment of our communities. Let's not pass the buck of overt racism onto "concerns over immigration". Let's actually call this out as the politically motivated construct it is. Our communities stand for more, and it's time to peacefully show that solidarity right now more than ever by looking after our neighbours. #nhs #streeting #community #publicservices #publichealth #hospitals #fear #threat #racism #farright #england #healthcare #immigration #diversity #inclusion #equality #values #ethics #nationalhealth

NATIONAL BARRIER AWARENESS DAY HISTORY In 1986, Congress designated May 7, 1986, as National Barrier Awareness Day by a House Joint Resolution (544). It authorized the President to issue a proclamation recognizing the day. On May 7, 1986, President Ronald Reagan issued proclamation 5472 and called for Americans to recognize the day with events and programs that would contribute to removing the obstacles facing those with disabilities. #BarrierAwarenessDay.

CREATING EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Empowering intellectually disabled individuals to advocate for themselves is a powerful way to promote their rights and inclusion. This means facilitating the creation of groups where intellectually disabled people can come together, share their experiences, and advocate for their rights. It follows that providing training in leadership, public speaking, and confidence building is important. Learn more: www.sunfieldhome.co.za #EmpowerIntellectualDisabilities #InclusionMatters #SelfAdvocacy #LeadershipTraining #PublicSpeakingSkills #ConfidenceBuilding #CommunitySupport #RightsForAll