Disability Studies conceives of disability not as a personal tragedy or as an individual medical condition. It addresses disability as a social and political phenomenon that all too often marginalizes and oppresses disabled people.
This event will be a week of discussion and presentations dedicated to the examination of disability and its representation through media, medicine, arts, education, and the everyday.
Disability Studies Week is free, open to the public and will be taking place on the St. George campus of the University of Toronto from Tuesday, March 1st through Friday, March 4th, 2011.
The events are accessible and refreshments will be provided.
The week’s events are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, March 1st:
Open Lecture with Dr. Rod Michalko: Rod Michalko is a blind scholar and activist who boasts an international reputation in the field of Disability Studies. He is currently the residing professor for the Disability Studies stream of the Equity Studies program at The University of Toronto and a lecturer at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). The topic of his lecture will be Marginality Within the Nation State.
Time: 1pm-3pm
Location: Sidney Smith, room 1073
———-
Wednesday, March 2nd:
Screening of SHAMELESS: The ART of Disability
Shameless: The ART of Disability is a documentary film by Bonnie Sherr Klein about persons with disabilities. Produced in 2006 by the National Film Board of Canada, it is Klein’s first film since a catastrophic stroke in 1987 left her a quadriplegic. The film explores disability culture and the transformational power art has for persons with disabilities.
Klein is featured in the film, along with fellow artists with disabilities Catherine Frazee, a poet and writer; humourist David Roche; dancer and choreographer Geoff McMurchy; and writer and artist Persimmon Blackbridge. Vancouver musician Veda Hille contributed music for the film.
Time: 6:30pm- 8:00pm
Location: The Centre for Women and Trans People (563 Spadina)
———-
Thursday, March 3rd:
Arts Showcase-
A presentation and display of students work on the subject of Disability and Arts Activism. Art pieces in the show include work from both current and former students.
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Wilson Lounge (40 Willcocks)
———-
Friday, March 4th:
Concert by Keys to the Studio: original music performed by a group of emerging musicians diagnosed with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Come and enjoy music and finger-foods in a social setting and help us end Disability Studies Week with a bang! If you are interested in learning more about Keys to the Studio, be sure to check out their website, www.keystothestudio.com!
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: The William Doo Auditorium (45 Willcocks st.)
If there are any questions or requests, please email uoft.essu@gmail.com.