Category Archives: Disability

Faith

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‘Religion in Britain: Challenges for Higher Education.

Religion and knowledge of religion in UK universities I have learnt that there is still a great number of students who are still practising religion in the UK, as some of the older universities are fading religion out. Some who are still participating allowing students to worship weekly. Its good as it will keep those ones still dedicated committed and encouraged to do so with other like-minded peers. Its great the option is still there. So it hasn’t been faded out completely. It would benefit those religious students of faith to be mindful of the Universities they choose.

The public sphere.

It is evident that Christianity and faith has declined over the years and a lot more categories/practises have evolved and has slowly found its way into connecting with mankind. With all of the additions and ways of life, some may seem confused and for others it’s a way of life and if newly found an answer or stable pathway for life.

My positionality as a person of faith believes that the original scriptures or manuscripts shouldn’t be changed or tampered with to fit people’s life styles. But everyone should do what is right for them and what makes them happy.

Even though everyone won’t agree with some of the thing its states. There is a positive foundation about life styles and the way of life how to live with others. For example, the scripture talks a lot about loving your neighbours and doing good to others. Which we can all benefit from. Years ago, when I was at school. We as students use to pray or lead a prayer at the beginning of the day. This was just us acknowledging that we need guidance and help to do and say the right things for the day. It was like a form of empowerment. No matter how hectic the morning had started out everybody settled and gave respect and came into agreement when it was prayer time.

Modood, T & Calhoun, C (2015) “Despite nationally low participation in organised religion. Religious engagement is an important part of satisfying academic life for many students”

Levine, S (2019) mentioned “Prayer is not banned in public schools. Students can pray by themselves or with friends as they wish. However, they have the freedom to choose whether or not they want to pray. COMPULSORY prayer in schools is what is banned, not voluntary prayer.”

Applying this resource into my teaching practice.

I could offer an optional breakout session about faith in the beginning, allow individuals and people of faith to share and express their different traditions, including the diverse intersectionality’s. Not discussing what is right or wrong. Avoiding topics that could cause outrage but more of sharing but expressing how it helps their family life, routine and sociably. Brining to light interfaith, I could also share the Religion in Britain pdf and the Shades of Noir, Higher Power: Religion, Faith, Spirituality & Belief link on website as it covers a great insight into religion, universities plus how some institutions operate in this current age.

So that the students are familiar with each other and can gain knowledge about other faiths and beliefs. Setting a critical pedagogy, I would open some padlets of groups where they meet 2 or more people from their class who practise different faiths and beliefs to find out any positive information about it then come and present it back. This would then allow them to have an understanding of the different types of cultures and ways of life in their environment, understanding the people they share the room with while respecting their space and cultures.   

Terms of reference from SoN around Faith

I have some of the same beliefs and understand what Bridget Crutchfield has said in her article questions and answers.  For me I believe faith and spirituality can play an important part of my life in everything I do in terms of it increasing my ability. When I feel things are impossible I supernaturally rely on my creator to guide and support me.

The beliefs and entities and strategies will differ depending on what you believe.
Some will say they need to pray, meditate to focus while others, may have something they call a guide. If It works for you, then it works for you.

Reference list

“Quora – A Place to Share Knowledge and Better Understand the World.”
Quora.com, 2014, www.quora.com/.

Modood, T. and Calhoun, C. (2015) Religion in Britian: Challenges for Higher Education.

Appiah, K.A. (2016) ‘Creed’, Kwame Anthony Appiah . The Reith Lectures. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07z43ds (Accessed: 1 July 2023). 

Shades Of Noir. https://shadesofnoir.org.uk/journals/higher-power-religion-faith-spirituality-belief/ (Accessed 28 June 2023)

Boston, YW  (2017) What is intersectionality, and what does it have to do with me? https://www.ywboston.org/2017/03/what-is-intersectionality-and-what-does-it-have-to-do-with-me/ (Accessed: 1 July 2023)



Kwame Anthony Appiah Reith lecture on Creed.

By sharing Kwame’s audio, it will defiantly stir some thoughts, beliefs and ideas in religion.
I mentioned before that there are so many views and practices that have evolved over the years, some students may not even practise faith or religion. Kwame listed many points of views from faiths and religion, it would be nice to allow the students to illustrate in a creative form what faith or religion means to them.

I would allow them to choose whatever medium, material/concept they choose to express themselves about this topic and then talk about it, and they dont want to talk, leave it open to intrepretation.

Kwame spoke about interpretation and I guess it’s up to the individual how they perceive it, while it’s good to ask questions and speak to someone who may be more skilled and knowledgeable than they are in the same faith.  I read scriptures and sometime because I may find it hard to understand I would often use the basic English versions and Hebrew and Greek translations to get my understanding. Also using context would help, also to see who the writings were actually for helps.

As there are so many belief and ideas I have learnt not to get into arguments or long-winded conversations with others or religious people about interpretation, I’ve done this in the past and it’s just a waste of time, people just trying to claim why their religion is the right way.

The Bible states “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (New King James Version) The Greek word translated “fear” in this context can equally mean “reverence” or “respect.” So, I take from that, I will work out for myself what I need to do in life. (Philippians 2:12)

 “So, then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12)

Whatever we believe I feel that one day we will all answer to someone about our lives that we lived. I was amazed Kristina Reece’s question at the end, who is an activist in the church of England. She asked is there a truth beyond all the religions that incorporates them or is there something other. I thought that was amazing because I believe there to be one truth.

Appiah, K.A. (2016) ‘Creed’, Kwame Anthony Appiah – Mistaken Identities. The Reith Lectures, at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07z43ds

(Bible New King James Version)
https://biblehub.com/philippians/2-12.htm (Accessed July 2023)

https://www.hereford.anglican.org, Exploring the creative expression of faith through Art https://www.hereford.anglican.org/exploring-the-creative-expression-of-faith-through-art.php (Accessed July 2023)

Extended Activity ‘The Little Book of Big Case Studies’

We do not discriminate here…..(A subtle gesture from myself)

From a faith point of view, I guess Aalimah may have been a little offended but at a point where she wanted to express her opinion and share her beliefs. With the negative comments that she is sexually oppressed she is right to have felt disturbed and even attacked. With my statement of we do not discriminate here, would be a positive reminder to students of the rules and boundaries we have in place. It would be a good idea to set aside an area or table/ information rack, where people of faith could bring in hand outs and share content of materials for students to access at any time and we could agree how long to have them displayed.

It would be nice if people of faith wanted to share knowledge about themselves during an introducing of who they are in educating others so everyone gets an understanding of each other’s background.

In order for students to share openly without situations leading into heated discussions It would be great to set some ground rules that everyone can agree on so it’s clear when to reign the conversations in, so vulnerable or targeted people feel safe knowing there is a cut off point.

If for any reason the situation got out of hand beyond control not making it a safe and inclusive environment, pointing vulnerable people to using anonymous report if they felt it got way out of hand but this would be the last resort after approaching higher leads and services.

Shades of Noir Case Study (2015)  Faith
https://issuu.com/shadesofnoir/docs/shades_of_noir_case_study_-_faith_
(Accessed July 2023)

UAL (2022). Tell Someone. [online] UAL. Available at: https://www.arts.ac.uk/students/help-and-support-for-students/tell-someone [Accessed 27 Jul. 2023].

Disability: Terms of Reference Journal

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I read an amazing statement in the Terms of reference Shades of Noir.

This is such a true statement, no matter how much money we have in the world or how educated we are, even have the fastest car, everyone will be challenged with one weakness or another or even a vulnerability.

Some people may hide it well for years and later on in life end up crumbling because they have not been honest with themselves. If everyone focused on doing a little to be supportive and inclusive, this would be a better place. For some these changes have made life easier and provided a better quality of life. We cannot forget those who are less fortunate and can’t keep up the advancement. Although this world has progressed and advanced in social justice issues and technology There have been some instances where people have had to communicate with robots and systems who would rather talk to an actual person. For the ones that are not internet savvy and don’t have the patience, I feel sorry for them. That could be me in 30 years’ time. How will we cope. The voice of many is a very useful booklet tool. It covers areas and aspects of life, plus current scenarios that are relatable to most people. That some people wouldn’t know how to address. My eyes have been opened to never asume and over look.

I found this statement really insightful.

“Using the social model of disability as a theory instead of the medical model can change people’s outlooks on what other people can achieve, and how organisations and our environments should be structured. People who follow this way of thinking will be able to see past the outdated policies and procedures that can be a barrier to people with learning disabilities leading full and active lives”.  

Refrence:

Timlin and Rysenbury, (2010)

SoN (Aug 12, 2020) Disabled People: The voice of many
https://issuu.com/shadesofnoir/docs/disabled_people (Accessed 26/June/2023)

Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (2016). Social model of disability. [online] Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. Available at: https://www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/learning-disabilities/a-to-z/s/social-model-disability (Accessed July 2023)

Extended Activity: SoN around Mental Health

Mental Health, It’s ok to say you don’t feel okay, article

Juggeling life

I am amazed I am reading this at a time when I literally feel like I’m juggling everything.

I have so much…….

To do

I have to do….

I want to do….

I need to do….

I don’t want to do….

Wishing there was change immediately on some of life’s circumstances. I’m taking this article as a message of inspiration, a word of encouragement. Although I feel my mental health is intact. I have to make sure I don’t run into burn out. It states to take time off once in a while without feeling guilty but sometime we fear in loosing time especially towards deadlines and managing a working life we can’t afford to take our foot off the peddle.

While reading and taking notes, a news article alerted me on my phone, Sinead O’Connor dies and the cause of death mental health battles. Wow, we just never know what people are going through or what they have suffered and even how their foundation started so it’s’ good to be kind. I’ve defiantly heard this so many times this week, Look after yourself!

“Mental health theories strive to explain human development behaviourally, psychologically, and socially”. positivepsychology.com (2019)

This resource has been encouraging. I would apply this to my teaching practise by collecting a number of sentences listed in the article and present them as positive pointers reminders around the classroom.

Reading something like:

“Don’t pressure yourself to perform if your battery level is low”

“It’s important for us to find moments of calm in all the chaos”. SoN (April 2017)

I have just realised I haven’t been to the Spa for a while, I’m going next week for my wellbeing

Notes to self: Five schools of thought, that attempt to explain mental health. Some professionals like counsellors and therapists use from this list.

Behaviorism
Behavior is a result of life experiences, not the unconscious mind. We learn through our experiences with our environment. This approach is all about conditioning. It is present focused.

Biological
This is a medical model of treating mental disorders. The idea is that something physical is the cause of mental illness. Symptoms are “outward signs of the inner physical disorder” (McLeod, 2018).

Psychodynamic
Like behaviorism, psychodynamic therapists view behavior as a result of experiences. One of the differences, though is that psychodynamic therapists focus on past experiences. They assert that unconscious forces drive people’s behavior. The client and therapist revisit explored ground to achieve more understanding. This therapeutic process can take many years.

Cognitive
The emphasis of this theory is on thinking, not doing. A feedback loop exists between the person’s assumptions and attitudes, their resulting perceptions, and the conclusions drawn from them (Grace College, n.d.). These therapists work to assist a person to change their thoughts. Doing this leads to a change in feelings and behavior.

Humanistic
This approach is characterized by three different therapies that can help people achieve their highest potential.

References:

Shades of Noir (April 2017) Mental Health & Creative Healing
https://issuu.com/shadesofnoir/docs/mhchtor

Daily Mail (June 2023) Sinead O’Connor dead
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12341117/Sinead-OConnor-dead-Irish-music-legend-dies-aged-56-years-mental-health-battles-18-months-17-year-old-son-Shane-passed-away.html

positivepsychology.com What Are Mental Health Theories?
https://positivepsychology.com/mental-health-theories/ (Accessed July 2023)

positivepsychology.com What Are Mental Health Theories?
https://positivepsychology.com/mental-health-theories/#list (Accessed July 2023)

Deaf Accessibility for Spoonies: Lessons from Touring Eve and Mary Are Having Coffee’

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Reading this pdf was relatable, it puts me through the mind of what my mum is currently going through now with her health condition. My mum started working from a very young age and she has worked the majority of her life. In fact, I don’t ever recall her being without a job. She loves to help people and is good at communicating, she always worked well within customer service jobs and has a passion to help in times of crises, she’s also an amazing host within her home cooking and entertaining with music, outdoors she will talk to all cultures of people.

My mum had a trip/fall at her work place a number of years ago and the long-term result of it, is she now has extreme wear and tear within her bones on her hip. The employer let her go on the basis that she is no longer fit for work within their establishment.

I’m seeing her now struggle to get to the job centre appointments, the grief they give her to come and visit the location, crazy times at like 8:30am, sometimes she hasn’t even rested well the night before. Having to commit to showing up to be able to prove she is unable and unfit for work.

My mum is also not computer savvy so the rigmarole of continuous meetings, checking’s and proof of doctor’s evidence has caused her great distress along with the bone pain. She told me because she was afraid she would lose her claim and have no money for her rent, she went up the stairs to her advisor interview in pain.

She has been waiting for a hip operation for over a year and seeing her in pain is heart wrenching.

I was so annoyed I had to step in and visit the job centre myself and explain you can’t treat somebody this way. She has been struggling. Although they have now moved her appointments to telephone calls it makes me wonder how much more other people are going though disabilities like this, with not much support.  It was encouraging to see that the performances did not stop. Barokka, K (2017).   “I am 98% of the time kneeling or laying down, performing poetry and performance art while refusing to stand and cause myself pain, whether seen by others or not“.

I guess disability or not if you can, the show must go on.We just have to do our best in all things.

It’s great that there was a conference in Illinois 2001 about how scholars and educators might broaden the scopes of conceptualizing disabilies in education arenas, I guess this would high light the needs for users but what is being addressed now, it’s amazing that from 2007 to 2010 it grew to Belgium, enormously attracting many leaders from a number of countries. How could this be implemented or applied to in Great Britain.  

Connor, David J. (2008) “Disability Studies and Inclusive Education — Implications for Theory, Research, and Practice.” International Journal of Inclusive Education, vol. 12, no. 5-6, Sept. 2008, pp. 441–457, https://doi.org/10.1080/13603110802377482. Accessed 7 June 2023.

Barokka (Okka), K. (2017). 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(3), pp.387–392. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/13569783.2017.1324778.

#DisabilityTooWhitefont article/interview

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I’m not sure what the main reason would be why the media wouldn’t use a person of colour with a disability to play a disabled role. I don’t think that there is a lack of them. There must be some type of barrier or miscommunication of why the original person or thing is being portrayed. Why isn’t it authentic or real. If there hasn’t ever been a movement or campaign about it I guess the time is now.

I guess this #DisabilityTooWhite hashtag was a great way to get the movement active, I guess it has to start somewhere and the fact that it started organically and people paid attention to is, it’s a starting point for voices to be heard for development and change.  Now from this hashtag people have been able to connect with others and build a powerful support group.

This type of thing reminds me of when I went to watch the Bob Marley musical in the theatre ‘getupstandup’ in the west end a few months ago. The main actor who played Bob and 98% of all the actors in the musical were not Jamaican, but from other Caribbean island. That to me wasn’t a true representation. I heard what I would call the fake Jamaican accent.

Get Up Stand Up. (n.d.). Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical. [online] Available at: https://getupstandupthemusical.com. priority_high Webpage author priority_high Date published (Accessed 3 June. 2023)

Shades of Noir “Disabled People: The Voice of the Many.”,
https://shadesofnoir.org.uk/journals/disabled-people-the-voice-of-the-many/ (Accessed 7 June 2023).

Connor, David J. (2008) “Disability Studies and Inclusive Education — Implications for Theory, Research, and Practice.” International Journal of Inclusive Education, vol. 12, no. 5-6, Sept. 2008, pp. 441–457, https://doi.org/10.1080/13603110802377482. Accessed 7 June 2023.

This was a very interesting read


The resource link of the disability Webpages

1 Reply

The website is clear and easy to navigate around. There seems like there is a good range of support for students. I was inducted onto the  PGCert in October, 7  months later the assessment hasn’t been finalised yet. I wish I was given the opportunity to access and apply back then, it would have save me a lot of waiting weeks as the demand is high. I’m into the second term of my course and hopefully I’m nearly there. I mentioned before that application process was long winded and spending nearly 3 hours online being tested on my weakness to be told my weakness is confirmed was challenging. Half way through the assessment I was tired, exhausted and to be honest I didn’t want to do anymore challenging assessments, but I had to continue. My dyslexic brain had shut down and the will to sit still for so long became daunting.  There is a video on the disability services web page called  ‘The social model of disability at UAL’ and listening to the comments, I felt they all sounded exactly like me.  

I would implement visiting the disability webpages asap for students who needs this service. It needs to be a foundational topic. Its how you start your course right. I didn’t realise you couldn’t have access to the late assessment submission until your disability requirement was finalised and accepted. Luckly at that time I was able to meet the first hand in date out of fear missing it and failing. Had I taken it upon my own ideas and assume I automatically qualify for the EAC date. I would have failed.

UAL (2020). Disability and dyslexia [online] UAL. Available at: https://www.arts.ac.uk/students/student-services/disability-and-dyslexia [accessed 18 May 2023]

Resource film by Christine Sun Kim

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Watching the Vimeo film link by Christine Sun Kim, opened up my eyes to her disability taking ownership and utilising her disability to make it work for herself was inspirational. Seeing how she maneuvered herself around life to make it work. With frustrations on trying to communicate ideas with her parents and feeling suffocated was sad. Seeing Christine Sun Walking in the street with hundreds of people passing by made me realise I could have easily been one of those people. Maybe not even noticing that someone is going through the notions of their disability of being deaf. I couldn’t imagine not being able to express my self without sound.

Bibliography

Selby, the (2011). Christine Sun Kim – 10min. Vimeo. Available at: https://vimeo.com/31083172

I could have easily been one of these people passing her by.

Blogging activity 1: Disability

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Inclusive practices, a topic that needs to be explored, one that shouldn’t be over looked. How will you know if your being inclusive as a lecture if you’ve never had to address it or been challenged in your thinking within a particular area.

We should all learn now or we could feel the consequences later if we encounter a problem if something goes wrong or against us. The question is how do you attend to everyone’s needs and support. Do we know where to go? Do we know what’s available? Have we explored the options?
I have an understanding that not all disabilities are visual and as the years have progressed it’s been amazing that some organisations/companies have recognised this, accepted and adapted to making sure they are supporting in the best way they can. The topic I feel is friendlier than before. It’s a high possibility that the majority of intake of students will have a disclosed or undisclosed disability so it would be imperative that I introduce them to as much resources as possible.

Firstly, the student services disability and dyslexia. In my experience in using the service, the demand is quite high and getting an appointment could take a number of weeks, even months, so getting the information and website links across for an appointment needs to be done immediately to avoid a longer wait. (Owens, S) “4 months after being diagnosed, I’m still waiting for the Study Needs Assessment from SFE. What hope there is for young students, who are not members of staff and studying on PgCert course.”

My reflection on using the service, being assessed was quite challenging, a number of questions in a first stage interview setting, then weeks later to the online process of 2.45 to 3 hours long, sitting in one spot on an assessment with multiple repetitive tasks boring and quite challenging. 

I could apply the selected resources to my teaching practise, by running workshops on disabilities, sharing open discussions on some of the known disabilities that could be highlighted on the course. Sharing the Vimeo video and resource links I have been provided. Setting break out groups to highlight discussions. Without labelling or signalling anyone out we could write anonymously on post-it notes and reflect on them, having discussions on how to get support.   

Owens, S, 2023. Silva’s Blog
https://silvasgotopinionsmyblog.arts.ac.uk/2023/05/21/disability/#comments