Desiring Autism and Neurodivergence Symposium

The Pulse

We preview the Desiring Autism and Neurodivergence Symposium with Patty Douglas,Associate Professor of Disability Studies & Chair of Student Success and Wellness at Queen's University & Metis Beadworker & Visual Artist Claire Johnston.

Highlights:

• Autism & Neurodiversity in Educational Settings - Opening Remarks (00:00)
• Introducing Patricia Douglas - Associate Professor of Disability Studies & Chair of Student Success and Wellness at Queens University (01:31)
• Desiring Autism and Neurodivergence Symposium (02:32)
• Desiring Versus Inclusion or Acceptance (04:02)
• Conference Themes & Agenda (06:50)
• Including Artists in Academic Discussions (9:28)
• Target Audience for Symposium (12:20)
• Registering for the Symposium (15:03)
• Introducing Claire Johnston - Metis Beadworker & Visual Artist (16:25)
• Storytelling & Bead Making Workshop (16:56)
• Indigenous Perspective Around Autism & Neurodiversity (18:56)
• Metis Bead Work (23:51)
• Show Close (26:54)

Guest Bio’s

Patty Douglas

Patty Douglas (she/they) is a former special education teacher in Ontario and British Columbia and an Associate Professor of Disability Studies in the Faculty of Education at Queen’s University. She is a Senior Research Affiliate at the Re•Vision Centre for Art and Social Justice at the University of Guelph.

Her research focuses on rethinking deficit approaches to disability at the intersection of difference in education using critical and creative approaches including disability studies, critical autism studies, mad (m)othering, decolonial studies and arts-based and creative methodologies.

Douglas founded and currently leads the Re•Storying Autism in Education project (SSHRC Insight Grant www.restoryingautism.com), a multimedia storytelling project in Canada, the UK and Aotearoa (New Zealand) that collaboratively reimagines autism and practice in education and health in ways that centre historically excluded perspectives and affirm and desire difference.

As a white settler academic, Douglas is deeply committed to decolonizing research. She identifies as neurodivergent and invisibly disabled.

Her monograph, Unmothering Autism: Ethical Disruptions and Affirming Care is in production with UBC Press.

Douglas offers talks, consulting, and professional development for school divisions, educators and practitioners interested in neurodiversity affirming approaches.

Re•Storying Autism in Education

Re•Storying Autism in Education is a multimedia storytelling project that brings together Autistic people, family members, practitioners, educators and artists to rethink practice in ways that desire the difference of Autism.

Claire Johnston

Claire Johnston(she/they) is a Métis beadworker based in her Homeland of Winnipeg, MB.

Claire's beadwork practice is informed by the strengthening of relationships -- with herself, her kin and the natural world.

As an Autistic beadworker, her love of bright colours and attention to detail allow for vibrant and intricate pieces. Claire believes strongly in "cripping" the arts and expanding accessibility for Disabled and low-income Indigenous artists to thrive.

Her work has been exhibited at both the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in Vancouver, BC and Tangled Arts in Toronto, ON.

She is a steering committee member for the Critical Autism Summit that will take place in Manitoba in 2024, where she will host beading circles to facilitate discussions on decolonizing understandings of Autism and neurodiversity.

Find more of Claire’s work online: https://www.clairejohnston.net/

About The Pulse

On The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.

Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.

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