McMaster School of Social Work: Disability Action Group

Thought-Provoking Books

disabilityactiongroup — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:28:02 +0000

The thing about books/novels is that is offers so much more into the minds of persons with disabilities. Books/novels offer a more in depth look into the experiences and often allow you to feel as a participant instead of feel as a viewer. Some suggested reads are:

Still Me by Christopher Reeve
The Diving Bell and Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby
A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
The Three Faces of Eve by Corbett H. Thigpen
Sybil by Flora Rheta Schreiber
When Rabbit Howls by Truddi Chase

How about these books? Has anyone had an opportunity to read any of the above books? Do you think that they gave an accurate glimpse into the life of an individual with a disability?

Movies with a Message

disabilityactiongroup — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:11:28 +0000

With the award season coming to an end, I couldn’t help but notice that a few films were a step above from the rest. Even more interesting was the fact that the films capture a glimpse into the lives of persons living with a disability and what they accomplished against all odds.

Film One – The King’s Speech

Winner of the academy award for: Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role (Colin Firth), Directing (Tom Hooper), and Original Screenplay.

Winner of the golden globes for: Best Actor (Colin Firth),

Synopsis: The story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.

Film Two: Temple Grandin

Winner of Golden Globe for: Outstanding Lead Actress (Clare Danes)

Winner of Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actress (Clare Danes), Outstanding Supporting Actress (Julia Ormond), Outstanding Supporting Actor (David Strathairn), Outstanding Music Composition, Outstanding Directing (Mick Jackson)

Synopsis: A biopic of Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who has become one of the top scientists in the humane livestock handling industry.

Has anyone else seen these films? What did you think? How did it impact you?

Disability Awareness Day 2011

disabilityactiongroup — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:18:54 +0000

Disability Awareness Day, February 7th, 2011

disabilityactiongroup — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:34:48 +0000

All are welcome to attend the 3rd annual Disability Awareness Day at
McMaster University.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness
about disability and to stimulate people to think about disability and
people with disabilities in new ways. We have planned a day of
activities that presents the diversity and complexity of both
‘disability’ as a category and the lived experience of disability.

We are working from a broad definition of ‘disability’ including (but not
limited to) physical, intellectual, sensory, learning and cognitive
disability, mental health, chronic health conditions, visible and
invisible disabilities.

We are planning to have representation from a
wide range of disability groups on and off-campus. One of the
activities these groups will participate in is information/education
booths.

Other activities include media presentations; panel
presentations and discussions; art, poetry and photography by people
with disabilities; and an interactive display regarding disability
language. We have also planned a disability performance event to close
out the day.

If you would like to more actively participate in this
event – for example, by contributing art work, an information booth, or
making a presentation – please contact us at tomlind@mcmaster.ca.

February 8th, 2010 — Disability Awareness Event!

disabilityactiongroup — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:13:14 +0000

Many details of the February 8th Disability Awareness Day have now been finalized and we are very excited about the many speakers, performers, community organizations and art exhibits that are part of the day.

Click Here for more details on the Disabilities Awareness Day Schedule.

We hope to see you there!

Save the Date ~ February 8th 2010

disabilityactiongroup — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:47:48 +0000

The Disability Action Group will be hosting the second annual Disability Awareness day at McMaster on February 8th, 2010. Plans are well underway and it promises to be an exciting day filled with art, movies, speakers and much more.

More information coming soon!

Check out the Disability Awareness Day 2009 for photos from last year’s event.

Who We Are

disabilityactiongroup — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:05:32 +0000

We are a McMaster University School of Social Work committee that focuses on creating awareness and greater inclusion of disability issues across the University and in the wider community. We are currently examining the School of Social Work curriculum to increase attention to disability, and to assist students and faculty to develop a better understanding of disability. We are also working with the School of Social Work to enable students who have disabilities to more easily take part in the program. As well, we hope to facilitate the process for students (with and without disability) who have an interest in studying disability to access social work field placements that reflect their interest. We have also worked towards promoting disability by organizing an annual Disability Awareness Day at McMaster University. This all day event included art displays, poetry, drama, comedy, short films, information booths, a student panel and guest speakers; all representing a range of disabilities and issues. The committee members include students, faculty, and administration with varying experiences of disability.