Author Archive Ana Pal

ByAna Pal

Celebrating Disability History Month: Empowering Conversations and Inclusive Events

At DMU, we’re proud to mark Disability History Month with a series of thought-provoking and inspiring events designed to celebrate diversity, foster understanding, and spark conversations about inclusivity. This year’s lineup offers something for everyone, from personal stories to engaging discussions, aimed at students and staff alike.

Voices of Ability: Navigating Work and Life with Disabilities (Wed, 20 Nov 2024, 11:00 – 12:30)

This inspiring session features real-life stories of individuals navigating the complexities of work and life with disabilities. It’s an opportunity to hear firsthand experiences, learn from unique perspectives, and engage in meaningful dialogue about creating inclusive spaces.

In Conversation with Author Julie Harris (Wed, 20 Nov 2024, 16:00 – 17:00)

Julie Harris speaks to Dr Meredith Wilkinson about her book ‘Boldly belong: The power of being you in a disabling society’. They discuss experience of disability and the advice Julie gives in her book on self-acceptance and genuine belonging.

The Use of Support Dogs in Therapy for Disability(ies) (Tue, 26 Nov 2024, 13:00 – 14:00)

This talk focuses on the range of support dogs and their potential to be used in practice, with a focus of how healthcare professionals intend to use their own pack in my trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and why they think a pack is necessary for dog welfare.

Please note a therapy dog in training, a teacup Pomeranain (suspect Chihuhua mix) Anna Nicole will be present, but on a lead with a harness at all times.

The Benefits of Meditation (Thu, 5 Dec, 12:00 – 13:00)

Discover how meditation practices can transform the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in this insightful session. Drawing on over 15 years of meditation experience, this talk delves into the origins of meditation, blending scientific and traditional perspectives.

Learn about various techniques, including mindfulness, compassion meditation, and “Feeding Your Demons,” and their effectiveness in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties. The session will also explore research on mindfulness meditation’s positive impact on individuals with learning challenges, ADHD, and severe speech or physical impairments.

This is an opportunity to explore how meditation fosters self-compassion, confidence, and resilience, empowering individuals to navigate challenges with trust in their own capacity and wisdom.

The History of Neurodiversity with Dr. Chris Knifton (Thu, 12 Dec, 10:00 – 11:00)

In this short one hour talk, Dr Chris Knifton compiles a brief potted history of neurodiversity including some interesting early found references and first cases for different types of neurodiversity, including Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, etc., as well as critical discussions on the use and origins of the term and rise of the social model.

Prominent figures with neurodiversity will be highlighted amidst calls for reducing the stigma and social exclusion faced by many neurodivergent people.

As with any history, this talk will conclude with a look to the future and in particular how we see neurodiversity shaping higher education strategy, policy and practice

Get Involved!

We encourage all students and staff to join these events, not only to learn but also to contribute to conversations about disability and inclusivity. Together, we can continue building a community that celebrates diversity and ensures everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Find our more about Disability History Month and sign up for the events here to be part of the conversation!

ByAna Pal

Black History Month: Insights on A.I. for a Changing World

As part of our Black History Month celebrations, we are excited to present a conversation with Dr. Kutoma Wakunuma and Dr. Adebowale Owoseni, two brilliant academics from the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Media, whose work in A.I. is helping shape a more inclusive and ethically aware future. In this interview, they share their insights on A.I.’s role in addressing global challenges, the ethical considerations surrounding its use, and how technology can advance societal wellbeing.

About Our Guests

Dr. Wakunuma’s work centers around understanding how modern technology affects communities globally, with particular focus on ethics, gender accessibility, and sustainable development. Dr. Owoseni, meanwhile, explores digital transformation and its potential to promote skill development and societal impact in both higher-income and developing regions.

In This Conversation

During this discussion, Dr. Wakunuma and Dr. Owoseni examine the ways in which A.I. can support inclusion and equity and how universities play a critical role in preparing the next generation of digital leaders. They dive into both the opportunities and challenges A.I. presents for diverse communities and share some unique approaches for ensuring technology serves everyone equitably.

Explore More on This Topic!

Want to learn more? Here are some must-reads:

Dr. Wakunuma

Dr. Owoseni

Watch the Interview

We hope this conversation adds to the important dialogue happening around A.I., inclusion, and the powerful role that technology can play in making our world better for everyone. Thank you for joining us in celebrating Black History Month with this exciting discussion on the future of A.I. and social change!

ByAna Pal

Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2024

To mark Ada Lovelace Day, we had the opportunity to interview Sue Shelton, an inspirational Technical Skills Instructor in Aeronautical Engineering, and the only female technician in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Media at DMU.

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