Lecture Notes on Disability, Inclusion, and Social Change

Introduction

• Speaker shares personal journey traveling the world documenting lives of people with disabilities.
• Discusses personal experience with a disability due to an adverse reaction to a polio vaccine in 1978.

Early Life and Impact of Disability

• Diagnosed with polio as a child, societal response was overwhelmingly negative.
• Faced discrimination and denial of education due to disability.
• Changed trajectory of life through inclusive attitudes at a new school.

Transformative Education Experience

• A teacher incentivized students to assist the speaker, fostering inclusion and popularity.
• Overcame initial educational barriers to achieve multiple degrees.
• Now teaches urban planning focusing on inclusive city development.

Statistics and Reality

• 1 in 7 people globally live with a disability.
• Disabilities occur among neighbors, friends, and relatives.
• Exclusion of disabled individuals costs nearly $2 trillion annually.

Importance of Political Will and Inclusion

• Need to address systems that perpetuate inequality and exclusion.
• Disabilities do not diminish human potential; they require societal adaptation.
• Personal mission to inspire change and promote radical inclusion.

Examples of Success and Potential

• Dyslexic children succeeding with accommodations.
• Visually impaired individuals using technology to access information.
• Deaf individuals achieving professional success, such as becoming a doctor.

Call to Action

• Disability can affect anyone; it is the only minority group anyone can join at any time.
• Encouragement to make communities and environments more accessible.
• Importance of challenging negative attitudes and embracing inclusive practices.

Conclusion

• Call for radical inclusion to dismantle barriers and foster acceptance.
• Urges audience to promote equality and justice.
• Encourages active participation in creating an accessible and inclusive world.