Watch an Interview with Norman Kunc about The Right to be Disabled (11:28)
The Right to be Disabled
Most people view individuals with disabilities as "deficient" in some way and believe that by helping the disabled individual to minimize disability will increase their quality of life.
Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift challenge this perception, claiming that people with physical, intellectual and sensory disabilities reflect the diversity of the human community. They contend that what’s needed is not an emphasis on "fixing", remediation and simple “awareness”, but instead an emphasis on acceptance and pride, focusing on the inherent assets and gifts that each person brings to the community. Does this mean individuals with disabilities, their allies, parents and professionals simply do nothing? Norm and Emma contend that when we understand the differences between acceptance and resignation, challenge and domination, our supports will be more effective and helpful.
Type of Presentation: Keynote or Workshop
Length of Session: 75 - 90 minutes
Max. Audience Size: Unlimited
“Norm and Emma, through wit, intelligence and substance - and without cheap sentiment - are able to help us see the notions of ability and disability in a fresh and liberating way. Once you’ve heard their message, you’ll be a far richer person.”
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BEING REALISTIC ISN'T REALISTIC!
Disability is not a 'brave struggle' or 'courage in the face of adversity'... disability is an art. It's an ingenious way to live. Neil Marcus
IIn a fast paced, entertaining speech filled with “ah-ha” insights, Emma Van der Klift and Norman Kunc draw on their experience of disability and show how people often get trapped in the habits of inefficiency. They maintain that deep curiousity, the expectation that failure is an important part of learning, and a defiant refusal to be “realistic” can not only open up new options for people with disabilities but, more importantly, can make the process of support a lot more fun.
Type of Presentation: Keynote or Workshop
Length of Session: 45 - 90 minutes
Max. Audience Size: Unlimited
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Watch Excerpts of this Presentation (11:09)
THE OTHER SIDE OF THERAPY: Disability, Normalcy, and the Tyranny of Rehabilitation
In this presentation, Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift point out that individuals with disabilities have "the right to be disabled." Norm describes a series of events in his life which led him to the realization that disability is not a deficiency but a vital part of the diversity of the human community. He recounts his experience with rehabilitation and questions whether therapy really serves the best interests of the "client" or whether it is a symptom of a society which idolizes normalcy and perfection. Emma looks at compliance-based behavioural therapies that have similar underlying messages, and helps participants to de-construct and examine some of those assumptions and the often unintentional harmful impact that therapy can have on an individual. Norman and Emma encourage parents to focus on their child's "well-being" rather than attempting to eradicate disability through relentless therapy
Type of Presentation: Workshop
Length of Session: 75 - 90 minutes
Max. Audience Size: Unlimited
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PRESENTATIONS
Inclusive Education | Collaborative Behavioural Support | Friendship & Benevolence | Rethinking Disability