For new representations of disability

UQAM is hosting an international conference on nuanced and respectful representations of people of diverse abilities.

Deaf and visually impaired artists Sarah Snively (Edmonton) and Jennifer Manning (Montreal), who live with Usher syndrome, present unique theatrical experiences. Photo: Nanc Price

An international congress focusing on transformations in practices and new representations of disability will take place at UQAM on August 28, 29 and 30. “This congress invites people from academic, community, cultural, artistic and intervention circles to think about representations of disability that are more nuanced and respectful of people of able diversity,” explains professor from the Mouloud Media School. Boukala, holder of the Canada Research Chair in Media, Disabilities and (Self)Representations (CRCMHA).

The event is organized by the Chair and the International Association for Scientific Research for People with Mental Disabilities (AIRHM), in collaboration with several partners, including Radio-Canada and the Cinémathèque québécoise.

The congress stands out, in particular, for the inclusion of people of diverse abilities and its interdisciplinary approach (anthropology, philosophy, communication, media studies, educational science, etc.). “It will serve as an amplifier of the diverse experiences and achievements of people of diverse abilities and will identify the multiple intersectional oppressions that they may face,” underlines Mouloud Boukala. By presenting research carried out or in progress, both in Canada and internationally, it will take stock of contemporary and plural practices around disability.

Four complementary axes contributing to the examination of the links between transformative practices and new representations of disability will be explored.

Theoretical, ethical and methodological aspects of practices

The first axis will address the way in which collaborative dynamics are achieved between the university, community, cultural and artistic and intervention environments, and people of diverse abilities.

Artistic and cultural practices

This axis will examine the emergence of research and creation dynamics likely to promote cultural expressions specific to people of diverse abilities (Mad art, deaf art, inclusive art). As opposed to approaches focused on disability situations, it is a question of observing creative situations where people of diversity question the relationships of art to the body, to space, to time, to mobility and the senses.

Practices related to digital technologies and communications

This third axis will focus on new technologies and digital communications (eye tracking, virtual reality, prosthetic technologies, immersive spaces) which are transforming practices surrounding disability. Thanks to multimodal inputs (visual, sound, gestures and body), they allow us to better understand the perceptions of individuals.

Support and care practices

The last axis will focus on support practices for people of diverse abilities, citizen, psychological, institutional or sexual support. It will discuss, in particular, the role played by design in care practices.

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