Rethinking Models of Disability and Developing Inclusive Institutions

Alan Jurgens (University of Wollongong)

Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/92410309745?pwd=dlp1OXlrcEhvSDhYVUxzSmErUmd0QT09

Talk details:
Title: Rethinking Models of Disability and Developing Inclusive Institutions
Speaker: Alan Jurgens
Date: April 10th, 2024 (Wednesday)
Time: 8.30AM GMT/2:00PM India/ 7:30PM Wollongong
Platform: Online (Zoom link will be shared closer to the date)

Abstract:
Currently, there are numerous competing models of disability that not only provide particular conceptions of the notion of “disability”, but also offer different means for determining how disabilities impact individuals’ wellbeing, when a disability should be considered pathological or a disorder, and set a theoretical basis for practical interventions to improve the wellbeing of disabled individuals. In this talk I will draw on autistic philosopher and neurodiversity proponent Robert Chapman’s (2021; 2023) work to discuss how disability may be best understood by utilizing an ecological functional model where the focus is on the intersection and overlaps between relational contributions to collectives and group functioning with individual functionality. This presents an alternative to both social-relational models of disability advocated by other neurodiversity proponents and the orthodox medical model of disability, which neurodiversity proponents often see as inherently pathological and stigmatizing. After presenting this alternative model, I will then explore how the ecological functional model of disability is able to help inform how to develop inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals, such as universities. I’ll argue that developing inclusive universities requires not just collaboration with neurodivergent students and staff, but also the creation of communities of practices where neurodivergent individuals are able to be leaders in creating the change they need.

About the Speaker:
Alan Jurgens is a philosopher specializing in the philosophy of psychology, disability studies, and neurodiversity. He holds a Ph.D. with a focus on enactive social cognition and an M.A. in philosophy with a specialization in phenomenology. He is a Research Officer at the University of Wollongong, where he also convenes a Masters of Autism Teaching program.
Jurgens' research and teaching center on building the capacity of autistic and neurodivergent individuals, and he applies philosophical approaches to develop inclusive practices in education and community settings. His work advocates for relational models of disability and challenges traditional perspectives on social cognition. For more details, please visit his website at https://alanjurgens.com/.