Have you noticed a change in how disability is discussed? For example, words like ‘ableism’ and ‘internalised ableism’ are perhaps not mainstream but more commonplace, especially on social media. 

We were thrilled when Professor Fiona Kumari Campbell, Professor of Disability and Ableism Studies, University of Dundee, agreed to come on the show. In an authoritative and entertaining interview, Fiona explains the most dominant use of ‘ableism’ isn’t as intended. Fiona’s concerned it is being used as a sledgehammer, without explanation, and its hostile use creates them and us. Fiona reminds us social theories are explanatory narratives, making sense about the world and a watershed moment for some, but they are theories, the social model isn’t a fact. Fiona suggests being disabled can be a constant state of ambivalence with the negative reminders we frequently receive having a cumulative impact. Fiona encourages us to have dialogue, to listen and above all else, to read more. 

It’s a treat to listen, think and absorb Fiona’s thinking, her concerns about what is happening, what’s been lost along with what we can do and what we need to think about in the future. 

And some reading and watching recommendations for you, Geoff returns with his Cultural Corner. This month it’s Mare of Easttown and The Shipping News. 

Biography

Professor Fiona Kumari Campbell, is Professor of Disability and Ableism Studies in the School of Education & Social Work, University of Dundee, Fiona is an interdisciplinary scholar-activist and not a traditional academic, being biracial, disabled, LGBT and from a religious minority background. Fiona has written extensively on issues related to disability – a philosophy & sociology of ableism, disability in Sri Lanka, law, biotechnology and is recognised as a world leader in scholarship around studies in ableism.

Further information and links

Papers and publications on Academia Educ

Contours of Ableism - Professor Fiona Kumari Campbell, Palgrave Macmillan, 2009

Internalised Ableism: The Tyranny Within from Contours of Ableism (also Internalised Oppression)

United Nations Human Rights video - What is Ableism? 

People and topics Fiona makes reference to 

Sayonara CP / Goodbye CP 

Japanese film featuring people with Cerebral Palsy 1972

Theory as a Liberatory Practice “I saw in theory…a location for healing” 

bell hooks, Glorian Jean Watkins 

Articulating a sociology of desire exceeding the normative shadows 

by James Overboe

"I refuse to be an accountant of atrocity."  Randall Kennedy  

General 

BBC article on micro-agressions and ableist language

NCCJ Handy primer with disability essentials 

Thank you to <