as the one who most recently posted about the term "disabled experts" which
seems to raise hackles among some, i want to describe what i meant instead of
trying to define what might be a meaningless term.
Often i am guilty of using shorthand, and apologize for this. Anyway,
regarding using invited expertise for disability-related classes, this could
cover an innumerable number of topics and as shorthand, i called a particular
group of those people who should be invited , "disabled experts."
What i meant to describe are individuals who are expert in some topic being
discussed by the class (architectural barriers, eugenics, law,
parenting,social barriers, media,employment, community organizing, politics,
inclusive education etc) who also happen to have the first person perspective
on disability or, in the cae of parents, second person.
They are experts in some area and also disabled, or parents of disabled
children, and in classes i have observed, doubly powerful in the impact of
their presentations because their expertise is centred in two different but
equally valid experiences.
anyway, that is what i meant and sorry for offending anyone with the
"disabled expert" term.
Barbara
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