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The event will explore disability through historical, cultural and social perspectives, examining how disability is represented, understood and experienced, while challenging stigma and promoting social justice.
The programme features presentations spanning history, literature, education, social work, workplace neurodiversity, disability rights and lived experience, alongside contributions from University staff networks and external partners. The day will conclude with a keynote address from Professor Chun-Shan (Sandie) Yi on the role of the arts in challenging perceptions of disability and notions of "normality".
This event provides an opportunity to learn, connect and engage with emerging research and voices shaping disability discourse in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Accessibility
BSL interpretation, automatic live captions, and a quiet room will be available throughout the event. A hearing loop system is also available. The links at the bottom of this page provide information on building locations and include virtual campus graphics of the reception area.
The venue is a small atrium and is located on the third floor and can be accessed via lift. Accessible toilets are located nearby, and assistance with navigating the space can be provided if required.
We are committed to making this event as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know when registering so that we can support your participation.
Schedule
9:30am to 10am – Registration and Tea/Coffee
10am to 10:15am - Opening Address – Prof. Mary Hannon-Fletcher (Ulster University Dean of EDI)
10:15am to 11:30am - Histories and Humanities
- Andrew Sneddon (History), ‘Witchcraft and Disability in the Early Modern World’.
- James Ward (English), ‘Madness, Sanism and Myth: Disability Perspectives on Jonathan Swift’.
- Ian Miller and Hannah Brown (History), ‘Understanding Post-Second World War Disabilities in Northern Ireland through Oral History’.
11:45am to 12pm – Tea/Coffee Break
12pm to 1:15pm - Educating
- Una O’Connor Bones (Education), ‘The Role of Classroom Assistants Employed to Support Pupils with SEN in Schools’.
- Tony McGinn (Social Work), ‘Improving Educational Experiences for People with a Disability using Voice-Based AI agents - Three Case Studies’.
- Connor Smyth (Social Work), ‘Giving Government Social Care Funding Directly to Service Users: A Film Documentary Exploring the Power of Self-Directed Support’.
1:15pm to 2pm - Lunch
2pm to 3:15pm – Networks and Voices
- Staff Disability Network (Claire Woods (School of Education)).
- NeuroNetwork (Sharron Sturgess, Student Success), ‘Neurodiversity in the University Workplace’.
- Carers Network (MA Psychology student, Alanna Topham), ‘Neurodivergence, Motherhood and Studying at Ulster University’ (online presentation).
3:15pm to 3:30pm – Tea/Coffee
3:30pm to 4:30pm Disability and Northern Ireland
- Disability Action (Greta Gurklyte/Grace Fairley), ‘Nothing About Us Without Us: The Evolution of Disability Rights in Northern Ireland’.
- Deena Nimick (Centre for Independent Living), ‘Risk and Disability’.
- Lorraine Dennis (Belfast City Council), ‘Disability in the City’.
4:30pm to 5:30pm Keynote:
- Chun-Shan (Sandie) Yi (School of the Art Institute of Chicago), ‘The Role of the Arts to Challenge What is Normal and ‘Performing the Disabled Body through Everyday Social, Cultural and Political Interactions’ (online presentation).
Belfast Campus
2-24 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AP
