An important event
The Transformation of practices and new representations of disability conference was held at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) in August 2024. This important event brought together researchers, members of the community, artists and speakers from the field of disability from France, Belgium, Switzerland and many more!
Our team of AQEIPS project managers participated in this three-day conference at UQAM, to discuss and explore new practices aimed at offering more inclusive and varied representations of disability. Throughout this event, emphasis was placed on the importance of interdisciplinarity and collaboration between different groups and/or specialists, leading to a better understanding of various lived realities. This event inspired several reflections among the AQEIPS team.
Different terms, and different actions
Both in the research environment and in the community environment, it seems common to favor the specific usage of certain terms. The transition from the term “handicapped people” to “people with disabilities” is an example of this. In-depth discussions on the use of words and their variations to describe individuals ultimately concluded with the need to implement concrete actions to promote inclusion and accessibility.
It seems necessary to recognize that although language plays a crucial role in understanding and representing the realities experienced by people with disabilities, it is imperative to translate this understanding into concrete actions, such as initiatives promoting accessibility.
Facilitating access to information
Throughout the activities and discussions during the event, a collective observation was made; access to research-related information must be made more accessible to the people concerned by the research.
“Why don’t I feel very “intelligent” in an academic environment?” and “How can we facilitate participation in conversations at research conferences?” are questions that were raised throughout the event. Sometimes, the information presented at conferences is not the easiest to understand. For people with more “field” experience, starting a dialogue with researchers is sometimes complex or intimidating.
The Transformations of practices and new representations of disability conference brought together a group of people from diverse backgrounds. The event took place with the goal of being open to and highlighting experiential knowledge. Open mic sessions and small-group discussions seem to have deconstructed the more traditional methods of scientific presentation; a well-received initiative. The same applies to certain efforts to popularize projects “by and for” people with disabilities, as well as certain initiatives such as easy to read and understand (FALC).
Valuing the experience of others
Throughout the conference, several presentations demonstrated the importance of integrating the perspectives of people with disabilities to enrich theories and practices in terms of inclusion, accessibility and self-determination. People working in the field were also able to enrich the conversation with their experiences.
Throughout the discussions, whether addressing theoretical and/or methodological aspects, artistic and cultural practices, digital technologies of care and support, it became clear that the integration of lived experiences contributes to a better understanding and more suitable solutions for those working in field of disability.
At AQEIPS, we welcome the initiatives proposed within the Transformations of practices and new representations of disability conference. We encourage our members and partners to get involved in research projects that promote their knowledge and experiences, in order to further the dialogue between the research and intervention community.
We would like to thank both the organizers of this conference, as well as the participants and speakers who are collaborating and contributing to make our world a more inclusive place!