Individual Journeys and Collective Learning: Patient and Provider Perspectives on the Transformative Possibilities of Disability Identity
Presented by two brain injury survivors and advocates who have experienced long-term symptoms stemming from “mild” Traumatic Brain Injuries, this presentation explores the impact of systemic ableism and the ways it manifests in the Canadian healthcare system. Lauren speaks from the perspective of somebody who worked in healthcare prior to her brain injury and was forced to reckon with her own internalized ableism on her recovery journey. Kyla speaks from her perspective as a writer and disability advocate who is an active member of the disability arts community. Both presenters will share their unique journeys before sharing some of their insights into this subject matter. Ableism and internalized ableism can be considered taboo, and misperceptions about disability are pervasive. This presentation will encourage us all to reflect on our own personal understandings of ableism and how it relates to our lives. We will begin to explore some of the systemic pressures that promote ableism within healthcare as well as the transformative possibilities that embracing a disability justice-informed perspective on disability can offer us.