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Educational inclusion and critical neuroscience: friends or foes?

BILLINGTON, Tom
2017

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Momentum is continuing to grow in the circulation of neuroscientific discourse, informing aspects of how we live but affecting too how we think about education and learning. Neurologically informed intrusions into education frequently align with psychology which has until now largely adopted a ‘medical model’, supporting policies and practices which ultimately invoke psychopathology and arguably render individual young people more vulnerable to various forms of social and educational exclusion. This paper urges caution in respect of understandings of educational neuroscience that focus on individual deficits and diagnoses. Rather it holds in mind the broader historical context for neuroscience and its implications for our understandings of what it is to be human in the twenty first century and thereafter for education and learning. Theoretical resources from critical and affective neuroscience but also critical educational psychology are brought together specifically to support the principles of inclusionist policies and practices in education.

Strengthening participation of children and young people with disability in advocacy

SIMMONS, Dr. Catharine
ROBINSON, Dr. Sally
October 2014

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Participation by children and young people in advocacy and change-making can not only improve and foster positive change in their own lives, but also influence the lives of others. When young people’s participation is supported, meaningful and engaged, multiple benefits accrue; their perspectives and experiences bring a unique contribution and can result in rights-based empowerment, enacted citizenship and improved relationships. This has the potential to shape policy, to increase the relevance and responsiveness of organisations they use, and to influence change in their communities in positive ways

 

However, there are significant issues and a range of barriers that discourage, prevent or actively exclude children and young people with disability from participating. A culture of low expectations, social and cultural barriers, relationship and identity difficulties and practical hurdles exist for many young people. As a result, many are precluded from participation, particularly around change-making activities

 

This paper examines how meaningful participation of children and young people with disability in advocacy and change-making can be strengthened. In the paper CDA calls for the promotion of children and young people’s participation as active and valued community members

HIV/AIDS and disability networking : summary report of survey consultation

CAMERON, Cathy
March 2010

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Recognising the importance of the connection between HIV and disability, this report aims to explore options for the development of a global network among the HIV/AIDS and disability fields in order to advance policy and program development. Through a survey consultation process, the report identifies and documents communication and collaborative activities that currently exist or are under development and provides recommendations to increase communication and collaboration. This report would be of interest to those working in the HIV/AIDS and disability fields

Community based rehabilitation : a strategy for peacebuilding

BOYCE, William
KOROS, Michael
HODGSON, Jennifer
2001

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There are features of peace building which distinguish it from peace keeping and which make it an appropriate strategy in dealing with vertical conflict and low intensity conflict. However, some theorists suggest that attempts to impose liberal values upon non-democratic cultures are misguided and lack an ethical basis. During post-conflict reconstruction, disability is a powerful emotive lever that can be used to mobilize cooperation between factions. Consequently, the paper investigates the peace building properties of community based approaches to disability in a number of countries. The paper describes the practice and impact of peace building through community based rehabilitation (CBR) strategies in the context of armed conflict. Finally, a number of benefits and challenges to using CBR strategies for peacebuilding purposes are identified

FIRAH resource center : applied research and disability

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION OF APPLIED DISABILITY RESEARCH (FIRAH)

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This resource centre develops and disseminates applied research on disability. The centre’s aim is to facilitate the establishment of collaborative applied research projects between researchers and people in the field; raise awareness and share new concepts and approaches with project starters and the public; and promote the results of applied research and share knowledge to facilitate their use on the field. The website has a documentary database, a section to facilitate the setting-up of research projects, which includes proposals for collaboration and a list of organisations supporting research, and general disability information 

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