Disability Studies

A two-story white brick building in disrepair with broken windows and surrounded by overgrown brush and grass. A flight of cement steps and a metal railing lead to the front door.

Trading Bars: Prisons as De Facto Mental Institutions

Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) have been barred from “polite” society throughout history. Many will eventually find their way to prison, behind a different set of bars, where there is little incentive to treat. Have we simply traded one form of confinement for another, even more cruel one?

A lone person, facing away, walking through the forest with lots of tress.

Autism Was Never an Accident

Autism was never an accident of Tylenol or vaccines or industrial life. It is not a side effect to be managed, nor a pathology to be cured. Autism has been preserved through millennia of natural selection as our ongoing contribution to humanity’s survival.

Collage of three images: 1) black & white image of Marinus van der Lubbe in court (September, 1933); 2) Commemorative plaque at the Memorial to the Victims of Euthanasia Murders in Brandenburg an der Havel; 3) Video still image of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with header caption, "RFK Jr.: Autism 'destroys' children."

Autism and the Modern Eugenics Movement

Autism and neurodivergent rights seem to be making an impact on our daily lives, with more emphasis on inclusion and recognition of differences. On the ground, things look very different. Autistic author Jorik Mol shares his assessment of current issues for neurodivergent communities in the Anglosphere, placing autistic rights in the context of renewed enthusiasm for eugenics in the 21st century.

5 women dressed in stylish activewear. IMAGE CREDIT: Chamiah Dewey, designer and founder of Dewey Clothing, London. The photo was from this collaboration with Selfridge. Used with permission. 

Adaptive Clothing: Addressing Inequity in Fashion for People with Disabilities

Although adaptivewear is a formally recognized category of clothing, it is not given much attention in fashion education programs. Adaptive clothing is often presented as a separate category and is not integrated into mainstream fashion assignments and educational collections. This can lead to a sense of separation that limits the visibility of adaptive clothing as a design and production opportunity for students.

DEI in business culture is not just a moral authoritative – it’s a strategic advantage for long-term growth and success.

Why Neurodiversity Is Essential for Business Growth

Neurodiversity is the key to building resilient, innovative, and forward-thinking businesses. By embracing the unique talents, skills, and passions of neurodivergent individuals, organisations can unlock renewed perspectives, drive creativity, and boost problem-solving capabilities. In an ever-evolving business scene, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where diverse minds thrive is not just a moral authoritative – it’s a strategic advantage for long-term growth and success.

Image of Author Yenn Purkis smiling attending the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras paired with a cover of their book, "A Neurodivergent Blogger: Posts Highlighting Lived Experience of Self-Determination, Pride, and Empowerment"

Autism, Gender Diversity, and Microaggressions

Autistic people are often transgender or otherwise gender divergent, which can make them even more subject to microaggressions. Author Yenn Purkis talks about how the lack of understanding and respect can translate into a range of harms, both small and large.

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