More than Kippers

Okay it's a Kipper - it tasted better than it looks

I’m afraid that the only image I have from today is the kipper I had for breakfast and really the day was about so much more than kippers.

Day 1 of the disability studies conference at Lancaster University.  The conference organisers set me up in my own little room so I could set up and film some interviews.  While I’m not there the room can be locked so there’s minimal packing and unpacking and dragging gear around – a big plus.  Unfortunately the visual interest point of the room is as set of the ubiquitous vertical blinds.  How many times have I found myself in a room with 27 chairs, a whiteboard and vertical blinds and had to make it look interesting.  Next time I think I’ll attempt a vertical sculpture out of the chairs for the background – actually that’s not a bad idea – maybe tomorrow – they are a very fetching shade of royal blue.

The day started with an interview with retired Professor Len Barton (no relation).  Len wore a hat, which partially made up for the lack of visual interest in the background but also made him tricky to light.  We had a great conversation that included a story about his transformation from working in special schools to being a committed critic of special education.  I was well prepared for the interview with Len as it had been booked in some weeks ago so I’d done my reading and knew enough of what he is about to ask intelligent questions - phew.

Later in the afternoon I seized the opportunity to interview Alan Sutherland the founder of …. And a great exponent of disability arts. This time I had done the reading …. About 3 months ago and had forgotten much of it – or at least failed to immediately match name with stories.  Thankfully soon after we began I had enough of a picture so things started to come back to me.  Alan is a performer and a storyteller and was happy to speak frankly …”I might get myself killed for saying this but …..” is always a good omen for an interviewer.

Between interviews I managed to attend one conference session – on death and dying.  The woman from Israel and I were shocked to learn that some disabled people in the UK can find themselves with DNR’s (Do Not Resuscitate) attached to them against their will.  They live in fear that if they find themselves critically ill in hospital the doctors will NOT to everything they can to save them despite their own desire to be resuscitated and to continue with their lives.  They must depend on loved ones to lobby for their lives to be saved.  This isn’t really anything I’ve ever thought about before but I don’t think it happens in Australia.  Correct me if I’m wrong but have the Brits just go a bit ahead of themselves in thinking this one through?

Three interviews lined up for tomorrow including Adolf Ratska who is a major figure in the Independent Living Movement and very charming.

I have quite a bit of homework to do tonight and I rather foolishly booked in to go to the conference dinner, which doesn’t start until 8pm.  My hotel is half an hour from the conference and I can only get internet access there as at the University it simply won’t work.  If I can get away with it I think I will eat and run.