Some Serious Stuff

Not surprising but my eat and run plan last night totally fell by the wayside as a 3 course meal and French red wine is not a thing to be rushed.  Found myself at a table of charming new friends full of lively conversation so I got back to the hotel late. 

I’m also finding it difficult to sleep in because as soon as I’m awake my mind is on full alert.  This morning I was up at 6.30 because I thought the clock said 7.30.  By the time I realised the mistake I was up with a cup of tea immersed in internet research.

I’ve achieved a lot today so tomorrow I’m planning some sightseeing before I leave Lancaster and then and evening of tape logging. (let’s see if those plans come to fruition).

The reason for my coming to this conference made sense today as I recorded 4 interviews with key figures in the disabled people’s movement as it’s called here.  Unfortunately all had the unavoidable vertical blinds background – with varying degrees of colour correction depending on the time of day.  The plan is that a combination of their scintillating comments and an abundance of archival visual material will make it all good.

First interview was with Carol Thomas, head of the Centre for Disability Research who put on the conference here in Lancaster.  Amongst other things she talked about how those in the medical profession need to better understand the experience of disabled people.  She also talked about the additional disadvantages experienced by women with disabilities and she told a story of a disabled woman who had a child on her own without a partner (beyond initial conception obviously). She said that every time a midwife or other support service came to the woman’s home she would spend ages making sure that the house looked neat and tidy because she was terrified that if anyone thought that she wasn’t coping with motherhood then social services might be brought in to remove her child from her.

Peter Beresford came next and talked about users of mental health services and how they are often not allowed to contribute to society.  He gave the example of a woman he knew who was not allowed to adopt a child because of a past history of schizophrenia despite her having what he considered were the makings of a very good mother.

The message that I get from these two examples is that as a society we are not coming from a viewpoint that disabled people have these rights and should be supported to succeed.  Instead there is an attitude that disabled people are incapable, and their taking on responsibilities becomes a burden for society if and when they need additional support.

Adolf Ratska was my next interviewee and he talked about his journey from Germany to California in the 1970’s where he encountered the independent living movement and ultimately moved to Sweden where he established the Swedish independent living centre.

Finally Pam Thomas talked about her involvement with the Direct Action Network in the early 1990’s participating in lively protests including those  against Telethon – which seems ubiquitous across the world – and inaccessible railways.  She also talked about some of the disability arts performers including Johnny Crescendo who I’m going to meet in America.  Everyone I talk to knows and loves Johnny so I’m really looking forward to meeting him.

I’m back where I was this time yesterday waiting to go to another dinner.  Really tired and really only ready for a night in front of the telly – like that’s going to happen.  I haven’t watched a moment of telly since I left home (not including the 4 movies on the plane).  I only found out we have a new government from someone I spoke to here.  I’m assuming Gillard is still PM but the really important thing is is Bill Shorten still our man in Canberra?

Haven’t take a single photo today that wasn’t at 25 frames per second but tomorrow I promise a little more sightseeing and colour and movement.