Disability Culture Notes from DownUnder
By Robyn Hunt
Book Review
Making a World of Difference: Christian Reflection on Disability
By Roy McCloughry and Wayne Morris
UK 2002
SPC
Holy Trinity Church
Marylebone
London NW1 4DU
Some years ago I was shocked and distressed to hear a devout Christian couple describe their deaf son as 'morally deficient' because he could not hear, and therefore in their belief, acquire the necessary understanding of right and wrong. Needless to say sign language and culture were not part of the discussion.
Since then I have discovered there are thriving Deaf faith communities. There is also growth in Christian and disability theology, much of the theology developed by disabled people.
Making a World of Difference makes a considerable contribution to this theology despite being a small paperback of less than 150 pages. Although I found the front cover a bit 'new agey,' the content is very mainstream Church of England.
Despite coming from a mainstream Christian background, the content will be challenging to many non-disabled churchgoers, and perhaps some disabled ones too. The book takes a biblical approach to disability, and links it with current disability thinking.
The authors claim that 'This book has presented an alternative theological perspective on disability and a model of society and the Church in which disabled people can be free to be themselves, and contribute to every aspect of a society's life on an equal basis with non-disabled people.'
This claim is well supported. Discussion is clear and accessible to the average reader, being free of jargon and academic style, although the scholarship is sound. Chapter headings include The Disabled Christ, From Care to Friendship, Healing and Wholeness and from Deficit to Diversity.
A need for radical change is placed in the context of disability rights rather than charity, empowerment rather than pity. The text is liberally sprinkled with quotes and stories from the authors' own experience, and those of other disabled people, not all of them British.
Making a World of Difference is written largely for a British audience, and in that cultural and faith context, with a list of contacts for disability organisations and an outline of the implications for churches of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act. That does not detract too much from its essential value
Very importantly, it also has a 10 point practical action list to raise the profile of the issues and create inclusion for churches right here and now. My only disappointment here was that it did not include any points on making information accessible.
Its value is both for the general and the academic reader. I think this book will appeal to both. It has been compared to some of the writing of early feminist theologians in its potential impact
At this end of the world, the price of NZ$34.95 seemed a bit steep. Perhaps Amazon will do better. I have no indication of whether or not the book is available in other formats
Through the Whirlwind - Disability spirituality and Faith Conference
The first conference of this kind in New Zealand will take place in the capital, Wellington May 1 - 4, 2003.
Conference organiser Vicki Terrell says that the conference programme is not yet fnalised, but national and international speakers are being sought.
She says the inter-faith conference has a New Zealand focus but attendees from other countries are very welcome.
"Through the Whirlwind" aims to enable people with disabilities and others to explore the connections between disability, spirituality and faith, and to enhance the relationship and understanding between the disability and faith communities
The organisers reflect the diverse experience of disability, living daily with disability and faith. They want people's stories to be heard and honoured at the conference. Bio-ethics, theological and justice issues will be tackled. The work of carers will be supported, and practical advice on making communities more accessible will be available.
Vicki Terrell is an activist and leader in the development of disability policy in the Anglican Church in New Zealand. She says her vision is that the conference 'will be a time when the disability and faith communities can come together and talk together about issues in common.'
She hopes the conference will result in a network to continue the discussion, and 'space for people with disabilities to talk about faith issues in their own communities.
The conference has New Zealand and international ecumenical backing.
A call for papers will go out within the next two months. Contact vterrell@actrix.gen.nz
Update on the International Guild of Artists and Performers (http://www.diversitynz.com/igodap)
IGODAP is growing, with a membership of 116 from 97 in April. The latest bulletin has lots of interesting links I haven't had time to follow up yet. It also has a review of the Adelaide, Australia High Beam Festival which made me really wish I had been there.
A "News" page has been added to the site where members can send news about events etc, that will be updated regularly as news comes in. It is located at http://www.diversitynz.com/igodap/news.htm and there is a link from the homepage http://www.diversitynz.com/igodap/.
Members have begun to send database details and profiles for the site. The "Profile" page will be active shortly.
Since the inaugural meeting in Adelaide some legal issues have been identified. The Guild is looking for some free legal advice in the areas of insurance, licensing and legal queries from members.
In search of country representatives
To begin expanding capacity, the Guild would like to have representatives from different countries to act as key contact people for it. A Guild Representative would need to be available by email and/or phone to give advice to members in local regions about funding, promotion, access issues, discrimination and other matters relating to arts and disability. Email your details igodap@diversitynz.com
If you are not already a member this is an opportunity to join. The Guild is also building a resource of useful information, successful funding applications and helpful contacts for a new section on the web site.
Members can place a free100-word profile on the IGODAP web site by emailing it to the above address. Photographs are also acceptable.
There is a rumour that Philip Patston, founder of IGODAP is planning his own New Zealand International Disability Arts Festival. Watch this space.
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