Can we learn about disability from the text 'Wonder'?

'Wonder' by R.J.Palacio is a popular novel that highlights the issue of social status based on ability/ disability as well as bullying, friendship and power relations. This novel is a rare find in the seriously under-represented collection of novels that address the topic of disability. However, some have questioned whether 'Wonder' hinders access to social justice for students with disability. A disability informed analysis of 'Wonder' requires a deep understanding of the power of language, the lived experience of disability and an understanding that disability is not a problem to be fixed, but rather is the result of interactions between the student with disability and the environment. Hence, disadvantage experienced by students with disability does not originate from their bodies, but rather comes from barriers within the school environment such as physical structures, institutional norms, and social attitudes.

In this live, interactive webinar we will:

1. Explore how disability is portrayed within 'Wonder'.
2. Examine the potential impact of the underlying messages about disability within this text.
3. Discuss how to apply a disability studies lens to 'Wonder' so that it supports the aims of inclusive education.
4. Introduce the genre of CripLit, along with guidelines for how to choose a text that portrays disabled people respectfully, thus creating an inclusive and safe space for all.
   
   

Intended Audience:

Anyone interested in literature, inclusion and social justice for students with disability.

Presenter:

Dr Leanne Longfellow is a teacher, academic researcher and a parent of a young adult with disabilities. Her teaching career spans over 30 years and includes special education, early intervention and mainstream contexts. Leanne has provided numerous professional learning sessions for educators and presented at both Australian and international educational conferences.

Participants who choose the option 'With certificate and e-book' will receive:

• A certificate of attendance referenced to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers ✳︎
• Electronic handouts of the notes and suggested reading.

✳︎ Completing this workshop will contribute one hour of professional learning from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher accreditation.

Testimonials from previous workshops:

'I loved that the topics covered and information expressed was applicable to all students not just those with special needs. It’s a whole class approach too! Very practical!' Nicole Zacher

'I liked the way the professional learning was presented with strategies to support behaviours.' Amelia Pickard

'Clear and to the point. Relatable to school environment. Do-able'. Marie Foreman'

'Full of information and examples, scenarios and ideas to take away. Talk time at the end of the session was good to be able to discuss different strategies'. Leesa

'I liked the examples during the slideshow. Breakdown of behaviour management strategies used now and overtime and how they have/ haven’t worked.' Alison McConachy

'Informative. Practical ideas for students with learning disabilities.' Helen Braley

'The strategies were clearly set out and identified and explained thoroughly.' Emily Shepherd

'This workshop exceeded all my expectations.' Abbie Kemp