Disability Microaggressions in Education

We will discuss how to identify and intervene against microaggressions to make schools welcoming spaces for students with disability.

About this Event

Microaggressions, a term coined in 1970 by Chester Pierce, refers to remarks that are more than insensitive comments or insults . Rather, they are statements, questions, or actions that are painful and demeaning because they are connected to negative disability stereotypes. Microaggressions are disconcerting as they happen casually and often without any harm intended as they are outside the perpetrator’s awareness of their own bias. Therefore, they differ from overt discriminatory remarks which are conscious and intentional but are usually easier to deal with. However, microaggressions can have long-lasting negative effects for those on the receiving end, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and mental health problems. The cumulative impact of microaggressions are described by the metaphor 'death by a thousand cuts'. Microaggressions are constant reminders of the recipient's second-class status at school and are symbolic of past injustices directed toward people with disability.

In this webinar we will:

1. Define microaggressions
2. Examine the research on microaggressions
3. Develop an understanding that good intentions can have a harmful impact
4. Discuss real-life examples of microaggressions
5. Explore strategies to raise awareness of microaggressions
6. Discuss steps to create a welcoming environment in your school or classroom

Intended Audience:

Teachers, parents and other professionals who are interested in inclusive education, disability and social justice.

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 'Ebook and certificate' 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 addressing 1:6 'Design and implement teaching activities that support the participation and learning of students with disability and address relevant policy and legislative requirements' 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