By Lily Zimmerman
Embrace It: We’re All Wired Differently
We Are Webs #wearewebs There is no normal. Each and every one of us has a unique neurobiologically-informed perspective and occupies a distinct node on the web of neurodiversity.
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We Are Webs Neurobiology is the interdisciplinary study of the nervous system, whose ultimate goal is to understand higher brain function and neurological disease at the cellular and molecular level. 4
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What is Neurodiversity? The notion that conditions like autism, dyslexia, and attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be regarded as naturally occurring cognitive variations with distinctive strengths that have contributed to the evolution of technology and culture rather than mere checklists of deficits and dysfunctions. 1
Sensory Processing Physical Agility and Balance
Sociality
Thought and Emotion Regulation Learning Style
My Neurobiological Perspective
Difficulty modulating focus
Trouble with reading, handwriting,
and spatial organization of text and numbers
Sensory processing difficulties 3
Critical Empathy The process of establishing informed and affective connections with other human beings, of thinking and feeling with them at some emotionally, intellectually, and socially significant level, while always remembering that such connections are complicated by sociohistorical forces that hinder the equitable, just relationships that we presumably seek. 2
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Utilizing Critical Empathy to Explore Identity Take a Moment to Ask Yourself: How do you see yourself when it comes to your social identity? Have you ever had the experience of someone mischaracterizing (or even insulting) some aspect of your social identity? How did you react? What factors do you think contributed to that person’s ignorance of your social identity? 3
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Utilizing Critical Empathy to Explore Social Identity Take a Moment to Ask Yourself: In what ways is your self-identity constructed from the inside out (by you) and the outside in (by the social and structural factors within which you live)? Describe this process, focusing on a particular aspect of your social identity. 3
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Utilizing Critical Empathy to Explore Social Identity
How much control do you feel you have when it comes to expressing and developing the socially-influenced elements of your identity? In what ways do social and structural factors impede or interfere with your sense of this social identity? 3
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Critical empathy involves hearing other peoples’ stories and then engaging in dialogues about each others’ perspectives.
How can we increase awareness, acceptance, and celebration of the neurodiversity among us?
Creative Self-Expression + Critical Empathy = Embracing Neurodiversity
Creative Self-Expression + Critical Empathy = Embracing Neurodiversity There are many ways to creatively express our neurodiverse experiences: Sculpt Dance Sing Vlog Discuss
y m f o e m o s e r s t a Ă p e r m e te H t a n ow
The D Center: Affirming of all Bodies, Minds, and Identities—We're UW's disabled and D/deaf Cultural Center. The D Center strives to create an inclusive, accessible space affirming of all bodies, minds and identities by fostering a culture of social justice and pride. We imagine a just society that values and respects all people as equals by centering universal design, access and diversity. 4
The D Center strives to better our University community by: - Fostering a community of d/Disability and d/Deaf pride - Centering & promoting social justice through creating an inclusive anti-oppressive environment - Sharing resources and tools for self-advocacy and empowerment - Developing and supporting social, cultural & educational programming - Collaborating to build stronger communities and coalitional ties - Engaging students, faculty, staff and community members with the principles of Universal Design - Promoting a socio-cultural understanding of disability to transform our society 4
Looking forward: Currently, I work with the UW D Center as Program Coordinator. I’m looking to use the lessons and skills learned throughout this research process to inform our path forward.
Action Step #1 Work with D Center Team to create “Inclusion Zone” plaques for faculty office doors (and buttons for others) which would be earned through disability training including a neurodiversity focus.
Inclusion Zone
“Inclusion Zone” Plaque Prototype: (Inspired the Q Center’s Saf(er) Zone plaques throughout campus)
- I have received the D Center’s disability diversity training. - I will listen to you and/or advocate for you. https://depts.washington.edu/dcenter/
How can you get involved? Develop critical empathy: 1) Examine your own social identity. 2) Listen to and learn from the sociohistorical experiences of others and try to understand their perspectives. 3) Engage in dialogues (with colleagues, friends, and family, and strangers) around contentious issue—especially those related to social identity.
How can you get involved? 4) Visit the D Center located in Mary Gates Hall 024. 5) Attend D Center events to help foster equity and inclusion at UW.
For more information, visit Lilyz.net to find this presentation and to see other work I’ve done. The “Critical Empathy” questions can also be found in Maureen Linker’s insightful social justice advocacy guide, Intellectual Empathy.
Thank You!
Info Sources
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NeuroTribes - Steve Silberman
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The (Un)Knowable Self And Others: Critical Empathy and Expressivism - Eric Leake
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Intellectual Empathy – Maureen Linker
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UW Neurobiology Website
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D Center Website
1 https://proopnarine.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/cayman_islands_reef.jpg 2 http://wrongplanet.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=179272 3 Original
Sketch - Lily Bartle
4 http://br.blog.trello.com/como-lembrar-e-executar-as-metas-da-familia-de-uma-vez-por-todas/ 5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZYNBZNY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Image Sources
6 http://psychology.iresearchnet.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Social-Identity-Theory-300x275.png 7https://socialtheory.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/social-theory.png 8 HBR 9 http://plannersweb.com/wp-content/uploads/1997/07/roundtable-group-discussion-icon.jpg 10 https://drawinglics.com/photos/1493877/english-phrasal-verbs-with-multiple-meanings-espresso-english-bringup2.py