Institutionalization and the Continuing Struggle for Disability Liberation The word "institution" has a wide array of meanings and associations, both good and bad. Accordingly, there is a lot of ambivalence, and many conflicting viewpoints, about the nature and role of institutions, including how they affect disabled people. However, there are many overlaps between all forms of institutions, ranging from those viewed as the most benevolent such as public schools and psychiatric hospitals to those explicitly designed for punishment such as teen "boot camps" and prisons. Many of these core features are rooted in coercion and violence, or inevitably lead to them. This talk will discuss how institutions harm the disabled people within their walls, the rhetoric that allows them to continue doing so, and alternative models that respect the human rights and autonomy of disabled and other currently institutionalized people. FREE + OPEN TO THE PUBLIC /// BIO /// Shain M. Neumeier is an attorney and activist who has been working towards disability and youth liberation for the past eight years. Shain is a non-binary transgender and multiply disabled person, as well as a survivor of coercive treatment. They have spoken at conferences and universities across the country, and have been published in USA Today, Buzzfeed, and several anthologies on disability issues. They were awarded the 2015 Association of University Centers on Disabilities Leadership in Advocacy Award for their work to end abuse and neglect of youth and people with disabilities in institutional settings. /// ACCESS INFO /// Chair accessible elevators are located next to the main entrance of the Husky Union Building. CART captioning, ASL interpreting, and air purifiers have been requested. This event is scent free so please do not wear perfume, heavily scented personal care products or other products with fragrance. To learn more about being fragrance free: www.peggymunson.com… |