“A key part of disability rights lies in recognizing and respecting the power that our own words have in the world that we move through today. These fairy-tale stories we’ve been telling ourselves for thousands of years have never been only stories – in their language, in their focus on magic, in the modern fairy tale’s push for the happy ending, they help to shape and inform our ideas of what it means to be happy and fulfilled.”
(Leduc, 2020, p. 224)
We as early years professionals will examine the ways that fairy tales have shaped our expectations of disability. Disfigured will point the way toward a new world where disability is no longer a punishment or impediment, but rather accepted and embraced. We have a professional obligation to engage in reflective practice, deepen our understandings and increased our awareness as part of our commitment to ongoing learning.
In our second book club selection, Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space, Amanda Leduc seeks to challenge ableism of fairy tales and offers new ways to celebrate the magic of all bodies.
Leduc is a disabled Canadian writer, author, and public speaker who holds a Masters degree in Creative Writing from the University of St. Andrews. Leduc connects the fight for disability justice to the growth of modern, magical stories, and argues for increased awareness and acceptance of that which is other – helping us to see and celebrate the magic inherent in different bodies.
After reading the book independently, we will come together as a group on July 20 in Springbank Park, to discuss and share what we heard, learned, felt, and have been reflecting on. Light refreshments will be provided.
A copy of the book, mailed directly to you, is included in your registration. These books are ON LOAN to you from Strive and will be collected at the conclusion of this opportunity.
Spaces are limited, so in registering, we kindly ask that you commit to attending the gathering on July 20.
While we welcome participation from outside of the Early Years sector, please note these learning opportunities are intended for early years professionals and the early years lens will be emphasized.
To access printable poster, please use the following link:
Thursday July 20
6:00 – 7:30PM
Springbank Park
1085 Commissioners Rd W
London, ON
$5
*Ticket Types are based on the County you WORK in
**Elgin and Oxford Professionals please use access key