After day three of the conference, I have found myself surprised about much of the conversation topics. The theme of the conference, psycho-social disabilities, has interested me. I had never before thought about mental health issues as disabilities, but now after taking part in the conference and listening to the speakers, I wonder why it was not an obvious connection from the beginning and why, even though by law they are meant to be recognized as disabilities, many people don’t think of them together. Continue reading →

It has now been three days of conference, and I am happy to say that we have been learning a lot! Today, what interested me the most was the discussion on intersectionality. This was a new term for me, though it expressed an idea that is quite familiar. Continue reading →

Today, on day 3 of the conference in Galway, we began to dig into the details of the right to community living for individuals with disabilities under the CRPD. I was very intrigued to hear from the speakers from around the world on this topic, as we covered it in our class during the spring semester. The right to community living is a hot topic in the field of disability, because it is still being worked on in many societies. Continue reading →

The first few days of the conference were very enlightening and educational. We listened to a variety of panels and speakers describe their research, experiences and interpretations of the CRPD and Human Rights legislation.  One panel I found interesting was the “Mad Studies” panel on the second day. Continue reading →

I thought this subject was quite interesting. I wrote a population of “exile” in the title because to me, the groups mentioned in the definition of what “Mad Studies” is, there were psychiatric survivors, consumers (of services?), the mentally ill, patients, inmates, and so on and so forth. Continue reading →

I really appreciate what — said about the strength and weaknesses of international law. I think that I had a misconception that international law is all powerful, that what we have decided as an international community is all powerful, and it isn’t. Continue reading →

While exploring the streets of Galway on Sunday, I walked past a woman with a vibrant Mohawk. As someone who enjoys people-watching, I immediately admired her confidence and wondered what her story was. You can imagine my excitement when I realized that the stranger on the sidewalk was Jolijn Santegoeds, one of the speakers at the 9^th International Disability Law Summer School. Continue reading →

The opening lectures of the second day at the conference we very interesting to me. I feel very fortunate to be able to listen to such passionate speakers from all over the world. A few lectures stuck out to me more than others for some unique reasons. Continue reading →

Within the conclusion of our first week in Dublin, I think it is important to access my overall experiences in relation to disability. My favorite activity this week was horseback riding. Since I was little, I have always loved all types of animals. Connecting with animals has always been therapeutic for me. Continue reading →

The first day of conference was very interesting and intriguing for me. There are about 200 people here representing 50 countries. It is so eye opening to hear from people from all over the world and their experiences there. Continue reading →