Hey! Academics who have disabilities, are neurodiverse, and/or are d/Deaf!

[sciatrix]

You want a Slack to come and talk about that shit in with other folks in science who deal with this stuff? (It’s like Discord but a touch more professionally-oriented; no one can search anyone or share your info outside the group.)

I was at Evolution for a disability lunch that went really fucking well this past summer, and we decided that we should keep in touch more. Plans for organizing are ongoing (i.e. resource collection, a front-paging website, etc), but I think one of the most important things we can do is create more of a social network for academics dealing with disability. It can be an isolating experience, and talking breeds community breeds support.

Disability is broadly defined here. You do not need to be identified as disabled by your department or lab to come on in and participate. You don’t need to be diagnosed with anything, either. If you want to come in and say “I’m an ally” or “I’m really interested in this but I don’t know that I can self-define as disabled/neurodiverse/d/Deaf right now,” or “I’m interested but I’m scared I don’t count,” that’s okay. Come on in.

We’re primarily organizing around the needs of scientists in academia right now, but that does not mean that undergraduates who are aiming at that sort of career aren’t welcome, and we’re including “social sciences” under the banner of sciences.

Please pass it on if you know anyone who could use/is interested in such a space. If you’re interested, DM me or otherwise comment with an email address, and I’ll send you an invite.

Comments

[brainwane]

What a great idea!

May I make a technology suggestion, though I am not one of the people who will be a part of this group?

[sciatrix]

Yes, please do!

tech suggestion

[brainwane]

Have you ever taken a look at Zulip, which also has free hosting, but which has proper threading for conversations within a channel, and good search? I find it much easier to deal with & keep up with asynchronous conversation with Zulip than with Slack. (Disclaimer that I did some contract work with them a while back.)

Re: tech suggestion

[sciatrix]

I have not! I'll keep it in mind for future initiatives--this thing has been chugging quietly but consistently along since August, although I haven't signal boosted it too much before now. It's at the stage where I think that any serious attempt to transplant it to a new platform might kill the nascent community--communities are kind of like plants that way, or sourdough starters. Next time, though!

Re: tech suggestion

[brainwane]

Ahhhh, I see, it already exists -- understood! And I totally get it re: the tender new roots not necessarily being up to transplanting. :) Best wishes.

[katzenfabrik]

I think this means you know my ex-flatmate! (Very long hair, studies butterflies, is extremely awesome.)

I'm no longer really STEM enough to fit in the target group, but I'm excited that you're taking this initiative and wish you all lots of luck.

[kaberett]

The IAGD are probably interested & I'm happy to e-mail it to them given a link.

Mel Chua

[brainwane]

I think you may now be acquaintanced with my friend Mel Chua, a Deaf scholar, but in case you are not, here is a blog post of hers I think you will appreciate.