UOW Disability Research Network Seminar: Vulnerability & Belonging

The seminar will explore ‘Vulnerability & Belonging’.

Our speakers:

A/Prof. Helen Meekosha (UNSW) - Loneliness and Depression under Neo-Liberalism

Abstract: Loneliness is largely ignored, while acknowledged as an almost inevitable experience of old age, disability, refugee status etc. This talk will specifically concentrate on the issue of loneliness, given its neglect in both the social sciences and government policy in Australia and explore options for social change. The current situation brings up a clear distinction between social causes and individual problems which is where the connection to neo- liberalism with its emphasis on the individual is fundamental.

Dr Freda Hui (UOW – Faculty of Business) - Hard to Reach - NDIS experiences in Wollongong

Abstract: We interviewed 32 individuals who are characterised as ‘hard to reach’, a cohort that is missing out on benefits they might receive under the NDIS because of the socio-economic disadvantage that compounds their disability.

This project seeks to make a better life for people at the very bottom of society by enabling them to access the support that they need.

Phillip Crawford – Beyond Empathy (Illawarra)

Beyond Empathy (BE) collaborates with communities across Australia to shift perceptions and generate positive social change through the process of creating and sharing art.

Please RSVP to me – shawn@uow.edu.au