Updates and Events
Panel Discussion: What does it mean to be 'autism-friendly'?
Event Type: | Panel Discussion |
Date: | Wednesday, 10th April 2019 |
Time: | 2pm - 3pm |
Location: | CACSSS Seminar Room (G27). O'Rahilly Building (AKA 'The ORB') |
Target Audience: | All welcome |
Admission: | Free |
Our panel of speakers will be discussing the following question: "What does it mean to be 'autism-friendly'?"
UCC is aiming to become an ‘autism-friendly’ university – a university that has examined and put into practice the best ways to support our students, staff, and visitors with autism. But what do we mean by ‘autism-friendly’? How is ‘autism- friendliness’ different to ‘autism awareness’ or even ‘autism acceptance’? Join us for a panel discussion on the above topic. Audience questions will be welcomed.
--- Speaker Bios ---
Dr Stuart Neilson
Stuart Neilson lectures and writes about the autism spectrum as a health statistician and from his personal perspective of an Asperger syndrome diagnosis in 2009, at the age of 45. He was a founder member of the team that developed the innovative Diploma in Autism Studies at University College Cork, Ireland. He has a degree in computer science and a doctorate in mathematical modelling of inherent susceptibility to fatal disease. Stuart Neilson's most recent publications include “Living with Asperger syndrome and Autism in Ireland”, “Painted Lorries of Pakistan” and a chapter on sensory issues and social inclusion in the anthology “Knowing Why: Adult-Diagnosed Autistic People on Life and Autism”.
Dr Gill Harold
Gill Harold is a lecturer in the School of Applied Social Studies at University College Cork. With a background as a social geographer, her research interests focus on social constructions of identity and difference. Gill is currently involved in a project entitled Developing a Deaf Awareness and Accessibility Auditing Template, in partnership with Cork Deaf Association and Kerry Deaf Resource Centre, which is funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Authority.
Ms Rhona J. Flynn
Rhona Flynn is a final year undergraduate student and College Scholar at UCC. Her work focuses on the relationships between minds, brains and environments, and the gaps between science and experience. Rhona has been the recipient of several academic awards. She has Asperger's syndrome.