The Pedagogical Sciences department, where Nienke Peters-Scheffer teaches, frequently organises guest lectures by people with a physical or mental disability. “We find it important that our students learn about developmental problems and impairments, and meet people with a disability,” she says. And yet, why do we need guest lectures to facilitate such meetings? “It’s characteristic of the limited visibility of people with a disability at the university.”
This is why Peters-Scheffer was pleasantly surprised by the initiative of researchers Wim de Jong and Nynke van den Boomen on including disability in the diversity and inclusion themes at Radboud University. Peters-Scheffer lists practical areas for improvement, such as better accessibility to the campus and lighting settings in buildings that are less of an impediment for partially sighted individuals. She also hopes for a paradigm shift. “We all want to lead a meaningful life, in which we get to grow, have wonderful experiences, and engage in authentic relationships. It seems to me that a university, with its multitude of tasks and open, curious individuals is the perfect place for people, without or without disability, to flourish.”
Flirt training
Peters-Scheffer mentions her work for Driestroom, an organisation that helps people with a disability to function in society at their own level and tempo. Her students frequently complete internships there. “They help with the most diverse things: from learning to use public transport to flirt training. The most touching story I heard was about a student who helped a boy autonomously walk to his family home step by step. The boy was living under assistance in the neighbourhood, and it meant a lot to him to be able to visit his family himself.”
While the students gain valuable professional experience, the people with a disability get help with concrete issues. In the process, both parties also gain valuable contacts. “We now have a PhD candidate who studies the factors contributing to a meaningful life, but we already know that the things people find truly important are often very similar. And it doesn’t differ whether you have a disability or not.”
Hopeful acceptance
It is good to include people with a disability in your organisation, but that does not mean they have to work absolutely anywhere, or at any cost. “The last two decades were marked by the so-called citizenship paradigm. In this philosophy, people with a disability are first and foremost citizens with the same rights and responsibilities as people without disability.” Although this philosophy emerged from good intentions, namely equal treatment for all, for many people with a disability, it created impossible expectations. “You can hardly force employers to hire people with a disability. Some environments are simply too difficult, such as police officer on the street. In the same way, you cannot expect a person with an intellectual disability to conduct independent research, or teach at a university.”
Over the past five years, the paradigm has been shifting to the so-called dignity paradigm, in which acceptance and a hopeful attitude play a central role. “In this philosophy, the focus lies on what people are capable of, and what gives them energy.” And this is where Peters-Scheffer sees lots of opportunities for Radboud University. “A physical disability shouldn’t stand in the way of an academic career, but there are also all kinds of opportunities for people with an intellectual disability. For example in catering, as ‘experience experts’ in lectures, or working outdoors on our beautiful green campus. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone, irrespective of disability, could join in and gain meaningful experiences? Then we would no longer need guest lectures and internships to meet each other.”