In our meetup in April 2025, we delved into thought-provoking questions about Disability and Inclusivity: How can we create an inclusive society? What defines disability? Who should be considered ‘experts’ in making such judgements? What does true inclusivity look like?
This meetup featured a short talk from PhD student at the University of Birmingham, Susie Clark, who specialises in the philosophy of disability. She works with local charities such as The Philosophers’ Yard to use philosophy to create more inclusive spaces in schools and businesses. In her talk, Susie explored how philosophy can be used by disabled people to make sense of their identities and to create change in traditionally inaccessible societies. We learned about the medical and social model of disability, and the balance between them.
The event took place at BRIG Café at The Warehouse, located in the Birmingham city centre. The ambiance was perfect for connecting with others who are searching for deeper understanding and meaningful connections.
At this meetup we discussed these questions.
Susie Clarks’ Reading List
Nick Walker’s Neuroqueers: The Writings of Nick Walker
Robert Chapman’s Autism Isn’t Just A Medical Diagnosis — It’s A Political Identity
Andrew Levy’s A Brain Wider Than the Sky: A Migraine Diary
Elizabeth Barnes’s The Minority Body: A Theory of Disability
Nabila Gardner’s Reading List
Making the West Midlands an exemplary region for disabled people
Experts to be Aware Of: Dr Shani Dhanda | Charlie McNeill | Isaac Harvey | Shezad Nawa | Alice Hargreaves
Interested in a workshop with The Philosophers' Yard?
If you would like us to come into your school or organisation to run a workshop on the philosophy of disability, then please email us at:
Workshops are lead by Susie Clark.