A FILM BY CHRISTINE SUN KIN- A SELBY FILM
Watching Christine Sun Kin in the film revealed an interesting mission on her journey with sound as a disabled deaf, intelligent lady. She is trying to understand her world, to tell her story. We have to tell our stories, nobody can tell your story better than you.
Do I know how she sees the world she lives in? No, I don’t because I do not understand it. People sometimes, say things like I know or understand how you feel, no you don’t understand, you have never been there.
Reflecting on her work, she seems alone to understand who has the ownership of sound- equality! Claiming possession of her sound. Using sound to communicate- sound can be interpreted in different forms and meanings in different communities, culture and society.
Instruments like talking drums are used to send messages, but how does one understand the language of sound? Every object or material has its distinctive sound and patterns which is interpreted by trained ears or eyes as Christine Sun Kin observed, hearing with your eyes.
Last year, 1st year Fine Arts students at Chelsea College did a project on Mediums of communication in Arts, which included Sound, doodling, texturing writing using everyday ink, material and objects which Christine has so well done. It is so profound that she understands her positionality and intersectionality better than abled person.
Liquid sound was clear and inclusive.
DEAf- ACCESSIBILITY FOR SPOONIES LESSONS FROM TOURING
EVE AND MARY ARE HAVING COFFEE WHILE CHRONICALLY ILL
by Khairani Barokka
(OKKA) delved deep into invisible disability, exposing our ignorance and insensitivity toward disable people and the system which do not work for all or inclusive in her case, a woman of colour, with a voice not heard by the authorities around her. In my practice, with UAL disability policies and help, students are encouraged to use the services of DS. It is important that we have inclusive practices across the university both in accessibility, design, change of attitude and breaking barriers.
Sometimes, it is difficult for disabled students to seek help because of stigma attached to disability in the culture, community and Society. Talking about it and pushing it to the fore is the way forward. OKKA sacrificed her body in advocating for the course of inclusivity in the society. Representing a Country, a gender, and minority community of disabled people, who are the largest minority in the world.
This echoed across the articles, – A NOTE FROM BIRDS OF PARADISE, the community stands together in strength and we should also stand with them so we all can make the change of acceptance.
A few years ago, I interviewed a final year fashion student in LCF who was dyslexic, why she had extension, she said she was referred to the college DS in her 1st year, she was the only one in the class of 24 students, by the 3rd year, they were 20 of them. It shows students are not ashamed to come out and use the service of DS.
TERMS OF REFERENCES JOURNAL FROM SHADES OF NOIR.
UAL announced Shade of Noir is to become its centre for race and Practice based Social Justice, this is a long time coming. I was interviewed for Teaching Within Programme, when I was allowed to ask a question, I asked what is UAL doing to encourage SON in the good work she is doing for equality and social justice?
We do not turn a blind eye, in the injustice, inequality and racism in Higher Education.
UAL has a voice for change in SON, and it is sounding louder and pointing in the right direction.
There is a message of hope from SON
” The first phase of embedding Shade of Noirs work across UAL will see its acclaimed anti-racism training programme becoming compulsory for all UAL staff. Approximately 5000 staff in all roles and departments, including Courts of Governors, will receive a full day training across 2 years period”.
Mental health issue is another section that is being out to the fore, through Shade of Noir terms of References. Talking about it helps the sufferer seek advice and help.
Depression can be disruptive to everyday life, it is normal to talk about it and seek help.
We all have times and periods when we feel low in spirit, feeling sad and withdrawn, sometimes, these feelings pass but sometimes ist is prolonged and interfering with our everyday lives, then one becomes depressive and can be diagnosed as depression.
In my practice , I look out for students who don’t turn up for lessons or stopped looking alive. It is my teacher student pastoral duty and welfare ask of them and if possible refer the student to the right Agency for remedies and help.
Looking after oneself if key in abating depression, taking time out, breaks and exercise, and good sleep can improve wellbeing.
SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT FOR A GOOD LIVING.
Thank you for this thoughtful piece of writing.
The sensitivity and length of this article are an exemplary and impressive example of sensitive rigour.
What would have helped me would have been see subtitles and some further structure of this article.
Thank you for your thoughtful account, I will surely consider that in my next blog.