About
At the heart of creating an inclusive world is the understanding that the conversations we have (or do not have) matter and have the power to shape perceptions, influence behaviour, and ultimately determine who feels seen, safe, and supported in our communities.
Our upcoming Conflicting ideas; Conflict and Compassionate Conversations is with the artist and activist Alison Lapper, the event will explore how language can stimulate a deeper sense of belonging for people with disabilities and why it’s essential that we use it mindfully.
Disability is often misrepresented, misunderstood, or left unspoken. Language can create distances or dehumanise individuals, groups, and impact negatively on mental health. This conversation will be open, intimate, and honest. Alison and Pascal Matthias, Vice President of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice at University of Southampton and audience will discuss her life and how she has fought tirelessly to improve how we speak and think about disability.
The conversation will be followed by audience questions and an opportunity to meet Alison briefly after the event.
This event is part of Pascal Matthias’ Conflicting ideas; Conflict and Compassionate Conversations series of conversations with leading voices.
Alison Lapper was born in Burton on Trent in1965 with a condition called phocomelia, this resulted in her being born without any arms and shortened legs. Alison spent her childhood and teenage years in specialist institutions. During this time the school experimented with prosthetic limbs to try and ‘normalise’ the children to help them ‘fit in’ with society. After years of operations, falls and struggling, Alison decided to ditch these and be herself.
At 17 Alison spent two years in an assessment centre where she learned to drive and was taught about life, how to cook, shop, take care of herself and how to be independent.
Aged 19 Alison moved to Shepherds Bush London, it was here that she learned to live!! She went shopping, clubbing and even got married – for a short time. It was in London that she began to study art and completed a Pre-Foundation and then a Foundation Course.
In 1990 Alison got a placement at University of Brighton to do a degree in Fine Arts so she moved to Sussex. After graduating in 1993 with a first-class honours degree in Fine Arts, Alison became a full member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) of which she still is today.
In 2014 Alison was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Brighton, she is still regularly involved with them as an alumnus.
Presented by John Hansard Gallery in partnership with Mayflower Studios, this event has been made possible through support from University of Southampton’s Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise.
Register now
