About This Event

Deaf and disabled people' contributions to radical left political movements is neglected. This presentation uncovers this hidden history. The presentation will be in BSL, BSL/English interpreters will be present In this presentation, Dai O’Brien, Associate Professor of BSL and Deaf Studies, will look at some of the neglected history of deaf radicals both in the UK and internationally. When deaf or disabled people are involved in radical political movements, either their politics or their disability is minimised in an effort to make them more palatable to non-disabled audiences. Either they are portrayed as disabled people who are compliant, well-behaved citizens, or they are portrayed as political radicals whose disability is ignored. In this presentation, Dai will talk about deaf people who were involved in the global anarchist movement in the early part of the 20th century, with a particular focus on Leonard A Motler, who was born in Eccles and was an active member of the anarchist-communist movement in the UK. The presentation will look at Motler’s life and work, and reflect on what it means to be disabled within radical left spaces. Dai has worked in York St John University since 2012, after time studying in the University of Bristol, working in the NHS, and travelling the world. He is deaf and use British Sign Language, and he has a broad interest in all aspects of deaf people's lives and languages, with particular focus on political involvement and activism. Events Access & Inclusivity At York St John University we are committed to making our events as welcoming and inclusive for as many people as possible. If you are planning to attend one of our events and have specific access requirements, including wheelchair access, then please contact us by e: events@yorksj.ac.uk or t: 01904 876318 and we will make every effort to accommodate you. If you need a suitable seat reserved for you (and your companions), please let us know, preferably at least one week before the event. Sign language interpreters and real-time captioning may be requested in advance. Please contact us as soon as possible (ideally at least 3 weeks before the date of the event) if you require either BSL interpretation or captioning. We will try our best but cannot guarantee provision. Freedom of speech within the law and academic freedom are core principles of our University and underpin our mission to foster intellectual curiosity, rigorous debate, and the pursuit of knowledge. Our staff / students / SU colleagues are entitled to express their ideas and views, providing they do not violate the law. The law rightly prohibits speech that incites violence, terrorism and hate, but does not prohibit speech that others may find upsetting or offensive. As a University that embodies social justice, we expect people to treat each other with dignity and respect, but it is not our role to censor ways of thinking or stifle debate between those who hold opposing views. We understand that it can be frustrating to face views and perspectives that do not reflect our inclusive ethos at York St John University. However, we will not take disciplinary action against staff or students for lawful expression of their views, regardless of petitions, media campaigns or other external pressures. Parking There is limited parking for vehicles on site and they operate on a first come, first served basis. We have a small number of Blue Badge spaces available, these spaces can only be used if guests have pre registered their number plates by emailing events@yorksj.ac.uk. However please note that registering your details does not guarantee a space. Please ensure your blude badge is displayed clearly in the vehicle. ANPR cameras are in operation 24/7. Privacy Policy York St John University will use the data you submit in Eventbrite for the purposes of administering this event. York St John University utilises third party software for data storage, tracking and analysis activity but your details will not be used by any of these third parties in order to contact you Any data you share with us will be used to help us improve your event experience and for event tracking and analysis activity within the University. We will only send you important information and reminders related to the event you have booked unless you tell us otherwise. During the booking process, if you opt-in to receive emails about the latest events hosted and supported by York St John University, you consent to York St John University contacting you with relevant information. If you no longer wish to hear from us you can opt-out at any time by changing your contact preferences via the link in emails you receive from us or by emailing events@yorksj.ac.uk.

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