ALISS Disability History Month showcase 2025
Charlotte’s Story: Beyond the Normansfield Archive Dr Sarah E Hayward and Dr Stephanie Stroh
For our 2023 Disability History Month event, Dr Hayward presented a paper on her research into the life of Lucy. This was based on research carried out in the Normansfield Archive Collection. Normansfield Hospital was founded by John Langdon Down in 1868 as a private residential home and school for people (mostly children) with learning disabilities https://alissnet.com/aliss-showcase-2023/. This presentation gave an update on her ongoing research. She provided another case study on work from the archive, alongside co-researcher Dr Stephanie Stroh, They showcased the story of Charlotte, offering a fascinating case study which shows how the voices of the ‘disabled ‘ are often absent from official records and how they might be rediscovered via documentary research.
The research is written up in the latest issue of Aliss Quarterly
Participatory Research with Adults with Non-visible Disabilities and Older Adults to Open Access to Collections and Services Dr Emily Bradfield, Practitioner Research Associate: Collections & Wellbeing (older adults), The Fitzwilliam Museum
Emily’s work in inclusive practice focuses on creating meaningful, accessible experiences for older adults and adults living with chronic health conditions. Through programmes like Museums for Life, Take a Walk in My Shoes, and Stories of Care, She helps amplify underrepresented voices and foster deeper empathy and connection through storytelling and shared experiences.
Take a Walk in My Shoes
Museums for Life
Her tips and advice are contained in the latest issue of ALISS Quarterly
Supporting Autistic University Students: An Overview of Common Myths, Stereotypes and Assumptions Christine McAuliffe – Mental Health Mentor, LSBU
This talk served as an introduction to common theories of autistic cognition and an exploration of the stereotypes which may arise from these. The implications of this were explored in terms of theoretical debates, such as the Double Empathy Problem, and autistic mental health, including a discussion of masking, burnout and suicidality. Finally, these findings were contextualised in relation to supporting autistic university students, including recommendations for adjustments which span sensory, social and academic contexts.’
alissnet.com 