City Lit Perspectives
Made Possible: stories of inspiration from the learning disabilities community
In conversation with Saba Salman, journalist and author, and Dan Pepper, Paralympian
A free lecture for the City Lit community. Wednesday 15 July 2020, 12.00 – 13.00, Online
Mark Malcomson will host the latest City Lit Perspectives event which will focus on the successes of people with learning disabilities and the barriers they still face to full inclusion in all elements of society. Journalist and author Saba Salman’s book 'Made Possible' discusses the authentic experiences of people with learning disabilities and what society misses out on by overlooking them, patronising them, and labelling them in terms of their conditions. She is joined by Dan Pepper, Paralympian and swimming coach, and one of eight remarkable individuals who contributed to the book. The discussion will be followed by questions from the audience.
This event will be interpreted into British Sign Language. Please note that interpreting is only visible on computers or laptops, not tablets or phones.
Speakers
Saba Salman is a social affairs journalist and regular writer for the Guardian. She has reported on equality and disability issues for more than 20 years, and her particular focus is the UK’s overlooked population of 1.5m people with learning disabilities.
Daniel Pepper is a Paralympian swimmer, having competed at the London 2012 Olympics. He went on to become a volunteer ambassador for the UK Sports Association, an organisation representing people with intellectual disability in sport across the UK. Daniel worked on the ‘hear my voice’ campaign that encourages young people with an intellectual disability to get into sport.
Mark Malcomson CBE (City Lit Principal and Chief Executive). Mark is the Chief Executive of City Lit, Europe’s biggest adult education college, based in London with over 30,000 adult part-time students. Previously, he has been the Director of Executive Education at London Business School and President of the New York Institute of Finance. He started his career as an international banker working for the First National Bank of Chicago. Mark has spoken, trained, facilitated and coached around the world, including in London, New York, Amsterdam, Moscow, Istanbul, Singapore, Melbourne, Mexico City and Beijing. He also teaches American history and politics at City Lit. He possesses a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Edinburgh; a Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Strathclyde; and a Masters in International Relations from the University of Kent. Mark was recognised in the 2017 Queen’s New Year’s Honours as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to adult education.
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- “This opportunity has allowed my soul to sing because I am actually doing what makes me feel free and happy. My approach to my life is more optimistic and open. I know now that I am here on this earth to learn! Angela Tulloch, Performing and Visual Arts Student and bursary recipient - (left image above)
- “All my working life I had been an engineer, learning British Sign Language has given me the opportunity to further my education as well helping me tackle my social anxiety and my isolation with depression.” Gary Law, BSL Student and bursary recipient - (middle image above)
- “The courses have given me a depth of clarity, which has transformed my perspective and approach. City Lit gives me a clear vision of the future, holds me accountable and responsible for myself. When I speak, I am heard and I listen. I feel hopeful and inspired.” Missie Biellie-Dee, Performing Arts and Creative Writing student and bursary recipient - (right image above)
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Discover the Centre for Learning Disabilitiy Education at City Lit
Our Centre for Learning Disability Education offers a creative arts-focussed portfolio of courses for adults with learning disabilities.
