Episode 7: Genetic Difference, Disability, and Inclusion

In this episode, Arielle Silverman, PhD, Director of Research for the American Foundation for the Blind, discusses genetic difference and disability, including her own congenital blindness and the need to move towards a more inclusivity-focused mindset. She shares insights from her book Just Human: The Quest for Disability Wisdom, Respect, and Inclusion as well as her research.

KEY TOPICS 

• Introduction to genetic difference & disability, Dr. Arielle Silverman, Director of Research for the American Foundation for the Blind [00:00 - 4:15]

• Excerpt from Arielle Silverman’s book, Just Human: The Quest for Disability Wisdom, Respect, and Inclusion [4:15 - 8:33]

• Can you talk about your research on disability simulation exercises and emotional perspective taking? [8:34 - 13:30]

• Do you think true empathy building exercises are even possible for better understanding the experiences of people living with disability and difference? [13:30 - 15:07]

• What are the five stages of inclusion related to people with disabilities or difference that you write about in your book? [15:07 - 20:24]

• How do you think we can shift people's mindset around inclusion? [20:24 - 22:24]

• What do you wish people and clinicians understood better about your lived experience as a blind woman, advocate, and researcher? [22:24 - 25:14]

• Given that genetic screening and testing has become a standard of care in prenatal medicine, how do you think genetic counselors should approach prospective parents when talking about the wide variety of genetic differences and disabilities? [25:15 - 29:55]

• Could you describe the differences between how a blind person and a sighted person does complex math? [29:56 - 35:15]

• Do you consider being blind a form of neurodivergence since your brain is doing the same things, but just going about it differently? [35:16 - 36:43]

• Can you talk a little bit about that work and your views about how we can better support kids with disabilities? [36:44 - 39:37]

• Wrap up [39:37- 41:08]