In this episode of 'The elephant in the room', EUI Law researcher, Michael Widdowson, offers insights into living with developmental dyspraxia, a learning difficulty that affects motor skills and hand-eye coordination. He shares his personal experiences, from managing everyday tasks to navigating academic environments, highlighting the challenges of having an impairment that is not visible on the outside. He explains that a disability can include many different visible and invisible impairments that society often overlooks.
In the episode, Michael talks about how getting diagnosed with dyspraxia marked a turning point in understanding the reasons why he felt different from others and helped him navigate living with a disability. He draws on data from the EU Disability Strategy 2021-2030, which highlights ongoing disparities in education and employment opportunities for disabled people. This resonates with his own experiences in school, where a lack of teacher training, limited funding, and insufficient support make it harder for students with disabilities to succeed.
Michael discusses the biases he faced throughout his education, remembering how teachers frequently underestimated and discouraged students with disabilities, failing to act as supportive gatekeepers. "When the entire system overlooks you or treats you as inferior, it is not surprising that people doubt their accomplishments when they finally succeed," he reflects, speaking about the imposter syndrome experienced by many disabled students.
The episode also explores societal perceptions of normalcy. Michael encourages everyone to "ignore the critics, believe in themselves, and stand up for their goals," while emphasising the importance of both systemic and societal change.
Listen to the episode on: MixCloud or YouTube.
Episode details:
Hosts: Giuseppe Zago, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the EUI, Christina Pasanikolaki, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Trainee
Guest: Michael Widdowson, PhD researcher at the EUI Law Department
This initiative was produced in collaboration with the EUI's researcher-led web radio, Radio Cavolo. Do you have a question about the podcast? Drop a line to [email protected].