Last year I ran a series of weekly discussion topics for GeekDis. I decided not to do that again this year as the engagement was very low. However, ahead of GeekDis starting I wanted to repost the list of questions as Disability Representation Discussion Topic Ideas for GeekDis for anyone who wanted a more guided approach to taking part in the event.

Talking about a monumental topic like disability representation isn’t easy. I know because I had the important job of trying to find the words to do just that while working on making GeekDis a reality.

Please remember

GeekDis is an event for the disability and neurodivergent communities only and these discussion topic ideas are aimed at people who identify as such. If you are non-disabled and want to discuss these topics please do it another time and do not use the GeekDis hashtag to do so. Please read here to find out why it is more important that you lift up disabled voices.

All types of disability are accepted (please see here for more details), as is self-diagnosis and no one is “not disabled enough”. We don’t do elitism here. The only exceptions are those who are posting on behalf (as in, with consent) of people with intellectual disabilities.

You can choose to do these in any way you want. Originally these were based on a week format, so there is one theme for each week of September if you want to break it down like that. Remember that these are just suggestions; you don’t need to stick to them in any way, you can change them to suit you, or you can blend them. Or if it helps to stick to a set path then follow them. The important thing here is for you to feel comfortable.

GeekDis takes place throughout the whole of September; it doesn’t matter whether you join in for one day, every day or even the last day. If it’s a day in September then it counts!

 

Language preference

I have used “disability” as a universal default, however, please replace the term “disability” with the language that makes you feel most comfortable.

 

Your thoughts on Disability Representation

• • • What does disability representation mean to you?
    • Have you seen your disability/ies represented in pop culture? (If yes, how correct was the representation?)
    • How do you think disability representation could be improved?

Disability Representation in Entertainment

• • • What are your thoughts on nondisabled actors playing disabled characters?
    • Do you think that disability representation in entertainment has improved?
    • What disability representations do you recommend for their accuracy?

Disability Representation in the news

• • • How often is your disability/ies featured in the news?
    • Do you feel that disabilities are only represented in the news from certain biased perspectives (i.e. negative or inspirational)?
    • How would you like to see disabilities represented in the news?

Disability Representation in Technology and Social Media

• • • Has technology and social media had a positive effect on disability representation?
    • Do you use social media to talk about disability representation?
    • Do you have any website or social media recommendations for people wanting to learn more about disability representation?

GeekDis Round-Up

• • • What was your favourite thing about GeekDis?
    • Tell us about someone else’s content that caught your attention.

 

Remember the Hashtag!

Remember to use the #geekdis hashtag on social media and WordPress, so I can find your content! If you’re on Twitter tag @geekdis2022, so I can retweet you. On Facebook and Instagram please tag @justgeekingby, so I can share!

I would love to know if you create your own discussion topics for GeekDis, so please let me know. Likewise, if you have any additional ideas for questions or themes! If you’re a bookworm keep an eye out for something fun and book related tomorrow

Are you planning to join in with the GeekDis discussion topics? Let me know in the comments below!

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