Dr Bahner presents research at 5th Hungarian Disability Studies Conference
Dr Julia Bahner was a keynote speaker at the 5th Hungarian Disability Studies Conference in Budapest on the 28th of November.
The theme of the conference was 'Posthumanism and Disability – What does it mean to be human in the 21st Century?' Dr Bahner’s keynote focused on whether being sexual is considered part of being human for disabled people who require support from the welfare state. She drew on results from her PhD research as well as on preliminary findings from her current postdoctoral research in the School.
Through a cross-national approach, the research shows how states’ different policy approaches change the outcomes for disabled people in terms of support to explore and express their sexualities. A critical analysis of disability policies as well as sexual health policies reveals that these issues are seldom seen as ‘policy-relevant’ and are often less a priority than other rights – especially in times of austerity.
The conference took place at ELTE Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty for Special Needs Education, Institute for Disability and Social Participation.
