CanChild: Redefining Childhood Disability
In a world where narratives shape perceptions and possibilities, our podcast episode "CanChild: Redefining Childhood Disability" offers an exploration into how we can reimagine childhood disabilities. Hosted by Kristy Wolfe, the episode features an insightful conversation with Dr. Peter Rosenbaum, co-founder of the CanChild Centre for Childhood-Onset Disability Research. Peter shares his transformative journey from the early days of developmental pediatrics to being part of the team that developed a strengths-based approach that celebrates the unique abilities of every child.
The episode begins with an introduction to the concept of digital storytelling, highlighting its power to transform perspectives. Peter delves into his experiences in developmental pediatrics, emphasizing the need to shift from viewing disabilities as limitations to recognizing the potential for growth and development in every child. Through the creative use of metaphors and expressions, digital storytelling offers a unique way to communicate complex ideas, fostering a more inclusive and empowering perspective in both medical practice and society.
One of the central themes discussed is the groundbreaking work of CanChild, which has been at the forefront of linking research with real-world community needs since its inception in 1988. The episode highlights the innovative partnerships that have been established, focusing on the "F words of Childhood Disability" framework. This approach has set a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide, emphasizing the importance of cultural adaptations and family empowerment in reshaping our understanding of childhood disabilities. Peter shares valuable insights into how these ideas can be tailored to fit different cultural contexts, enriching the conversation and fostering shared learning experiences.
The episode also addresses the critical shift from past approaches that often caused distress, towards recognizing neurodiversity and supporting parents through early intervention. Peter emphasizes the importance of empowering parents to feel competent in their roles, recognizing that traditional approaches have often neglected to support parents in understanding how to raise children who may not meet typical developmental milestones. The conversation underscores the need to focus on adaptable skills such as problem-solving and social interactions, which are crucial for children as they navigate their developmental years.
Episode 26 Key Messages
The Shift in Thinking about Disabilities 3:52
Peter emphasizes a significant shift in perspective: focusing on enhancing development and functioning in children with disabilities, even when done differently. He contrasts outdated ableist perspectives with approaches that celebrate individual abilities, which change how others view these children and set expectations that foster growth.The Collaborative Creation of CanChild 6:49
Peter outlines the founding of CanChild as a partnership between researchers and community-based rehabilitation programs. This collaboration allowed for research addressing real-world issues and created a sustainable infrastructure. CanChild's approach, focusing on relevance and co-creation, continues to guide impactful work.Family-Centered Care 16:38
Peter highlights CanChild's focus on families as essential partners in pediatric care. Through initiatives like Envisage, the organization supports families with resources on contemporary ideas about disability, parenting strategies, and self-care, emphasizing the reciprocal benefit to children when parents prioritize their own well-being.DST and Audience Engagement 24:29
Kristy underscores the importance of tailoring digital storytelling to specific audiences, facilitating meaningful conversations, and learning across different groups, such as families and service providers. She views these conversations as a powerful aspect of storytelling.
5. Empowering Families and Redefining Success 27:39
Peter advocates for empowering families by moving beyond a biomedical focus to a strengths-based approach. He highlights the importance of helping children navigate childhood challenges while recognizing the value of social and adaptive skills over traditional measures of success.
As the episode unfolds, the power of digital storytelling in fostering meaningful conversations and connections within communities is explored. The anticipation of story slam events, where participants can interact with storytellers and facilitators, highlights the engaging and enriching experience that storytelling can offer. These events are not just about watching stories unfold on screen but also about the engaging discussions that follow, creating a supportive community where meaningful conversations and connections thrive.
Throughout the episode, Peter Rosenbaum's insights into the liberating power of assistive devices and the importance of changing societal expectations offer a new narrative in childhood disability. By celebrating what children can achieve in their own ways, we can transform how we view disabilities and create a more inclusive world for all. This episode is a call to action, urging listeners to embrace neurodiversity and celebrate the strengths and possibilities that every child possesses.
This episode is a thought-provoking conversation that challenges traditional views and offers a new perspective on childhood disabilities. Through the power of digital storytelling, we can shift the narrative to focus on strengths and possibilities, fostering a more inclusive and empowering perspective for society and medical practice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the transformative potential of storytelling in shaping perceptions and building inclusive communities.
About Co-Created
Co-Created is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of digital storytelling. On each episode, host Kristy Wolfe dives into conversations with the storytellers and facilitators who bring digital stories to life.
If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.
Co-Created is presented by Common Language DST, digital storytelling facilitation training for health and wellness changemakers and is supported by the team at Snack Labs.
