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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

A Symbiotic Friendship Between a Registered Blind AuDHD Rhino and a Visibly Disabled Oxpecker

By Nicole Levina Maria Demos
29-Jan-25
A Symbiotic Friendship Between a Registered Blind AuDHD Rhino and a Visibly Disabled Oxpecker

As the weekend of November 22, 2024 approached, my calendar appeared empty—finally, a chance to rest after report card comments, parent-teacher conferences, and the pile of ungraded work. But instead of simply unwinding, it was time to focus on something fulfilling outside the ordinary day-to-day. For the 1,145 fellow educators attending, an early seasonal treat awaited: the SENIA Unplugged Inclusive Insights 2024 Virtual Conference, with both live and pre-recorded sessions available for the next six months. For those unfamiliar, Special Education Network and Inclusion Association (SENIA) advocates for inclusion by empowering a global community to connect, learn, and advocate for one another with the goal of creating a more inclusive world.

As a disabled educator, Board Member of SENIA Europe, and course facilitator for SENIA International in Finland, I had the privilege of hosting my dear friend and mentor, Jamie Shields, a disability advocate from Ireland. Jamie, a self-described “Registered Blind AuDHD Rhino” diagnosed with Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an adult, co-founded Disabled by Society. His mission is to shift exclusion to inclusion by providing training, podcasts, resources, and consultations. Jamie has also worked as a disability recruiter and consultant for companies like Google and the National Health Service (NHS), and has been recognized on the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 and the Diversity Power List.

During our session, we discussed the SENIA ecosystem—a space where diverse species like unicorns, rhinos, and oxpeckers coexist in harmony, free from judgment and barriers, and driven by empathy and inspiration.

In nature, rhinos—referred to as "keystone species"—reshape their environments, spreading nutrients and modifying vegetation. Their symbiotic relationship with oxpeckers, birds that warn rhinos of danger and help with pests, mirrors the relationship Jamie and I share: him as the rhino, and me as the oxpecker. Our discussion and keynote revolved around four key questions:

You identify as a Registered Blind AuDHD Rhino and talk about how just like rhinos can change ecosystems, Disabled people can change the systems that disable them, can you elaborate on what you mean by this?  

Jamie shared that his identity is shaped by his lived experiences and his comfort in embracing the term "disabled" and “disability.” He stressed that promoting disability history and honoring disabled trailblazers are essential. Jamie also emphasized the importance of creating a shared language that respects individual journeys while encouraging inclusion for all. An important stress was placed on the point that his and my journeys are uniquely our own and while common threads are found within each they are indeed separate.

Describe top five practices we should all be implementing in our everyday lives to support disabled students?

  1. Accessibility goes beyond ramps: It's about creating environments that remove all barriers to participation.

  2. Encourage inclusion in all activities: Even if accommodations are needed, participation reduces isolation.

  3. Remove the fear of disability: Approach disability with an educational lens, avoiding condescension.

  4. Embrace disability diversity: Share stories, seek representation in media and industries, and understand intersectionality.

  5. Promote collective efficacy in schools: Educators and advocates should work together, with shared purpose and practices.

Advocacy and Agency go “hand in hand” one can not be sustained without the other, how can this be amplified?

By empowering students with agency to play an active role in their education they are learning how to advocate for themselves. Providing choices in learning strategies, engaging in meaningful dialogues, allowing exploration and sharing, and teaching students how to ask for help are all critical components to advocacy and agency. Equally important is the notion that it is fine to lift others' voices - with their permission - if they are not ready or able to.

Is there any advice you would  give to little Jamie knowing what you know now in terms of your advocacy, work and experiences, the good the bad and the inaccessible? 

Find those around you who will genuinely make a difference in your life and keep them in your corner. Gather the tenacity to use your voice and speak out for what you deserve and need. Use your strength and resilience to move forward, set clear goals, feel all the feels as they arise, and do not be driven away by challenges. Embrace you, your journey, and your dreams for you are unique, as is your story. Every step, no matter how large or small, brings change in mindset, awareness, and heart.

At the end of our deep dive, we hope we encouraged and challenged our audience to join the inclusion revolution. We wanted them to engage in advocacy, raise awareness of ableism, and understand how it isolates us all. We explored the power of empathy while deconstructing biases around both visible and invisible disabilities. We emphasized the importance of promoting ongoing discussions and growth, even when they lead to uncomfortable moments that can ultimately spark overdue change.

Jamie and I are confident that our symbiotic friendship will last for ages. We are incredibly proud to have been part of SENIA Unplugged Inclusive Insights 2024, united in both voice and heart. With that, the rhino and oxpecker graciously look forward to a new day in their SENIA ecosystem.



References

https://www.seniainternational.org/mission/

https://disabledbysociety.com/

https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/species-spotlight-rhinoceros#:~:text=Rhinos%20are%20ecosystem%20engineers%20in,herbivores%20that%20share%20their%20home.

https://rhinorecoveryfund.org/oxpeckers-the-rhinos-guard/



Nicole Demos (she/disabled) is a disabled inclusive educator for over 32 years. She holds an Master of Arts in Education and an Master of Education in International Counseling. Nicole worked in Greece, the United States of America, Russia, and the United Kingdom before teaching Learning Support at the International School of Helsinki. She has presented workshops on educational trends, and participated in podcasts and blogs. As an active member of the Diversability Leadership Collective and SENIA Europe, Nicole strives to educate on the importance of inclusion, disability identity, advocacy, equity and belonging. Since leaving the International School of Helsinki, she has become a course facilitator at SENIA Academy which she enjoys. In addition Nicole has also been nominated to Diversability’s 2024 D-30 Disability Impact List for her continued efforts. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nixdemos/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-levina-maria-demos-she-her-hers-disabled-1a404131/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.demos.58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




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