What does it mean to be beautiful?
This is a question humans throughout history and across cultures grapple. So often, our traditions present images of a certain type of ideals of beauty that rarely have relevance for the vast majority of people.
These stereotypes and ideals often leave individuals with disabilities out of the narrative completely.
That is changing and being challenged more frequently as witnessed by an exhibit by Central Michigan University audiology professor, Stacey Lim, called, “(dis)ABLED BEAUTY: the evolution of beauty, disability, and beauty,” which is running through August at CMU’s Clarke Historical Library.
Professor Lim, was born with profound hearing loss as well as a keen interest in fashion.
“I think being able to express yourself physically help breaks down the negative stereotypes of people with disabilities.” — Stacey Lim
If you and your students are looking for hope and inspiration on the power of creativity and technology to make a difference in people’s lives, in short, the best of what we as educators are aspiring to, please read Gary Piatek’s article and check out the exhibit next time you are on Central Michigan University’s Campus.
Questions for Discussion:
- What was professor Lim’s motivation for this exhibit?
- What was professor Lim and her collaborator, Tameka Ellington’s first research project?
- What university has the largest collection of hearing aids?
- What is professor Lim’s hope for this exhibit?
- What other research questions can you generate that would extend this research?
Wide Open Research 