Disability Justice Strategy: A discussion with Professor Eileen Baldry and Jeanette Purkis

Disability Justice Strategy: A discussion with Prof Eileen Baldry and Jeanette Purkis

Disability_Justice.jpg

15th October at 5:30pm at the Legal Aid Offices (ACT), 2 Allsop Street, Canberra City

Prof Eileen Baldry and Jeanette Purkis will present an argument for a Disability Justice Strategy to be introduced into the ACT justice system.

Central to the argument is identifying the existing institutional arrangements that fail the complex support needs of people and therefore provide pathways into the criminal justice system (CJS).

During their time in the criminal justice system Eileen and Jeanette have amassed a large amount of experience and knowlage in this field, they would now would like to put forward a compelling argument in how to manage people with complex support needs and also assist in the introduction of strategies to change the pathways to help prevent recidivism or entry into the CJS within the ACT.

Prof Eileen Baldry (BA, DipEd, MWP, PhD) is a Professor of Criminology at UNSW, where she has been an academic since 1993. Her current role is Deputy Vice-Chancellor Equity Diversity and Inclusion at UNSW. 

In 2016 Eileen was named as one of the inaugural PLuS Alliance Fellows in Social Justice, She also holds the distinguished position of Academic Chair of UNSW Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Board and is the current Deputy Chair of the Disability Council NSW.

Eileen’s research and publications focus on social justice matters and include mental health and cognitive disability in the criminal justice system; education, training and employment for prisoners and ex-prisoners; homelessness and transition from prison; Indigenous social work; community development and social housing and disability services.

 

Jeanette Purkis is an author, public servant and passionate advocate for Autistic people and their families, she is the author of 'Finding a Different Kind of Normal: Misadventures with Asperger Syndrome' – an autobiography, 'The Wonderful World of Work: A Workbook for Asperteens'- an activity book about employment for teens on the Autism spectrum.

She is co-author of 'The Guide to Good Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum' and 'The Parents' Practical Guide to Resilience for Children aged 2-10 on the Autism Spectrum.' Jeanette has also contributed to other books, journals, blogs and websites and has a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome and atypical schizophrenia. Jeanette has been working full-time for the Australian Public Service since 2007.

Dates
Contact
Legal Aid ACT: 6243 3411 or community.education@legalaidACT.org.au