I'm Presenting at an International Conference!

Alison Coombs Start Date: Jun 3, 2018 - End Date: Aug 31, 2018
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina

My Travel Story

by: Alison Coombs Start Date: Jun 3, 2018 - End Date: Aug 31, 2018
August 30-September 1st I will be presenting at the Human Development and Capabilities Association Annual Meeting. The theme of this year's conference is “Human Development and Social Inclusion in an Urbanizing World." This theme is relevant to my professional work in Human Services and my academic research on disability. I am on a panel on he subject of paternalism. In my presentation, I argue that paternaliism can only be justifiable if it first meets the condition of not being grounded in or reinforcing stigma. I will primarily be focusing on stigma about competence that leads to paternalism toward people with disabilities. However, I will also be looking at paternalism toward other marginalized groups that leads to reinforcing and reproducing stigma.

I am eager for this opportunity to engage with an international group of scholars and practitioners in human development, to promote alternatives to paternalism in public policy approaches to marginalized groups, and to use my research for this conference to contuinue to make progress on my dissertation. I know that these discussions give me better perspective, and make me a better scholar, activist, and human services professional. 

I am asking my family, friends, and community to contribute what you can to help me take this incredible opportunity. Whether it be $5 or $100 or anything in between, I appreciate every dollar that folks can give. Thank you in advance for helping me pay for this trip.

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina