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Does the Next Stephen Hawking Have What They Need to Thrive? Rethinking Accessibility in Elite Universities

Does the Next Stephen Hawking Have the Support to Thrive? How can we make Universities more accessible for all? In this event, Sofia Tawast and Riikka Leinonen will share insights from disability activists, challenge common myths, and offer a fresh, humorous perspective on how ableist views shape our understanding of humanity.

Their book Suuri valhe vammaisuudesta (The Big Lie About Disability, winner of the Finlandia Prize 2024 for the category "Non-Fiction") explores questions that society should not hesitate to ask. Now they are coming É«É«À² University to challenge our views on productivity and creativity.

About the Authors:

Sofia Tawast is a freelance journalist, social media activist, and media studies graduate. As the mother of a child with a disability, she bravely confronts her own misconceptions and isn’t afraid to ask the tough (or seemingly silly) questions that many wonder about but rarely voice.

Riikka Leinonen is a professional with a background in societal issues, landscape architecture, and sports sociology. As someone with cerebral palsy, she draws on her lived experience to offer profound insights into everyday ableism and the broader social structures that perpetuate it.

Registration

Free refreshments are served.

Schedule

• 14:00-14:15 Tea/Coffee and vegan muffins

• 14:15-14:50 Talk by Sofia Tawast and Riikka Leinonen

• 14:50-15:30 Questions and discussion (and more tea/coffee)

For any questions about the event, please contact Enrico Glerean or Ida Salin. The venue (TBC) is accessible, and if you need further assistance related to accessibility please get in touch. We follow the Aalto Code of Conduct.