A SUMMARY – The ACLHISTADOM© Project
Birth of a Historical Archive
INTRODUCTION
Everyone is aware that Australia was initially a penal colony. An unrecognised and dis-acknowledged fact is that the settlement of Australia was done of the backs of some people who were impaired. The disability factor is one piece of history, that has not been recorded in depth, no acknowledgement has been given to those people who society rejected and in some cases still does reject today.
Tracing the history of disability is like uncovering a whole facet of society that shows many differences, strengths and abilities that make up a nation, culture and empire.
The history of disability is scattered throughout the journals of the world. People are beginning to realise that there is a wealth of knowledge and understanding that needs to be understood by society in order to create some form of equanimity in the lives of those that are classified as disabled.
For people with classified disabilities it is important to belong and to be a part of the big picture, therefore it is essential that an historical perspective is created to assist every level of the community to embrace those who are differently able, those who society once rejected (and still do in some cultures).
The establishment of an international centre for the collection, display and recording of disability history and development is required. Reasons for such a centre are many. Basically if there is a centre, either physical or in cyberspace or both, the importance of diversity in the human evolution would be greatly enhanced by such practical development.
THE BIRTH OF A PROJECT
The DREAM. Trust is spearheading a project whereby a national and international archive be established to collect and display records and artefacts ranging from the simple to the complex in all areas of disability endeavour. Such a centre would contain records on all matters, big or small, pertaining to the growth and recognition that people with classified disabilities have had in society.
These records will cover:
- Medical, sociological, psychological and political (policies and legislations)
- Creative; art forms (painting, pottery, modern media such as photography, film/television, drama; writing (fictitious and fact), print media,
- Sport
- Technology and Design both medical and assisted equipment
- Extraordinary endeavours and achievements
- War
These record categories are by no means definitive or exhaustive.
This centre would also house an array of displays both historical and up-to-date examples of developments in the field of disAbility.
The archive should reflect the efforts, trials and tribulations of individuals who have challenged the norm of society and in doing so have transformed their disabilities into accepted ability that enhance the spirit of being human. History in this case will be the final
acclamation of people who are classified as disabled as being a valuable part in the fabric of society
The establishment of an international centre for the collection, display and recording of disability history is essential and timely. Reasons for such a centre are many. Basically if there is a centre, either physical or in cyberspace or both, the importance of diversity in the human evolution would be greatly enhanced by such practical development.
Developing such a concept into physical reality is enormous and needs to be approached as a collective and collaborative effort, as disability by itself is not an attractive drawcard. The objective of such an effort would be to create out of disability that which can inspire, motivate and stimulate positive attitudes regarding differences and diversity in our society
This huge undertaking is called “The Aclhistadom © ”* – A Centre of Endeavours and Transformation of the Human Potential”. The reasons for using a created word is that there is no wording in the English language defining this record of the continuum effect that disability has on society, to show individuals that people who are classified as disabled have been present at all stages of human development.
The new word is a clear definition and category for a facility of great significance. The development of a new word for this facility had to have the essence of the words Academy, history and a large natural space. The Academy means learning and education, History means times past , Alchemy is a changing of elements, a mixture, a blend, turning one thing into another - metal to gold. The Alchemy is needed to change dispar into hope and into the light of positive reality for good – the Aclhistadom.
ACLHISTADOM: -
Definition: a place of enlightenment, history, present and future life; a place of change, a showplace of honour, a place of true education, a place that transforms the mind, body and soul; a pinnacle where all reality dimensions come together in peace, harmony and understanding, where hope and goodness lay and foster without judgment.
People and societies who have gone beyond the accepted standards need to be acknowledged in a centre of inspiration and motivation. Such a centre would be a powerful testimony to the achievements of human potential, spirit and endurance against the odds that would point to mediocrity, if there wasn’t any hope to transform and change lives.
The DREAM. Trust is committed to see this project through to realisation, however your co-operation and assistance is needed.
YOU CAN CONTACT THE DREAM TRUST
For the complete paper to date on the Aclhistadom
On 01 61 2 66244055
or by email on adcnet@netbay.com.au