The annual conference Subaltern Memories seeks to contribute towards highlighting the narratives and experiences of social groups that have historically been silenced or eclipsed by dominant discourses . In this third edition , we will delve into the historical context of disabilities to understand the importance of inclusive practices today .
For centuries , the voices of persons with disabilities have been relegated to the periphery of collective memory . People from these groups have had to live with discrimination and stigma or , in some cases , systematic extermination . Their story is a forceful reminder of the harmful consequences of marginalisation and points to the urgent need for change .
This year we will review cases such as that of Nazi Germany where hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities underwent forced euthanasia . Also the case of Finland , where during the 19th and 20th centuries , people who were deaf were submitted to sterilisation and abortion . Finally , from the local context we will discuss the path towards inclusion in the framework of a Spanish constitution that until 2024 referred to people with disabilities as “ handicapped ”.
The debates will introduce us to practices to recognise , repair and compensate through policies of memory , public art , research and civil society initiatives . In this way , we will explore the transformative potential of historical and collective memory to contribute , as much as possible , to achieving a more inclusive society .
Organised by : The European Observatory on Memories led by the University of Barcelona ’ s Solidarity Foundation , with the support of Barcelona City Council and co-funded by the European Union ’ s Citizens , Equality , Rights and Values ( CERV ) Programme .