‘I Don’t Have Time For This’: Stuttering and the Politics of University Time

Dane Isaacs

doi:10.16993/sjdr.601

Abstract

Over the last four decades, increasing numbers of disabled students have entered institutions of higher education worldwide. Since 1994, the South African Government has been committed to transforming educational policy to redress the past oppression of disabled persons. Educational policies, legislation and interventions have been implemented to promote inclusive education. However, recent studies have found disabled students continue to be excluded and discriminated against at institutions of higher education in South Africa. In this analytical autoethnography, I describe my personal experiences of stuttering at two South African universities, exploring personal life stories through Felt’s (2017) concept of academic chronopolitics. I argue that chronopolitics, which exists in institutions of higher learning, acts as a barrier to inclusion and participation for disabled students, specifically those who stutter. I advocate for the creation of spaces that are enabling and inclusive for all disabled students.

Highlights

Universities, as prominent academic institutions, are made up of multiple assessment structures that are governed by stringent time pressures (Berg & Seeber 2016; Cannizzo 2018)
This study found that while provisions within disability policies at South African universities are multifaceted, there are gaps in the provision of resources that hamper the policy from taking full effect (Ramaahlo et al 2018)
Reflecting on my own experiences, I argue that chronopolitics, which is a key feature of the structure and regulation of the contemporary institutions of higher learning (IHL), acts as a barrier to inclusion and participation for disabled students, those who stutter

Summary

Introduction

Universities, as prominent academic institutions, are made up of multiple assessment structures that are governed by stringent time pressures (Berg & Seeber 2016; Cannizzo 2018). I reflect on my personal experiences as a university student living with stuttering. Through the lens of recent examples from my life, I discuss how chronopolitics, which exists in institutions of higher learning, aids the discrimination and oppression of disabled students, people who stutter.

Results

Conclusion