Performative artivism as a pedagogical and awareness-raising tool for making the demands of students with disabilities visible from the DISCA Manifesto

Abstract

The inclusion of students with disabilities in higher education remains a significant challenge in Ecuador, where structural barriers persist despite existing legal frameworks. This research-creation project presents a performative action developed by María José Machado, a researcher from the Kaleidos Research Group, Interdisciplinary Ethnography, whose objective was to disseminate the DISCA Manifesto, which was created based on contributions from students with disabilities at the University of Cuenca. Through the creation of a typographic collage, the action —framed within artivism and contextual art— sought to challenge hegemonic narratives and foster dialogue on inclusion, wellbeing, and diversity in academic environments. The proposal —an alternative communication strategy using visual poetry and performative art— highlights art as a critical and transformative tool capable of generating new ways of understanding disability and social justice in the university setting.