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Naomi L. Jacobs

@naomijacobs.bsky.social
2.3K followers 852 following 2.1K posts

Researcher-activist, Manchester Met @learningmet.bsky.social #DisabilityStudies Member, Neurodiversity Working Group of the Church of England Co-author, At the Gates: Disability, Justice & the Churches bit.ly/3YMoUaE Disabled, ND, they/them

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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Episode 1's guest is Revd Kt Tupling. Upcoming guests: @emjric.bsky.social , Bailie Gregory, Avery Arden, Deacon Jon Miller.
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Captions, #BSL, #ASL. Shares findings from research at Princeton Theological Seminary & Manchester Met. We found churches often borrow capitalist ideals of the productive leader. Guests share their collaborative ways of leading & tell us what needs to change. #DisabilityStudies #DisabilityTheology
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Delighted to share ‘Disabled Christian Leaders in Conversation’, a video podcast from Dr Erin Raffety & me. Five #disabled & #neurodivergent leaders talk about barriers to leading, and what good #leadership could look like. Ep 1 out now! youtu.be/pHfz_Jk5Hn8?...
youtu.be
Episode 1: Revd Kt Tupling | Disabled Christian Leaders in Conversation
YouTube video by Disabled Christian Leaders in Conversation
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Andrew Sissons @acjsissons.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Just going to put these two things side by side. One is the headline of the BBC live blog about the independent review on mental health, ADHD and autism. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c6... The other is an excerpt from the exec summary of that review. www.gov.uk/government/p...
Headline of a BBC live blog saying "ADHD and autism at risk of over-diagnosis, says report, as author warns of rise in mental ill health
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Feminist Theology Network @feministtheology.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
This special issue of JLCDS is filled with quite a few FTN members... You can access the intro for free via liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk/toc/jlcds/cu... but the University of Aberdeen has made @zoestrong.bsky.social's article open access - see the post by @naomijacobs.bsky.social below.
liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk
Contents | Journal of Literary & Cultural Disability Studies 20, 3
While disability performance is often understood as a resolutely secular practice, this article suggests that part of the potency of disability arts often lies in the cultural work of claiming disabled people’s lives as sacred. In the acclaimed solo ...
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
@krysiawally.bsky.social @emmajoyswai.bsky.social
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Delighted to share @zoestrong.bsky.social 's dyslexic autoethnography on barriers to the Bible, from our special issue on religion & disability, Journal of Literary & Cultural Disability Studies (open access). Visual summaries coming soon! #DisabilityTheology abdn.elsevierpure.com/en/publicati...
abdn.elsevierpure.com
“How Can I, Unless Someone Guides Me?”: A Dyslexic Autoethnography Exploring Barriers Constructed by Bible Reading Expectations
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Learning Disabilities & Autism at Manchester Met @learningmet.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Join us for our next seminar on Weds 14th Oct, 12pm BST with Charlie Grosset (@sheffielduni.bsky.social), sharing research with disabled people who care for others, arguing that we must recognise disabled people's contributions & challenge ableism in care systems. www.eventbrite.com/e/dishuman-c...
eventbrite.com
Dis/human - Centring Disabled People in Care as the Driver of Human Inquiry
The Learning Disabilities and Autism Research Group invites you to a hybrid seminar.
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Ooh, whose phrase? I'm excited to read this if you share it!
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Sharing @krysiawally.bsky.social 's great blog post on why "bums on seats" is not a sign of inclusion or justice in churches (with a cheeky link to my Hook Lecture where I'll be thinking about similar questions - I love when Krysia & I are working on overlapping things!) substack.com/profile/1180...
substack.com
Naomi Lawson Jacobs (@naomilawsonjacobs)
Great piece from Krysia Waldock about why “bums on seats” is never a sign of inclusion, or of justice. When your faith community talks about welcome, are you giving “thoughts and prayers” vibes, or ar...
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
@cdsleeds.bsky.social @krysiawally.bsky.social @benmfulford.bsky.social @dawnllewellyn.bsky.social @tanyamarlow.bsky.social @brianirvine.bsky.social @jpuddlegoose.bsky.social @feministtheology.bsky.social l @deafhannah.bsky.social (thanks in advance for any reposts!)
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
(Please send any Qs to the organisers as I'm somewhat flat on my back with a virus... and hoping not to be soon, so I can finish writing this!)
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
On Tues 13th October I'm giving the annual Hook Lecture in Leeds, on disability, belonging and justice in churches and society. Please share with anyone who might be interested. Hope to see you there! #DisabilityTheology #DisabilityStudies www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-hook-l...
eventbrite.co.uk
The Hook Lecture 2026: Just Belonging
Disability, Justice and Churches by Dr Naomi Lawson Jacobs
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Marc Fischer @marc-fischer.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Librarians! Zine-Makers! This new Temporary Services zine (made with @doormouse12.bsky.social) is for you! We interviewed 4 public librarians that maintain zine collections and the result is a beautiful 44 page booklet. See and learn how they do it! $10.00 (or $3.00 PDF) from www.halfletterpress.com
From the front and back cover of the booklet:

Public Librarians Discuss Zine  Collections

We asked librarians at four public libraries to talk about their library’s zine collection. What advice can they share with zine makers that want to get their work into a public library, or librarians that want to start a collection at their library? Was it hard to convince others that zines are a resource that the library should collect? What collecting models did they follow? How did they build the collection?  

Interviewees:

Tim Devin / Somerville Public Library 
 (Somerville, MA)
Angi Brzycki & Ziba Pérez / 
Los Angeles Public Library 
(Los Angeles, CA)
Alicia Tate / Multnomah County Library 
(Portland, OR)
Alina Josan / The Free Library of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Getting lost on the way to the Greenbelt Festival is a proud tradition (nostalgia for my 20s before sat navs saved me). Access pass and accessible golf buggy trip. -here we go! #Greenbelt26
Greenbelt golf buggy with drivers beside it
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Interdisciplinary research is just endless arguments about whether your work is social sciences or humanities... with preprint archive moderators, for example. :D
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Anyone I know going to the Greenbelt Festival, drop me a message! I'm not very present online at the moment (trying to make sure my annual leave is real leave, after illness) but I'd love to catch up with friends who'll be there.
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
The Canary: The Times should apologise for Kathleen Stock’s shockingly ableist article www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/...
thecanary.co
The Times should apologise for Kathleen Stock's shockingly ableist article
Kathleen Stock argues that Gen Z women are pretending to have chronic illnesses, painting walking sticks as a social-media trend
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Dr Emma Swai @emmajoyswai.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Out now! Special issue of JLCDS, edited by @krysiawally.bsky.social, @naomijacobs.bsky.social and myself. liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk/toc/jlcds/20/3
Front cover of JLCDS journal showing the contents page. 

Introduction: Space for Interpretation, by Emma Swai, Krysia Emily Waldock and Naomi Lawson Jacobs 

Disability and the Sacred, by Julia Watts Belser

How Can I, Unless Someone Guides Me? by Zoe Strong 

Toward an Inclusive Theology, by Majd Subih

The Making of a Blind Bhakti Poet, by Aniket Ojha

Power in Whose Hands? by Hannah Lewis
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Really excited to have co-edited this with @emmajoyswai.bsky.social & @krysiawally.bsky.social . On disability & religion, from a range of religious perspectives. Excellent authors incl Julia Watts Belser, @deafhannah.bsky.social & @zoestrong.bsky.social . Illustrated versions of the articles soon!
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Living Edge Conference @livingedgeconf.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
It's HERE! Registration for this year’s conference now open. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/loving-our...
eventbrite.co.uk
Loving Our Own Minds: Neurodiversity, Faith, Church and God
Our 15th annual conference focuses on Neurodiversity, faith, church and God, and explores how to learn to love our own minds
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WobblyGoose/Dr Rachel @wobblygoose.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
If you're interested in lino print, I'm putting on a workshop @Leicester Cathedral on Wednesday 5th August 10.30 - 1.30. Come to learn how to make a lino print and make some yourself to take home. No experience needed. Booking and more information: leicestercathedral.org/exhibition-s...
leicestercathedral.org
Exhibition: Seeking the Disabled Christ
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Dr Rachel Holdforth @wobblygoose.bsky.social ‘s Seeking the Disabled Christ exhibition is at Leicester Cathedral for two weeks. Panel discussion with @hannahlewis.bsky.social on 3rd August. One of the prints in Rachel’s groundbreaking series of disabled Christ icons is on the cover of ‘At the Gates’
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
We’d love you to join us for the annual Inclusive Church/SMITF conference on disability and church, which this year (again) focuses on neurodiversity. (I’ll be co-leading a workshop on ADHD, movement and worship.)
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Rebecca (Bex) Chapman @rebeccabexchapman.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Powerful speech from Rev Alice Kemp #synod on how her autism diagnosis helped her 'start being who I am and to stop hiding so much of me. I’ve begun to recognise that I am fearfully and wonderfully made - and it is all of me that God has called into ministry and indeed my whole life' #GeneralSynod
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
I was hoping to be able to be there but the timing may be tricky, but I recommend everyone does! (And I believe other plans are being hatched that I hope to get to)
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Dr Ieithydd (Carys) @yrieithydd.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
And if you'd like to see more of @wobblygoose.bsky.social 's artwork come to Leicester Cathedral from 20th July to 5th (?) August
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Delighted that the General #Synod motion 'All Kinds of Minds' has been carried. Looking forward to the neurodivergent-led training, Neurodiversity Champions and other great work that comes out of it. #Neurodiversity #ChurchOfEngland
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Many more speakers in favour, including Chantal Noppen from @inclusivechurch.bsky.social, speaking from lived experience about the need to remove barriers so all kinds of minds can flourish, rather than expecting everyone to endure the un-endurable in churches. Fiona responding before the vote /11
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
As more voices share a range of responses to the motion at #Synod, largely very positive, people might have questions. There's a great resources page on the Neurodiversity Working Group's website which might help. Scroll down here www.churchofengland.org/resources/ba... /10
churchofengland.org
Neurodiversity | The Church of England
A definition of neurodiversity and the activity of the Neurodiversity Working Group
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
More thought-provoking responses from lived experience & evidence, incl Graham Kirk-Spriggs arguing the church needs a system of support/funding to dismantle barriers & support clergy/members; Joel Plant's experience of being set back in ministry by expectations of leadership he does not fit. /9
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Robert Thompson: the motion highlights unjust structures in the church; he asks whether it will help the church become a place where ND people's gifts can flourish, reflecting on diversity in his church in London; hopes the church will "learn to see differently - not with deficit but with grace" /9
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
+Sarah has been glad to take part in neurodivergent-led training. Talks about the church's responsibility to address barriers and enable flourishing of neurodivergent people, demonstrating hospitality to and welcome for all - good news for church communities. /8
Archbishop Sarah Mullally speaking in favour of the neurodiversity motion at General Synod
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Ruth Howlett-Shipley on importance of training and awareness for those who are exploring whether they might be neurodivergent. Then +Sarah Mullally @archbishopofcanterbury.org speaking about how she knows she has been called as she is, not despite dyslexia, and sometimes because she is dyslexic. /7
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
ND people are "not problems to be solved but blessings bearing the image of God" (Craddock). Story of objections to a young man with Down Syndrome serving in his church - hopes this motion will change such prejudice so that "no one feels they need to leave part of themselves at the church door." /6
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
and where our churches can become places where everyone can flourish." Shares feedback from training from churches with deeper understanding & seeing growth among ND members. Stewart Craddock then speaks about tensions as a neurodivergent priest faced with the ideal of ministry, having to mask. /5
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
listening to Synod discuss neurodiversity for the first time. Alice Kemp next, talking about experiences of exclusion & inclusion at church, being called into ministry as she is, and her ND training in churches. "I long for the day where none of us have to hide who we are 4/
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Says this motion has been celebrated by neurodivergent people, incl young people looking for hope to belong. Rebecca Chapman talks about her experience as a parent of neurodivergent children poorly supported by churches but loved as they are - her son is in the gallery 3/
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
and calls for the church to enable the flourishing of neurodivergent people, for everyone's benefit. Sets this in the context of the neurodiversity paradigm - not diminishing need, but celebrating gifts. The motion calls for neurodiversity champions and training led by ND trainers (underway). 2/
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Fiona MacMillan now speaking at General #Synod in the debate on the 'All Kinds of Minds' motion on neurodivergent people in the church. She tells us that the church is diminished and overlooks abundance when we do not recognise the gifts of neurodivergent members and leaders, 1/
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
(I wish my blog wasn't so determined to share my book cover with every post, but at least you get Rachel Holdforth's wonderful image every time!)
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
On shining a light on dark places, through research and activism - my reflections on today's General #Synod neurodiversity motion and the Social Murder Festival at @learningmet.bsky.social this week. naomilawsonjacobs.com/shining-a-li...
naomilawsonjacobs.com
Shining a Light: Kindness, Hope and Social Justice - Naomi Lawson Jacobs
The Neurodiversity Motion at General Synod & the Social Murder Festival at Manchester Metropolitan University Two groups I'm part of have been doing important, impactful work through activism and rese...
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Ann Memmott @annmemmott.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Thanks, Naomi. Really important to have good quality materials to hand. Lots of general resources also available at the national Neurodiversity Working Group's CofE link at www.churchofengland.org/resources/ba... #GeneralSynod
churchofengland.org
Neurodiversity | The Church of England
A definition of neurodiversity and the activity of the Neurodiversity Working Group
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Dr Jo Kershaw @mthrjo.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
The letter Phil answers is extraordinary. I particularly want to stress, though, that as someone who works in a theological college, I’ve had a number of ordinands who either arrived with a diagnosis of neurodivergence or gained one while with us. The church would be poorer without any of them.
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
(2/2) Amy Kenny's (Christian) writing on disability in the context of God's diversity is also great background reading - I wrote a book review here. www.inclusive-church.org/2022/08/16/b...
inclusive-church.org
Book Review: My Body is not a Prayer Request by Amy Kenny – Inclusive Church
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Thank you, Ann - what a great introduction to such an important concept. I also recommend Nick Walker's fantastic early work on the neurodiversity paradigm neuroqueer.com/neurodiversi... (1/2)
neuroqueer.com
NEURODIVERSITY: SOME BASIC TERMS & DEFINITIONS • NEUROQUEER
Nick Walker, PhD I wrote "Neurodiversity: Some Basic Terms & Definitions" back in 2014. So far, of all the pieces I’ve written, this is the one that’s been most frequently cited in other people’s work...
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Ann Memmott @annmemmott.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
A quick primer thread ahead of the team's #GeneralSynod Neurodiversity Motion this afternoon, Friday 10th. Very informal, written in a personal, not official group, capacity. but it may be helpful. Neurodiversity is everyone. All kinds of minds/
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Naomi L. Jacobs @naomijacobs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
After some criticism of the #GeneralSynod neurodiversity motion, Canon Dr Phil Groves has written this lovely response. Phil is a fellow member of the Neurodiversity Working Group of the Church of England. The motion will be debated at #Synod this afternoon. viamedia.news/2026/07/10/b...
viamedia.news
Be Kind - ViaMedia
by Canon Dr Phil Groves, who was a CMS Mission partner and lecturer in theology at St Philip’s Kongwa in Tanzania. He served at the Anglican Communion Office for 10 years. He has attended two Lambeth ...
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Learning Disabilities & Autism at Manchester Met @learningmet.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
As part of the Social Murder Festival, we're hearing from Lucy Easthope today, on Lessons for Challenging Social Murder from a Lifetime Working in Disaster www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lessons-fo...
eventbrite.co.uk
Lessons for challenging social murder from a lifetime working in disaster
Join Lucy Easthope, Visiting Professor of Social Justice and Bereavement, for a discussion on challenging social murder.
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