A short summary of Michell's research: 

I discovered disability studies as an undergraduate, while in the process of making sense of my own identity as a visually impaired person. The world of disability theory and research enabled me to develop a political consciousness around my own disability, connect and collaborate with other disabled scholars, and contribute to an alternate narrative about who disabled people can be. My work is focused in particular on identity-related aspects of rehabilitation services for adults with visual impairment, recognising that those who experience vision loss need more than practical skills and techniques to navigate life with visual impairment, but opportunities to develop authentic and positive blindness identities. This is crucial for both individual and collective empowerment. Currently, I am exploring to what extent blindness rehabilitation practitioners are equipped to provide holistic support services to visually impaired people in South Africa. Another aspect of my work is in the area of education for visually impaired young people, in particular, the landscape of meanings about their value and potential to which they are exposed in special schooling. I am also interested in intersections of gender, race and disability in the context of South Africa, and draw on feminist disability studies theorising to explore these.

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2040. Can you describe the (potential) impact of your research?

My work contributes to disrupting disability inequality through seeking to develop education and rehabilitation services that provide not only material but psycho-emotional support to visually impaired persons. Key to this is developing interventions which target service providers to develop a critical consciousness around disability as diversity.

In the ever-changing environment of academia, what are some of the obstacles postdoctoral researchers are faced with?

As a disabled academic, the challenges of academic ableism are ever-present and challenging to navigate. However, I see an important role for myself and colleagues with disabilities to encourage transformation around issues of disability access and inclusion, both at the university, and the spaces that our disability and rehabilitation studies graduates move into as practitioners.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support postdoctoral researchers?

Post-doc can be an isolating and uncertain time. There is definitely a need for spaces to network and share with fellow post-docs. I have been fortunate to have a very committed host and mentor, which has been an essential part of my growth during this time. I think post-docs need to be prepared on how to make the most of this time while also keeping healthy boundaries in terms of where and how to spend their energy.

What excites you about your work?

The opportunity to contribute to a discipline that has a rich history of disrupting disability inequality through embracing disability as a legitimate and valuable way to be in the world. I value the chance to impact services for visually impaired adults in South Africa.

When you're not in the lab, library or in the field conducting research, what do you do to unwind?

I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, singing, and teaching voice lessons.

How has the postdoctoral researcher programme of SU contributed to your research career? 

I have had many opportunities to grow as a researcher, but also in teaching, supervising and examining through being fully welcomed and incorporated into the team at the Division of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies. It has been really valuable to be affiliated with this division and SU.

What advice, if any, would you look to impart to future postdoctoral researchers?

Make the most of it. Build relationships with fellow post-docs and staff in your area. Say “yes” to every opportunity that will serve you in growing your skills and competencies, and “no” to the things that won’t.

Connect to Michell and her work:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-botha-b64838229/ 

Google Scholar:https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=NjEjqdoAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao