Disability // Alison Kaefer

Alison Kaefer's novel "Feminist, Queer, Crip," starts with an introduction discussing the various reactions to her disability that she's observed over time. She first notes that through her own physical appearance, it seems that to others, her future is written on her body. I think this idea of making assumptions based on peoples disabilities is one that everyone can relate to. The word disability in itself means a limitation within someone due to an uncontrollable circumstance; therefore creating the damning connotation that people associate with disabilities. Further in the intro, Kaefer refers to all the outrageous and hurtful things people told her once she became disabled such as recommending suicide, warning her of loneliness, and extreme dependence. I think the idea that disabled people are helpless is highly perpetuated in society. Being able-bodied, while obviously preferable, isn't and shouldn't be considered as superior as it really is.  In all of her shared memories after her accident, there seems to be an overwhelming amount of pity placed on to her. So much so that you can practically hear their condescending tone in each and every scenario. Not only is the pity placed upon disabled people debilitating but its also insulting as it, in her experience, was frequently followed with instructions on how to live her own life. In Kaefer's case she became disabled due to an accident rather than being born with her disability which is its own unique circumstance. She went from having a fully functioning body to being partially paralyzed which is understandably devastating. This all the while makes it even more shocking that the people surrounding her responded so negatively. Instead of encouraging her prosperity they constantly warned her of possible downfall. All the while making it clear that a disabled life is readily believed to be lesser

Kaefers novel was written in 1995, giving society approximately 22 years to reshape their views on disabilities. In my lifetime, I've personally seen an increase in media representation for disabled people in television and film. For example the newest ABC drama, "The Good Doctor" follows an autistic doctor which is the first show that I know of that has a disabled protagonist. However, even so the premise of the show seemingly is his triumphs in the medical field despite being autistic. I haven't seen the show yet but I'm curious to figure out if they incorporate his autism as an advantage rather as something to overcome. Hopefully examples like these will help destroy the fear surrounding disabilities.