Becoming Disabled: Forging a Disability View of the World

Jan Doolittle Wilson's book Becoming Disabled explores how becoming disabled creates a new consciousness and a radically new way of viewing the world, challenging dominant discourses and systems that shape and reproduce disability stigma and discrimination. It offers an alternative view of disability as a valuable human variation, embracing human interdependency and the necessity of social supports for individual flourishing and happiness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 326 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

In her groundbreaking book, Becoming Disabled, Jan Doolittle Wilson employs an autoethnographic approach, alongside a collection of first-person accounts from disabled writers, artists, and scholars, to explore the profound impact of disability on consciousness and worldview. Through this lens, Wilson challenges prevailing discourses and systems that perpetuate disability stigma and discrimination, seeking to establish alternative meanings that recognize disability as a valuable human variation, embrace interdependence, and advocate for social supports essential for individual flourishing and happiness. Drawing from her unique perspective as a disabled individual, Wilson critically examines the disabling effects of language, media, medical practices, educational systems, neoliberalism, mothering ideals, and other systemic barriers. She offers a compelling vision of a society where all forms of human diversity are celebrated and valued, enabling us to better care for ourselves and one another.

Language plays a significant role in shaping our understanding and perception of disability. Wilson highlights how language can perpetuate stereotypes and marginalize individuals with disabilities. She argues that dominant narratives often portray disability as a tragedy or burden, leading to negative attitudes and discrimination. By challenging these narratives and promoting more inclusive and accurate language, Wilson seeks to create a more compassionate and understanding society.

Media also contributes to the perpetuation of disability stigma. Wilson critiques how media representations often reinforce stereotypes and overlook the contributions and achievements of disabled individuals. She advocates for more diverse and accurate portrayals of disability in popular culture, including television, movies, and advertising. By promoting positive and inclusive representations, Wilson hopes to challenge negative attitudes and promote greater understanding and acceptance.

Medical practices and healthcare systems also play a role in perpetuating disability stigma. Wilson highlights how medical professionals and healthcare providers may perpetuate biases and discrimination against individuals with disabilities. She advocates for training and education that promotes empathy, understanding, and inclusivity toward individuals with disabilities. By improving medical practices and healthcare systems, Wilson aims to create a more equitable and accessible environment for all individuals with disabilities.

Educational systems also contribute to the marginalization of disabled individuals. Wilson argues that educational policies and practices often exclude and marginalize students with disabilities. She advocates for inclusive education that recognizes and supports the unique needs of students with disabilities. By promoting inclusive education, Wilson aims to create a more equitable and accessible learning environment for all students.

Neoliberalism, as a political and economic ideology, also contributes to the marginalization of disabled individuals. Wilson argues that neoliberal policies prioritize individual responsibility and self-sufficiency, which can be challenging for individuals with disabilities. She advocates for policies that prioritize social support and collective well-being, including universal healthcare, social security, and affordable housing. By promoting social support and collective well-being, Wilson aims to create a more inclusive and supportive society for all individuals.

Mothering ideals and cultural expectations also play a role in perpetuating disability stigma. Wilson highlights how cultural norms and expectations around motherhood can be harmful to individuals with disabilities. She advocates for a shift in cultural attitudes towards motherhood and disability, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for mothers with disabilities. By challenging these cultural norms and expectations, Wilson aims to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all individuals.

In conclusion, Becoming Disabled by Jan Doolittle Wilson is a powerful and thought-provoking book that explores the profound impact of disability on consciousness and worldview. Through an autoethnographic approach and a collection of first-person accounts, Wilson challenges prevailing discourses and systems that perpetuate disability stigma and discrimination. She offers alternative meanings that recognize disability as a valuable human variation, embrace interdependence, and advocate for social supports essential for individual flourishing and happiness. By critically examining the disabling effects of language, media, medical practices, educational systems, neoliberalism, mothering ideals, and other systemic barriers, Wilson provides a compelling vision of a society where all forms of human diversity are included and celebrated and where we are better able to care for ourselves and each other.

Weight: 662g
Dimension: 238 x 162 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793643698