Survival! A memoir

Survival: Finding success after experiencing trauma  “I recall I was placed in a small chair in front of a line of men in suits, each asking me questions. While the questions themselves weren’t exceptionally difficult, my fear of failure made me stutter. I felt small, helpless, and afraid of what might happen if I said something wrong.”   https://amzn.to/3AqNt3H In a world where mainstream storytelling often marginalises or misrepresents the experiences of disabled individuals, *Survival* emerges as a powerful voice of truth. This book, written by a disabled author who has lived through the struggles and the challenges of biases that have long skewed our understanding of disability. *Survival” is not just a story; it is a call to action—a demand for authenticity in the way we represent disabled lives. This book dismantles stereotypes and defies the misconceptions that have too often shaped our perspectives. It is a candid exploration of the strength, resilience, and humanity o...

Whose focus is it anyway!? I'm always amazed at how many people want to tell my story their  way. For example, rephrasing my challenges as a right of passage, or my achievements as proof of privilege. Acknowledging privilege and disadvantage more explicitly does more than show respect, it avoids framing individuals as sinners or saints. Finding joy in the lives of those who face the weight of society’s misrepresentation is not the way to go!? I do not want to be framed as inspirational but equally hard-working. In reflecting on the power of language and the narratives that shape our understanding of disability, it's crucial to acknowledge the voices of those living with the experience, working in the area and knowledgeable about the subject. For example, I have had experiences as a woman, learned understanding as a feminist, and gained wisdom as a student of gender studies. Similarly, as a disabled person, a disability equality trainer and a student of Disability Studies, I f...

Another challenge I set myself writing   Survival , was to describe ableism - discrimination, inequality  and oppression - without actually using the terms. Because I have often been told by the people I work with that  they're too high-brow, academic and jargonistic.   I   did, however, want readers to understand the experience, to counter the belief that disabled people are different, odd or unique. In chapter 13, I tackle ableism at work, using theoretical concepts under my storytelling, and ideas from critical equality, accountability and stewardship literature.   Woman in wheelchair answering questions    It's odd how frequently I'm approached to engage in discussions surrounding disability-related topics. While being asked is not inherently problematic, it's essential to recognise that my contribution to the workplace extends beyond being a mere conduit for conversations about disability.  As a disabled individual myself, a dedicated di...