Survival! A memoir

I wanted to avoid the sterility of the academic form, and the unmanageable language of textbooks. The introduce-state-tell- re-state-conclude forms that rob our conversations of their appealing and seductive qualities.  I did not want to explain where my story was going, what I wanted you to hear, or what you would learn. I wanted to make you gasp, sigh and snigger.  I wanted to sit over a slow lunch wine in hand, and say  “come with me on the journey, we’ll have fun!”   I could have penned a novel, airbrushing the messy bits, and emphasising the lyricism of life. However, I guessed many would dismiss such a storytelling as imaginary. They would dismiss the rough edges as fanciful, the extraordinary situations as invented and the quirky circumstances as unbelievable. I'm sure what I have survived has happened to many, I dare to hope that it is not a common experience. It had to be a memoir, because believe me or not, i wanted you to know everyone was true. That's why...

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...

As a Disabled writer, I found myself compelled to address the prevailing biases often found within mainstream storytelling. These biases perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions about disabled individuals, leading to a limited and often inaccurate portrayal of their experiences. In my pursuit to challenge these tropes, I've identified five common themes that I actively work to avoid in my storytelling. Woman with cat and typewriter at a window The first trope I aim to subvert is the triumph-over-tragedy narrative arc. This storyline typically features a heroic and brave protagonist who overcomes adversity, ultimately achieving success despite their disability. While this narrative may seem inspiring on the surface, it places unrealistic expectations on disabled individuals to constantly battle against their circumstances. In reality, most disabled people lead ordinary lives, simply doing their best to navigate the challenges they face. By portraying disability as a constant strugg...

In a world where disability is often misunderstood, one voice rises above the noise, advocating for respect and understanding. Through personal experiences and extensive research, I want to shed light on the misconceptions surrounding disability and offers a roadmap for change. Respecting Boundaries: I DO believe in the power of personal boundaries. In their compelling narrative, I emphasise the importance of respecting individuals' privacy and autonomy. They challenge the notion that disability should be a topic of public scrutiny, advocating instead for mutual respect and understanding. Embracing the Social Model of Disability: Drawing from the rich history of disability activism, Survival  introduces readers to the Social Model of Disability. They highlight how societal barriers, rather than individual impairments, are the true obstacles faced by disabled individuals. By promoting inclusivity and challenging ableism, I aim to inspire readers to join the movement for change....

In my professional life, I often anticipate challenges and hurdles, but seldom do I expect the hurt prejudice causes - and acceptance of casual ableism in working culture.  pencil sketch of a woman in a wheelchair working happily with others I recall a particular incident, one that left an mark as it resonates with the struggles faced by many individuals navigating professional spaces. It was a day much like any other, as I found myself facilitating a session on Disability Equality for a large employer. Little did I know, I was about to be confronted with bias firsthand. As the discussion unfolded, the recruitment lead proclaimed, "We don’t employ disabled people because we need our staff to be exceptional." The words hung heavy in the air, laden with the assumption that disabled people’s work is rarely that good. Summoning every ounce of courage, I dared to question their flawed logic. "Why assume that disabled workers are not exceptional?" I said. Unfortunately, t...

Embarking on the journey of writing a memoir is akin to setting foot on uncharted territory. As someone who has dabbled in various forms of writing—textbooks, blogs, and journals—venturing into the realm of memoirs feels like a departure, a new challenge waiting to be embraced. My name is Ruth Winters and I am a newcomer to the world of memoir writing. Through this blog, I aim to chronicle my experiences and share the insights gained along the way. This marks not only a quest to find my voice as an author once again but also a profound exploration of self-expression and storytelling. Woman sat at window with cat and typewriter  One of the initial hurdles I encountered was defining my role in this narrative. In my past endeavors, particularly in academic and professional contexts, I identified as a writer—a recorder of others' experiences and knowledge. However, with memoir writing, I transition into the role of an author, weaving my own journey into words. The decision-making proce...