In 2017, I set an older recording of my “Personal Teaching Statement” to kinetic text, an animated abridged transcript of sorts. The speech was more about my community than me, as I wanted to capture the classism, racism, and ableism I observed as a student. The intolerance of teachers is…
Tag: disability
“Her Asperger’s is a superpower.” “His chronic illness brings clarity.” And so it goes…. The Shiny Aspie. The Dying Prophet. The Super Crips, here to save humanity. The last two weeks have featured a series of stories on these disabled advocates, who are not all disabilities advocates. And then we…
The autistic me is the disabled me. Last week, I sat for an interview conducted by a graduate student interested in autistic adults and our educational experiences. The interview offered a chance to reflect on how different communities understand the label “autistic.” I also reflected on the nature of disability…
Autistic students and their parents contact me all-too-often about writing courses at colleges and universities. For some reason, writing pedagogies (the theories and methods instructors embrace) prove particularly problematic for students with disabilities. Writing courses are tailored for the “normal” students, those without any physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges. Much…
“You need to sell yourself as The Autistic Me,” is a refrain colleagues and blog followers have offered throughout the years. I’ve heard this after public speaking engagements and conference appearances. “Market your autistic experiences and expertise.” Though I do not wish to go on tour selling myself as an expert…
The goal of teaching writing led me to scholarship on technology, design, disability, and economics within composition and rhetoric. Years ago, when I entered graduate school, I imagined helping students and teachers connect via technology. I wanted to study “writing across the curriculum” and online writing labs. These interests led…
Anosognosia is the state of denying a serious disability. In the most serious cases, it is a mental health disorder, causing the deaf to insist they can hear or the blind to insist they can see. Obviously, not a good thing and potentially dangerous. I have received e-mails critical of…
Earlier today I was asked: “May I ask the reason you are even ON an ASD list if you’re so self-sufficient and never need any assistance for anything?” Of course, I’ve never claimed life is a solo project. My presentations begin with a reminder that most successful people depend on…
Hunting for work is never easy, but for individuals with disabilities, the question of “disclosure” arises. Do you tell an employer you are disabled? Do you assume certain group memberships or activities reveal the disability? What if people offering letters of reference mention the disability? Honestly, I don’t have any…
I appreciate the power of passion — but I also recognize its limits. I can seem passionate about a few things, but the general reality is that being “excited” and “enthusiastic” is not the same as being passionate. I’m interested in the language arts, visual design, and technology. But, my…