From My Perspective: Essays about Disability

 

Where to buy

The Spectrum Network
563-382-8401
607 Washington Street, Decorah, Iowa

Also available at:
Luther College Book Shop, Decorah
Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce
Cresco Area Chamber of Commerce
Spectrum Thrift Store, Cresco

Price: $12.50

The book is not yet available for online purchase. Please call 563-382-8401 to order a copy by mail.

Reader comments

"A wonderful compilation of essays that gives the reader a view into the lives of some very brave, very intelligent souls. As we approach the twentieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it’s an honor to read about the lives they are able to lead, and how everyday assumptions about disability can sometimes become barriers to allowing people to fully participate in community life."
Senator Tom Harkin, author of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

“Truly inspirational stories.”
Michael Fitzpatrick, executive director, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

"Exemplary . . . demonstrates, from a very personal perspective, what it is like living with a disability or working with persons with disabilities."
CARF International

"As a classroom tool, From My Perspective opens up a new way of looking at how people with different abilities live. Students find the stories powerful, eye-opening, and real.”
Dr. Tammy Faux, assistant professor of Social Work, Wartburg College

About the book

From My Perspective presents a variety of viewpoints of people who are living with disability—as disabled persons, parents or professional support staff. The book was published in 2009 by The Spectrum Network.

The writing process
In April and May 2009, Rachel Faldet, assistant professor of English at Luther College, held writing workshops with a group of clients, staff members and others connected with The Spectrum Network. Faldet has facilitated several story collections, including Our Stories of Miscarriage: Healing with Words (Fairview Press 1997). “Stories are a way of thinking about who we are as a community. It’s important to hear people’s voices, even if they do not have experience writing,” she says.

Faldet observes that it is unusual for a writing group to include authors who are not physically able to put words on paper. “I was impressed by how people in this class took to the task of telling their stories with great earnestness and dedication, even if they had to speak aloud to someone who would put their words down on a page.”

The essays
Overcoming obstacles, large and small, is a common theme throughout the work. One writer describes her struggle to get married in the face of opposition from her support team. “It felt like they were holding the cards of my life and I wanted to play…They would talk about you like you weren’t even in the room.” Another writer recounts living independently for the first time when he reached middle-age: “That first day, when it was just me alone in the apartment, it was silent. I felt scared and excited at the same time… I could do what I wanted and when I wanted. If I didn’t want to do my dishes that night, I didn’t have to. What a great feeling.”

Several stories come from parents. In one essay, a mother describes the anguish of contemplating her daughter’s reproductive rights. In another, a parent tells how therapeutic horse riding has helped her son to thrive, despite having been told as a child that he might someday “be able to water plants.”

The essays also illustrate how everyday assumptions about disability can become barriers to allowing people to fully participate in community. Should we hesitate to ask someone with a disability to volunteer at the church? No, one writer tells us: “This morning made me happy. I am in the circle at church, and they asked me to bring a salad or cake for the salad luncheon.” Another writer, a human services professional, reflects, “It’s amazing how we start to think that we know what people need and what people are going through. What a misconception.”

From My Perspective was edited by Rachel Faldet and Kris Schanilec. For more information, call 563-382-8401.

Contents

Introduction  
Toni Smith

About Our Writing Process
Rachel Faldet

Building Confidence
John Kane 

Thoughts about My Life
Anonymous

Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes
Kathy Donovan

Work and Good-Bye
David Piper

Riding the Van
Monica L. Roderick

Just Like Everyone Else
Faye Bockman

Words from a Father
Christian R. Wyse

A Survivor
Terri Larson

The Good, the Bad and the Possibilities of Supported Employment
Chris Kelly

The Early Days
Glenda Wuest

Challenging Obstacles
Charla Hageman

Aspects of My Life
Dave Hageman

Rights Versus Responsibilities
Joann Hagen

Tall in the Saddle
Betty Schmitt
[with Michelle McLain Kruse]

From a Teacher’s Perspective
June Rovang

From Illinois to Iowa
Ron Munsterman

Never Assume, Never Underestimate, and Always Remain Open
Lucas Halverson