We Never Win or Lose: A Theoretical Analysis of Disability in Higher Education

Abstract

This thesis seeks to examine the disabled experience in higher education. Using a history of disability and messages regarding ability within the United States, ideologies of ableism are established to help audiences understand why disability is viewed the way it is today. Ideas regarding the body as a commodity, productivity as a social norm, a hierarchy of bodily ability, appearances and presentations of bodily function are all cited throughout history to demonstrate their problematic origins. These ideologies are then contrasted with an idea of how disability could function in the world more successfully as communicated by many disabled scholars cited here. This contrast makes use of disability wisdom and caretaking as sources of strength in disabled life and reimagining of the world. These ideas are then demonstrated more concretely through the use of three personal narratives. Each narrative establishes a core theme of discrimination in the US, accessibility, language, and caretaking. The first examines a situation that could have been solved with an accurate and contentious perspective on accessibility, including the presentation of choices and the right of autonomy for disabled people. The second examines language use and its implications, particularly in regards to the intentional language curating done by dominating groups to eradicate marginalized existence. The third and final narrative continues the theme of reimagining disabled life, centered on caretaking. Using an example of discrimination, caretaking is redefined according to disabled sources and imagined as a cornerstone of successful survival under and beyond capitalism. Finally, conclusions are drawn in regards to the broader field of disability studies and for administrators in academic institutions.