Able-Bodied Like Me: Navigating & balancing cultures from the seat of my pants

by Matt Glowacki

In his insightful new memoir, Able-Bodied like Me , Matt Glowacki, civility speaker and author, chronicles the changing attitudes in our society—and in himself—about what it means to be disabled. In the 1970s, when Glowacki was born, disabilities were still considered something to hide. Despite being born without legs, Glowacki pushed back against this narrative. He didn’t consider himself disabled and thought the term imposed unneeded limitations. He also balked at the tone-deaf remarks of others. He didn’t want to be an “inspiration” to people without impairments or a convenient way for others to signal their own virtue. Glowacki wanted to simply live his life, and he clearly explains how harmful certain remarks and actions can be for people in the disabled community. In his memoir, Glowacki lists eighteen points to ponder as you reflect on your own assumptions and actions. Glowacki also examines his own changing beliefs about the term “disability,” as well as society’s shifting perspective. As Glowacki shares the challenges he and others face in their everyday lives, he also offers suggestions about how to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding. Glowacki certainly doesn’t want your pity. He just wants you to listen.

Genres: Disability

184 pages, Paperback

Published February 23, 2018

Reviews

[Georgina Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is recommended reading for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of life from the perspective of a person with a disability, in this case, a wheelchair user born without legs. The author recounts navigating life through his childhood, college, employment and relationships. He speaks with candor and shows a sarcastic sense of humor. Each chapter includes a question to prompt reflection from the reader. All people whether they are disabled or abled have their own dreams, conflicts and fears and their own ways of facing them.

The narrative takes us through the life of a man growing up before the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Common issues Glowacki faced were accessibility to buildings without ramps or elevators, doubtful doctors, anxious parents, and a wide range of responses from confused classmates, strangers and even friends. Glowacki rightly points out the personal bias and misconceptions that he has had to ignore or correct when facing new people, and how easy it is to want to "pass" as normal rather than address fifty questions about his condition. He has mastered all the essential parts of living a fulling, romantic and adventurous life. He acknowledges his own mistakes and how they helped him develop his character. The bottom line is that he doesn't internalize his identity as a person with a disability. This book should be recommended reading in all schools and colleges. Even if people with disabilities have legal protections now, the hardest part is changing social attitudes about a person's physical and intellectual capabilities.