The book explores the intersection of academia and disability, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals like Laura, a university professor and disability researcher who is also a caregiver for her autistic child. The narrative emphasizes the importance of revealing vulnerability and the impact of ableist norms on personal and professional lives.
The book delves into the experiences of individuals navigating academia while caring for disabled family members. Laura, a university professor and disability researcher, shares her journey of initially complying with ableist norms by hiding her struggles and later finding empowerment through revealing her vulnerability. This narrative underscores the hidden burdens of caregiving and the need for greater openness and acceptance in academic environments. The book also highlights the permanent nature of informal caregiving and the potential for vulnerability to be a powerful tool for bringing one's whole self to work. The authors point to the broader implications of these experiences, suggesting that revealing vulnerability can pave the way for more inclusive and supportive workplaces.
Quick quotes
Laura initially complied with ableist norms by making her struggles invisible and trialled taking on a managerial role in which she failed.
Over time, Laura has begun to reveal her vulnerability at work, paving the way for others towards more openness about and acceptance of challenging personal situations that influence all areas of life.
We point to the permanent nature of informal caregiving for disabled family members, highlight the hidden burdens employees may carry as they comply with ableist norms and identify exposure of one’s vulnerability as a powerful tool that allows individuals to bring their whole selves to work.