Writing the Disabled Body in Prose

Class Description

“You don’t need to be fixed, my queens—it’s the world that needs the fixing.” - Johanna Hedva, “Sick Woman Theory”

Fiction and non-fiction writers with disabilities to the front! The CDC defines “disability” as “any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions).” This includes disabilities acquired later in life, short-term disabilities, chronic illness/pain, undiagnosed/untreated disabilities, and mental illnesses and disorders.

In this class, we are centering the disabled body through stories about our own disabilities and/or fictional stories about characters with disabilities. We will read essays by disability theorists like Johanna Hedva, as well as short fiction by writers like Mia Mingus. Then, through a series of generative writing prompts, we’ll start 2-3 new pieces that explore what “disability” even means, the power/vulnerability of our bodies, and what justice looks like for our community. Students will have an opportunity to share their works with each other at the end of class.

Use your writing to heal; to understand and love on your body/mind; to challenge ableism in storytelling; and be in community with other writers with disabilities.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.