Looking Back Over My Shoulder: Through The Disability’s Mirror

Abstract

In a conference celebrating the 25 years of American Disability Rights (ADA) I was invited to write about my story as a person with a disability. A friend suggested, “You should share your personal achievements and how you became a Fulbright fellow.” At the time, I was reluctant about it. I didn’t want to expose my life and I was really scared at the beginning when they asked me to write it. However, I accepted the challenge of telling my story, and even worse for me, talking about my disability. After 1 week of reflecting, I embraced this mission. I decided that after being exposed to wonderful stories of people using wheelchairs to visit faraway places, their stories inspired me to start thinking that my story could do the same for others. Thus, people can better understand how it is to be a person with a disability in Brazil by tracing my path. The reason I didn’t readily accept the chance to write was very personal. In my life, I’ve never wanted to use my illness as an excuse for anything. But now, after all the barriers that I have faced and accomplished, I have decided to expose my story and show how I have overcome my difficulties. My intention is to expose my educational and professional trajectory through the disability lens by showing in a linear base three interconnected phases: my childhood and school, disability law and jobs, and eventually going back to the university to get my doctorate.