Embracing Capability in the Incapable World in My Left Foot and One Little Finger

Abstract

Disability is not solely a product of the underlying medical condition; rather, it is substantially influenced by the way the external environment and society interact with the individual. The paper aims to explore the crucial role society plays in the life of a person with a disability, with a particular focus on the narratives presented in two autobiographical works: My Left Foot by Christy Brown and One Little Finger by Malini Chib. Notably, both authors, born with cerebral palsy to nondisabled parents, share commonalities in their experiences while simultaneously presenting unique perspectives. In both books the parents are nondisabled. I will look at how nondisabled parents shape early meanings for disabled children and their siblings—their acceptance, struggle, love, and advocacy inform how children understand their disability as well as their value and place in the world. A significant aspect of this exploration centers on the communication challenges faced by the characters, marked as "disordered." The study examines the societal dynamics surrounding disability and communication, exploring normative speech pressures, repetitive expectations, and the intricate nature of disability disclosure. Within this context, the author's insights into creatively adapting to disability become a focal point, mapping a journey that is not only adaptive but also laden with emotions connected with loss. This paper aims to shed light on the complex interactions that exist between how society views people with disabilities, how families affect them, and how resilient each person is. The paper aims to enhance comprehension of the emotional aspects involved in adjusting to and accepting a disability in the larger social context by disseminating these personal accounts.