Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body

Taussig discusses several films that offer negative portrayals of disability, as well as a few positive portrayals. Compare and contrast two films, one negative and one positive. How do the films differ in how they address disability? How do they reinforce or combat ableism?

Taussig teaches students about disability but does not address teaching students with disabilities in Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body. What are issues that students with disabilities face in terms of accessibility and kindness? Use the text to support your answer.

Taussig uses personal stories to contextualize her own disability. Detail a personal story with disability—whether it be illness, pain, or physical impairment—and how Taussig addresses it.

How does the disability rights movement parallel movements like the civil rights, women’s, and gay rights movements? How does the movement differ?

In the Postscript, Taussig notes how COVID-19 caused people to consider accessibility for everyone. In what ways has the world become more accessible?

Taussig names concepts such as the Real Citizens of Life. Why does she do this, and what effect does it have on your understanding of her arguments?

Taussig highlights how women with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by issues like violence and reproductive rights. Why is this the case?

How does ableism impact people without disabilities in education and transportation? Use the text to support your answer.