The Palgrave Handbook of Disability and Communication

Contents
Notes on Contributors
List of Figures
List of Tables
Chapter 1: Introduction
Disability Studies and Communication Studies: A Complicated Pursuit
By: The Editors
Disability Is Complicated
Communication Is Complicated
Jim: Creating the Venue for Critical Communication and Disability Studies
Joy: Finding a Community of Consequence
Julie-Ann: A Focus on Lived Embodiment
Michael: Finding My Scholarly Home within Communication and Disability
Notes on the Content and Structure
A Final Word and Acknowledgments from Lead Editor Michael S. Jeffress
References
Part I: Language and Disability
Chapter 2: Language Matters: Disability and the Power of Taboo Words
What Are Taboo Words?
Why Are Taboo Words So Powerful?
Which Words Are Acceptable to Disabled People?
Words for Disabled People
The Use of Taboo Words and Disability Terminology to Criticize High-Profile Figures
Harnessing the Power of Taboo Words in Positive Ways
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3: Communicating by Accident: Dysfluency, the Non-Essential, and the Catastrophe
Accidents in Transmission
Dysfluent Breakdowns
System Failures
Littered Speech
Accidents of Ritual
The Ritual Model of Communication
Accident Redux
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4: Cross-Neurotype Communication Competence
Prioritizing Neurodivergent Perspectives
Cross-Neurotype Communication within the Neurodiversity Movement
Social Stigma
Neuro-Separate and Neuro-Shared Spaces
Cross-Neurotype Cultural Categories
Interest Systems
Sensory Sensitivity
Affect Display
Social Interaction
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5: Microaggressions Toward People with Disabilities
Method
Findings
Sources of Microaggression
Kids vs. Adults
Microaggressions from Within Disability Communities
Types of Microaggressions for PWD
Denial of Identity
Denial of Privacy
Helpless Treatment
Spread Effect
Patronization
Exoticization
Social Distancing/Isolation
Discussion
Limitations
Implications for Future Studies
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6: “When We Say That It’s Private, a Lot of People Assume It Just Doesn’t Exist”: Communication, Disability, and Sexuality
Disability and Sexuality
Defining Disability
Defining Sexuality
The Salience of Communication
Disability and Sexuality: The Experiences of Shane Burcaw
Introducing Burcaw
Disability and Sexuality: The Public Gaze
Disability and Sexuality: Discursive Paradoxes
Disability and Sexuality: Navigating and Internalizing Discourse
Disability and Sexuality: Transgressing Discursive Confines
The Significance of Discourse and Communication
Concluding Thoughts
References
Part II: Identity and Intersectionalities
Chapter 7: Ableism and Intersectionality: A Rhetorical Analysis
Intersections with Disability
Ableist Rhetoric and Other Bigotry
Undermining Discriminatory Rhetorics at the Intersections
Exposing Flawed Arguments
Neuroqueering as Rhetorical Solution
Closing Thoughts
References
Chapter 8: Performing FitCrip in Daily Life: A Critical Autoethnographic Reflection on Embodied Vulnerability
My Fit, Disabled Body: An Overview
1985: Snipped
1993: Sawed
1994: Removed
2005: Fused
Anxiety and My FitCrip Embodiment
The Critical Autoethnographic Disabled Gaze in Daily Performance as Method
Disability as the Negation of “Normal,” “Healthy,” and “Fit”
1986: But I Want to Roller Skate
1996: But I Want to See How I Have Improved
2006: But I Want to Stretch
2007: They’d Rather Forfeit
2019: And I Want to Heal
Hopes for Our Mortal Changing Bodies
References
Chapter 9: On a Scale of One to Ten: A Lyric Autoethnography of Chronic Pain and Illness
“Bending the Clock” with Crip Time
Writing in Crip Time with Lyric Autoethnography
Autoethnography and Disability Studies
Crip Poetics and Lyric Autoethnography
On a Scale of One to Ten
Seven
One
Eight
Two
Six
Three
Four
Ten
Nine
Five
Conclusion
References
Chapter 10: On Being a Diabetic Black Male: An Autoethnography of Race, Gender, and Invisible Disability
Race and Disability and Diabetes
Story One: “Let’s Hope You Have Type Two”
“You Used to Be a Fat Boy? Oh, I Know.” Automatic Assumptions of Disability Categories
So Now You Are a Vegetarian?: Racialized Conflict in Managing Diabetes with Diet
Eerie Similarities to Medical Racism Stories
Communication, Disability, and Future Directions
Conclusion
References
Chapter 11: Physical Disability in Interabled Romantic Relationships: Exploring How Women with Visible, Physical Disabilities Navigate and Internalize Conversations About Their Identity with Male Romantic Partners
Women’s Disclosure of a Visible, Physical Disability
Intersection of Women’s Views toward Disability and Communication with Male Partners
Method
Findings
First Conversations about Women’s Disability
First Conversations Initiated by the Woman
First Conversations Initiated by the Male Partner
First Sharing Disability Online
Talk about Disability, Identity, and Romantic Relationships with Male Partners
View of Self-Impacting Reactions to Disability Talk in a Romantic Relationship
Men as Ideal Partners Compared to Women
Relationship as Source of Self-Worth and Confidence
Discussion
References
Chapter 12: Disposable Masks, Disposable Lives: Aggrievement Politics and the Weaponization of Disabled Identity
Critical Rhetoric: Theories of Victimhood
Victimhood-as-Identity
Victimhood and the Politics of Aggrievement
Playing the “Disability Card”: Examples of Co-optation
Co-opting Disabled Identity at an Iconic Music Venue
Abusing Accessible Parking Spots
Weaponizing Disability at THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH™
Emotional Support, Service, and Pet Animals
Circumventing Mask Ordinances During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Implicating the Medical Model of Disability
Co-opting Disabled Identity and the Weaponization of Disability
Conclusion
References
Part III: Cultural Artifacts and Disability
Chapter 13: Communicating AI and Disability
Disability in the Rise of AI
Imagining Technology and Disability
Theoretical Background
Disability in Technology Communication
Imaginaries
Imagining AI and Disability: Can AI Be a Game Changer?
Corporate Initiatives
Global Media Policy
Alternative Imaginaries of Disability and AI
Critiques and New Research
Global Media Policy Response
Common Elements in Alternative Imaginaries
Conclusion
References
Chapter 14: Thinking Inclusiveness, Diversity, and Cultural Equity Based on Game Mechanics and Accessibility Features in Popular Video Games
Cultural Equity and Accessibility in the Video Game Context
Methodology
Inclusivity, Diversity of Practices, and Cultural Equity Through Game Designs and Accessibility Options
Presentation of Celeste and Its Accessibility Options
Celeste’s Paratext and Its Many Perils
Presentation of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Its Accessibility Options
Importance of the Game’s Paratext in Players’ Buying Decisions
Presentation of the The Last of Us Part II and Its Accessibility Options
TLOU2’s Paratext as a Source of Information and Advocacy
Discursive and Social Context of the Selected Games
Tyranny of Normality
Toxic Meritocracy
Imbalance Between Action and Discourse
Conclusion
References
Chapter 15: Posthuman Critical Theory and the Body on Sports Night
Background and Positionality
The Implications of Braidotti’s Embrace
The Virtues and Vices of “Dear Louise”
Spotlighting the Story of Archibald “A.K.” Russell
The Complicated Reality of “Kyle Whitaker’s Got Two Sacks”
Conclusion
References
Chapter 16: Never Go Full Potato: Discourses of Ableism and Sexism in “I Can Count to Potato” Memes
On Memes, Simulacra, and Ableism
Memetic Catachresis: Tracking I Can Count to Potato’s Memetic Evolution
I Can Count to Potato: A Memetic Analysis
When Memes Talk Back: The Crowter Case Study
Concluding Thoughts
References
Chapter 17: #DisabilityTikTok
Media Representations of Historically Marginalized Groups
(Re)Producing Inequality
Excluding Disability
Challenging Production Dynamics
Social Media, Democratization, and Change
The Limits of TikTok
Methodology
Framing Disability
Challenging Stereotypes
Sharing Stories and Social Struggles
Hello Beautiful People: A Focus on Appearance
Discussion
Suggestions for Future Research
Conclusion
References
Part IV: Institutional Constructs and Constraints
Chapter 18: Communicating Vulnerability in Disasters: Media Coverage of People with Disabilities in Hurricane Katrina and the Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami
Literature Review on Disability and Disaster Communication
Hurricane Katrina
The 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami
Comparative Analysis of Media Content About Hurricane Katrina and the Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami
Methodology
Framing Theory and Constructions of Disability and People with Disabilities in News Media
Frame One: Inadequate and Poorly Arranged Evacuation Procedures
Frame Two: Existing Evacuation Response Procedures Impede Accessible and Timely Communication of Information to People with Disabilities
Frame Three: People with Disabilities Are a “Vulnerable Group” Whose Vulnerability Increases Due to Lack of Consideration in Disaster Preparedness
Conclusion
References
Chapter 19: “Kept in a Padded Black Cell in Case He Accidently Said ‘Piccaninny’”: Disability as Humor in Brexit Rhetoric
Portrayals of Remainers During the Brexit Debate
“Leavers” Had Not Received a University Education
Condemnation by Spelling Mistake
Low Intelligence as “Fixed” Explanation for Brexit
Disability Humor as Violence
Is Dementia a Disability?
“Held Captive by His Carers for Four Weeks”
Stereotyping
Remainers and Little Britain
Political Satire and Disability Prejudice
Conclusion
References
Chapter 20: “Oh, We Are Going to Have a Problem!”: Service Dog Access Microaggressions, Hyper-Invisibility, and Advocacy Fatigue
Background on Service Dogs and the ADA
Service Dogs: Positive Benefits, the ADA, and Invisible Disabilities
Method: Collaborative Autoethnography and a Critical Framework
Three Themes and Supporting Vignettes
Barely Legal
Vignette #1
Mapping Themes in Vignette #1
Handler Hyper-Invisibility
Vignette #2
Mapping Themes in Vignette #2
Advocacy Fatigue and Vignette #3
Mapping Themes in Vignette #3
Conclusion
References
Chapter 21: “The Fuzzy Mouse”: Unresolved Reflections on Podcasting, Public Pedagogy, and Intellectual Disability
Author’s Positioning
Method and Methodology
Podcasting
Mixed Methods
Outsider Participant Observation
Literature Review
Intellectual Disability and Inclusion/ism in Pedagogical Research
Disability Justice and Critical Access in Higher Education
Discussion
Beginning a College-Based Podcast
Early Podcast Recording Sessions
Mutual Learning Through Podcast Production
Interviews About “Knowing-Making”
Silent Podcasts
Conclusion
References
Chapter 22: Organizational Communication and Disability: Improvising Sense-Sharing
The Performance of Organizational Cultures
Crip Theory in Communication
Cripistemology of Organizational Communication
Cripistemological Themes for Organizational Communication
Improvising Interactions in Crip Organizational Communication
Improvising Group Members in Crip Organizational Communication
Improvising Shared Goals in Crip Organizational Communication
Conclusion
References
Part V: Advocacy, Policy, and Action
Chapter 23: Overlooked and Undercounted: Communication and Police Brutality Against People with Disabilities
Statement of Problem
Chapter Preview
Police Brutality and Use of Force Continuum
American with Disabilities Act: An Overview
Psychiatric Disabilities
Physical Disabilities
The Role of Communication in Brutality Against People with Disabilities
Media Framing and Erasure
Inadequate Communication Training
Solutions: A Call for Critical Media Framing and Community Participatory Trainings
Conclusion
References
Chapter 24: Critical Disability Studies in Technical Communication: A 25-Year History and the Future of Accessibility
An Abbreviated History of Technical Communication and Disability
Usability and Accessibility
Accessibility and Material and Social Discourses
The Social Justice Turn and Expanding the Margins
Future Directions for Accessibility in Technical Communication
Environmental and Sociospatial Factors in Communication Design
A “Hierarchy of Impairment”
Actionable Items for Human Dignity in Accessibility
Suggestions for Future Accessibility Work in Technical Communication
Conclusion
References
Chapter 25: Communication Infrastructures: Examining How Community Storytelling Facilitates or Constrains Communication Related to Medicaid Waivers for Children
Disability Health Care: A Complex History
Kentucky’s Michelle P. Waiver
Custodial Caregivers
Communication Infrastructures
Communication Infrastructure Theory
The Storytelling Network
The Communication Action Context
Research Question
Method
Participants
Interview Protocol
Recruitment
Thematic Narrative Analysis
Member Checking
Findings
Barriers in the Communication Action Context
No Systematic Entry Point
Low-Quality Case Management
Social Control in Accessing the Waiver
Facilitators in the Communication Action Context
Online Communities
Membership in Disability Networks
Discussion
Implications
Barriers to Medicaid Waiver Storytelling in the Community
Facilitators of Medicaid Waiver Storytelling in the Community
Limitations
Conclusion
References
Chapter 26: Governing Deaf Children and Their Parents Through (and into) Language
The Ontario Infant Hearing Program
Governing Through Language During Screening: Deafness as Unthinkable
Interpretive Analyses of IHP Screening Documents and Parent Experiences
Governing Toward Spoken Language
Hearing Loss as Problem
The Duality of Chance as Risk and Chance as Opportunity
Hearing Loss as an Excludable Type
Fully Informed? A Medical Lens of Objectivity
Professional Standpoints: SLPs and Audiologists
Position Paper on Cochlear Implants in Children
Position Paper on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening
The Medical Construction of Objectivity
The Danger of “Objectivity”
Reconsidering Deafness and What It Means to “Fully Inform” Parents
Conclusion
References
Chapter 27: #ImMentallyIllAndIDontKill: A Case Study of Grassroots Health Advocacy Messages on Twitter Following the Dayton and El Paso Shootings
Coping and Disability Advocacy Online
Method
Findings
Raising Awareness by Humanizing Mental Health Concerns
Educating with Expert Testimony and Research
Inclusivity Through Decentering the Mental Health Concerns Equals Violence Narrative
Organizing and Policy Change Support, Online and Offline
The Lack of Fundraising Appeals
Discussion
References
References
Index