Clare (1999) uses the metaphor of the mountain to refer to the problems that face the less privileged people in the society. She narrates a story of being a gimp, a crip, and disabled with cerebral palsy, and the struggle to go climb the mountain. She talks about a boy without hands but bats 486 in a small league team; A blind man who hikes the Appalachian Trail from end to end; An adolescent girl with down’s syndrome, who learnt to drive and has a boyfriend; and a guy with one leg who runs across Canada. These stories focus on how people with various disabilities try to overcome them. She explains that the disabled are faced with oppression. They lack access, education, employment, and personal attendant services. The author explains her experience in high school and all the difficulties she encountered while trying to be a brave, courageous cripple. The author further narrates of her hike to Mount. Adams with a friend and how much of a struggle it was for her who had a problem with balancing her body. She explains of how she has failed in different areas of life due to her slow way of doing things and speaking. She says of how people everywhere stare at her due to her disability. After analyzing her experience in climbing up the mountain and the experience of other disabled persons, she settles for the fact that the mountain can never be home for her. She is convinced that home starts with her body.

The author critically analyzes and explains the various struggles and problems that face the disabled in the society. She uses the example of her and her experiences to explain clearly what comes with disability. For example, in her effort to climb Mt.Adams without success. Also, her failing timed examination due to lack of speed. She also explains how she is left out on employment due to her slow speech. All these make her think of herself as a stupid and helpless person. Nevertheless, she has learned to accept herself the way she is and accepted her body. She has not lost faith but continues to encourage herself through the encouragement of others. She believes in overcoming. This article is connected to the disability gulag by Johnson (2003), where the old are afraid of being separated from their loved ones due to their old age. In both articles, oppression of access is seen as a limiting factor in disability.

References

Clare, .E. (1999).Exile and pride: Disability, queerness, and liberation.Cambridge, MA: South End Press.

Johnson, .H.M. (2003, November 23).The disability gulag. The New York Times.