The blog post “body/freedom/art: Rethinking disability through art” by Chelsea Miller focuses on Neil Marcus, an artist who sees disability as more than just a medical problem. Neil says, “Disability is an art. It’s an ingenious way to live” (University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2020). This idea shifts the way we think about disability, including conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Instead of seeing it as something to fix, Marcus encourages us to see it as part of a person’s identity and a way they express themselves.
A key quote from the article is, “Disability becomes place: a place to which people migrate, and a place in which Marcus found himself staying after he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder” (University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2020). This means living with a disability, like arthritis, shapes how someone experiences life. It’s not just about pain or symptoms; it’s about how the condition becomes part of who they are and how they interact with the world. For people with arthritis, this view helps shift focus from just dealing with their condition to finding creative ways to live with it.
The blog also talks about Marcus’ use of art to raise awareness about disability. He performed in a piece called “Disabled Country” and said, “a person’s disability can’t be separated from their identity and daily interactions” (University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2020). For those with arthritis, this means that their condition is part of who they are in everything they do. Understanding this connection helps us remember that treatments like drug delivery systems aren’t just medical—they’re about giving people the freedom to live their lives fully.
In the end, Marcus’ approach challenges how we see disability, encouraging us to focus on creativity and empowerment, which is important when thinking about arthritis and its treatments.
References
University of Massachusetts Amherst. (2020, March 19). Body/Freedom/Art: Rethinking Disability Through Art. past@present. https://umasshistory.wordpress.com/2015/08/19/bodyfreedomart-rethinking-disability-through-art/
Hendren, S. (2010). Accessible Icon Project [Photograph]. Digital. https://sarahendren.com/projects-lab/accessible-icon-project/
