How Do Texts offer Different Perceptions of Disability?

How do texts offer different perceptions of disability?

Different texts offer different views on the topic of disability. In Elizabeth Kata’s novel, “A patch of Blue”, people who are disabled are seen as “dumb” or “stupid” and have no rights, as well as being a burden. In contrast, John Marsden’s novel, “So much to tell you, physically being disabled is perceived as being a burden and makes you feel like hiding away. Both texts use a variety of language forms and features to reveal these different perceptions.

In a “Patch of Blue”, Elizabeth Kata has revealed disability through first person which is in Selina’s view and how people treat her because of her disability. Dialogue from various people presents similar ideas of disability, that is if you are disabled you’re considered to be not bright, have no rights and a burden to everyone else. “You know nothing-you are nothing”. With the use of pun this suggests that since Selina is blind basing on this disability, Rose-Ann presumes that Selina is worthless and basically nothing. Rose-Ann’s prejudice represents similar perceptions in society. Rose-Ann being Selina’s mother, never gave Selina the opportunity to have an education, due to her disability and finds it a burden. “I felt like a bee”, the comparison of Selina and the bee, clearly shows that she is gathering knowledge from Gordon, a person she recently met who had taught her so many things that she never got the chance to learn about. Selina’s mother symbolises the people in society who finds disability a burden. “You’ve no right to be out alone”. This statement clearly suggest that people with a disability restricts them from having any rights. Since Selina is blind she does not have the freedom to go where she pleases without the aid of someone else. For a stranger to say this also reflects society’s view of disabled people being a burden. Even though Selina is disabled she never complains or despised herself because she has never seen other people’s