| Title |
Martinez, MaKayla MENG_2025 |
| Alternative Title |
AFFIRMATIVE REPRESENTATION:; A FOUNDATION IN FORM AND CRAFT FOR WRITING DISABLED CHARACTERS |
| Creator |
Martinez, MaKayla |
| Collection Name |
Master of English |
| Description |
MaKayla Martinez's thesis Affirmative Representation develops a framework for writing disabled characters rooted in the affirmative model of disability, emphasizing accuracy, immersion, and disability pride. Through literary analysis and original methodology, she identifies five craft-based guideposts to help both disabled and non-disabled authors create authentic, empowering representations in children's and young adult literature. |
| Abstract |
This thesis offers a craft-focused framework for writing disabled characters through the lens of the affirmative model of disability. Responding to both the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of disabled characters in children's and young adult literature, MaKayla Martinez challenges the idea that only disabled authors can write disabled characters well. Instead, she advocates for "affirmative representation"-portrayals that are accurate, immersive, and grounded in disability pride. Drawing on disability studies and the work of theorists like Swain, French, and Metheny, Martinez identifies three core components of affirmative representation: acknowledging the social construction of disability, fostering a collective group identity, and recognizing the frustrations that arise from disabling systems.; ; Using both quantitative (Immersion Score) and qualitative (critical content analysis) methods, Martinez analyzes a diverse set of contemporary youth novels to determine how often and how meaningfully disability is represented. From this, she distills five practical guideposts for authors: allow disabled characters to define themselves, provide role models and community, include accommodations and systemic barriers, utilize thoughtful vocabulary substitutions, and embrace non-linear forms to reflect lived experiences. Through close readings of texts like Give Me a Sign and Hummingbird, Martinez demonstrates how form and content work together to craft immersive, respectful narratives that center disabled characters as full, complex people. This thesis serves as both a scholarly contribution and a hands-on guide for writers seeking to engage in inclusive and affirming storytelling. |
| Subject |
Creative writing; Characters and characteristics in literature |
| Digital Publisher |
Digitized by Special Collections & University Archives, Stewart Library, Weber State University. |
| Date |
2025 |
| Medium |
Thesis |
| Type |
Text |
| Access Extent |
31 page pdf |
| Conversion Specifications |
Adobe Acrobat |
| Language |
eng |
| Rights |
The author has granted Weber State University Archives a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to reproduce his or her thesis, in whole or in part, in electronic or paper form and to make it available to the general public at no charge. The author retains all other rights. For further information:  |
| Source |
University Archives Electronic Records: Master of English. Stewart Library, Weber State University |
| Format |
application/pdf |
| ARK |
ark:/87278/s699tht5 |
| Setname |
wsu_smt |
| ID |
153452 |
| Reference URL |
https://digital.weber.edu/ark:/87278/s699tht5 |
