The View From Down Here: Life as a Young Disabled Woman

by Lucy Webster

A powerful, eye-opening insight into navigating the world as a disabled young woman

Women's lives are shaped by sexism and expectations. Disabled people's lives are shaped by ableism and a complete lack of expectations. But what happens when you're subjected to both sets of rules?

This powerful, honest, hilarious, and furious memoir from journalist and advocate Lucy Webster looks at life at the the struggles, the joys, and the unseen realities of being a disabled woman. From navigating the worlds of education and work, dating, and friendship to managing care, contemplating motherhood, and learning to accept your body against a pervasive narrative that it is somehow broken and in need of fixing, The View From Down Here shines a light on what it really means to move through the world as a disabled woman.

Genres: Disability, Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Feminism, Politics, Biography

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[Sarah Shewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a rule I don’t rate memoirs but this book challenged, expanded, and changed my views on ableism & feminism in unexpected ways. While generously sharing her experience, she never wasted a chance to teach and challenge the reader. I also found this book deeply relatable on several topics.

This book is a gift and desperately needed. Thank you Lucy.

[Alexia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If sexism is hard to fix, can’t even describe what we have to do to fix sexism and ableism. We have work to do to make this a better world for everyone!

[Sophie Breese · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a memoir! Incredibly powerful, empowering, moving, funny, unsettling, upsetting. I went through a lot of different emotions when reading this beautiful book.

Webster has cerebral palsy and shows us that the social model of ableism in which anyone who is ‘disabled’ is disabled by those who are not is absolutely flawed and needs rethinking. That by not making - at the most basic level - public spaces accessible we perpetuate the exclusion of those who are considered disabled. But obviously it runs much much deeper than that. Her memoir is a rallying call to those who are disabled and those who are not to question to the assumptions that are in place about those who are disabled. It is an uncomfortable read because I for one have been complicit in (some of) those assumptions but an important read because it challenges them. Interesting she challenges the individualism of third wave feminism by suggesting that the idea of strong independent womanhood has had the effect of excluding disabled women who benefit from a community and sharing ideas and support. I found some of the chapters very very sad and very very difficult to listen to (great audio book). I felt profoundly sad about her stories of rejection and exclusion (dating, adoption to name but two) but also happy that Webster has found solidarity amongst a community of disabled women and has come to a point of personal self-acceptance.

Highly recommended.

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book at my local library and I really enjoyed reading it. Some of the content was not a surprise: dating as a disabled woman is challenging, considering motherhood is difficult and the author faces a lot of prejudice. I also learned a lot from this book and there were many things I had never considered, for example the author having to be someone's boss at just 18 when she manages her carers/personal assistants, and how tricky finding the right care can be. It was interesting and well written, would recommend.

[K.S.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look at the intersectional experience of systemic oppression. I hope Webster writes many more books!

[Alannah Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an eye-opening, empowering, and deeply resonant exploration of what it means to navigate the world as a young disabled woman. Reading this as a disabled, chronically ill woman myself, I found so much of Webster’s story profoundly relatable, yet it also expanded my understanding of the diverse experiences within the disabled community.

Webster’s writing is raw, honest, and infused with wit, making the book both deeply personal and universally impactful. She captures the daily challenges, societal barriers, and emotional realities of being a disabled woman in a world that often overlooks or misunderstands us. From navigating relationships and independence to confronting systemic ableism, her insights feel authentic and necessary.

What truly struck me was how Webster brings to light the breadth of experiences within the disabled community. While I saw echoes of my own journey in her words, her perspective helped me recognize the importance of amplifying and respecting the varied voices of other disabled women. Disability is indeed a wide spectrum, and Webster’s book serves as a powerful reminder of the individuality and shared solidarity within our community.

This book is not just for disabled readers—it’s for anyone who wants to better understand the lived experiences of disabled women and how society can and must do better. Webster balances vulnerability with strength, offering both a personal narrative and a call for greater inclusivity and awareness.

*The View From Down Here* is an essential read that I wholeheartedly recommend. Lucy Webster has given a voice to so many experiences and perspectives that need to be heard. This is a book I’ll be thinking about—and recommending—for a long time.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a valuable insight into some of the ways in which ableism defines the everyday lives of disabled people, particularly, those women who are visibly disabled.

Overall, it could have benefitted from examining some of the biases from a variety of perspectives, such as that an editor recommending the author does not let herself be pigeonholed into only writing about disability and ableism, may actually be pretty good advice. An obvious argument that could be presented here is being pigeonholed rarely benefits anyone’s career. But more importantly, as a member of several minority groups, I know that many people wouldn’t want it to be assumed that they would only be able to succeed in a writing career by highlighting the challenges and discrimination their community faces. We are allowed to have interests and passions outside of what makes us ‘other’, and the world should want to hear about these.

The most convincing to me were the arguments on accessibility and motherhood, although all the perspectives offered by the author are valid and thought-provoking.

[Theres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent, readable book that also made me
very angry. Some spoilers to the extent you can spoil non-fiction. What stuck with me most:

- When you're out and the disabled loos somewhere are shut, or the disabled changing rooms are closed, ask when they will be available again (maybe channel your inner Karen if you have one)
- Disabled women face some of the flip coins of misogynistic issues that (white/mainstream) feminism is fighting against: desexualised rather than oversexualised, not expected/permitted to be parents rather than facing pressure to have children (and I do mean permitted - Webster is denied adoption, as well as access to a dating service, which is rage-inducing)
- Webster is a cracking writer and she has a newsletter you can subscribe to called the view from down here https://lucywebster.substack.com/
- Body positivity's "don't hate your body for looking a certain way, love it for what it can do" (which I'd previously bought into) isn't actually that great a mantra
- A separate thought I had was about the overlap between what Webster writes and the issues that trans women face. Because Webster writes that she is not seen as a real woman. And I read a tweet a long time ago that said not accepting trans women because they had different experiences to you growing up (ie 'they (allegedly) didn't grow up with misogyny so they can't sit with us') also excludes many other women who have had wildly different experiences. Telling women that they are not real women is always bad and unhelpful, and the current scramble to "define what a woman is" (to what end?) also comes out in Webster's experience, with eg there not being good sex ed for her because she is not seen as a sexual woman

[Sarah Doubenmier · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an important book to read. As an able bodied person, I do tend to forget about people with disabilities. She reminds me of Lindy West in a lot of ways. I’d watch a show based on her experiences!

[Kat Dance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugely educational, digestible and engaging. Would recommend to all.

[Peg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked this book so much that I bought it twice and read it twice - once in hard copy and once in kindle. I marked up so many passages in the physical copy but that led to reflections of my own and so I added a kindle copy to make my notes in.
I’m also in a wheelchair, and I have carers. Very much of what Lucy writes resonated with me.
I’d like to see this book used in schools to encourage everyone to think about the diversity of different human experiences. We’ve started sone of this work in racism - we need to widen the eye of the microscope, adding in ableism and trying to root out all the other isms that blight society and ruin individual lives.
Well done Lucy for telling it exactly as it is, making it funny, snd avoiding the traps of self pity etc
Great book.

[Abi Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and important book that deep dives into what it’s like to live and grow up with ableism and sexism in the UK. Thought provoking and at the core of it, a very well written and engaging read. Thank you Lucy for letting us into such personal aspects of your life. Hopefully the book inspires many to help fight for the inclusivity that is still missing in 2023.

[Grace Beaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ableism meets the patriarchy - the reckoning arrives in a wheelchair.

[Ms. Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was keen to read this book because I too use a wheelchair every day whenever I need to go outside my house, and where there would otherwise be more than a minute's walking or standing involved. My disability is severe arthritis, which means I'm in a different and much easier situation than Lucy Webster's. But I face the same obstacles outside my home: lack of access to most buildings older than 50 years; lack of clear information about access; indifference when I complain about either of those facts; and being patronised by strangers who seem to infer that I must have some mental disability as I'm clearly not able to walk! The lack of access is the most frustrating, as it would be so easy to change. I lived in America, where access is much easier to most buildings and where disability is well catered for in most locations. Here in the UK, it's much harder.

Given that we share so much, I enjoyed Webster's description of the problems she faces when trying to travel anywhere, get into a new location, go out with friends in the evening and work in an office for several hours straight. Her problems at home were also interesting and often moving.

She's a young woman, so wanted to go on dates, which she found impossible because men were not attracted to her. And this made her very angry. Here, I part company with her, because it's just a fact - much as we may dislike to admit it - that most young, healthy men would not be attracted to a severely disabled woman, who speaks with an impediment and needs care for so many tasks, from needing to be fed to needing help going to the bathroom.

Yes, it's sad and it's very annoying that she cannot find a mate. But anger changes nothing. I wish the writer could accept these facts and come to terms with them. She says she has stopped trying to date, but the anger is still there and I believe it is very destructive to her energy and her emotional stability. We disabled people must accept the things we cannot change, as the prayer goes, because otherwise life becomes too difficult. And basic instincts such as sexual attraction won't change.

The other thing that struck me was that she is determined to adopt a child. How this would work, given that she already needs so much help with daily tasks, is not clear. She seems to think it would be fine if she could only find an agency willing to let her adopt, but in my view she is mistaken. Such a child would begin life with a disadvantage, and she does not seem to really understand that it could be damaging to the child. Just because we want something does not make it right.

Here again, acceptance is the answer. She knows children and is an "auntie", and surely this is preferable to imposing a life of restrictions and hardships upon a child. She now has the best of both worlds, being the fun person with a child and playing with them, taking them out, and so on, and none of the daily difficulties which are hard enough for most single mothers to cope with, let alone if you have such a severe disability.

So, while I wanted her to be happy and accept her life along with all the good things about it - she has many friends, unlike a lot of disabled people, and carers round the clock, again unlike so many disabled people, plus a good job, again unlike many of her peers - she concentrates on what she can't do and can't have. I pray she will find acceptance and understanding as she matures, and that she will appreciate the gifts she has been given along with the drawbacks.

She is certainly courageous and strong, for which I respect her and wish her success.

[everything golden mims · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Book Review 📖

𝕋𝕚𝕥𝕝𝕖: The View From Down Here
𝔸𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣: Lucy Webster
𝕄𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕦𝕞 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕚𝕟: Physical Copy

𝕊𝕪𝕟𝕠𝕡𝕤𝕚𝕤: What happens when sexism and ableism intersect? Lucy Webster’s powerful and moving memoir explores the lived experiences of being a disabled woman navigating a world designed to exclude. Written with wit, candor, and fury, Webster reflects on her journey through education, work, relationships, and care, all while confronting societal narratives that portray disabled bodies as broken or in need of fixing. With keen insight, The View From Down Here sheds light on the struggles and joys of life at the intersection of disability and womanhood.

𝕄𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤: Lucy Webster’s memoir is a privilege to read, offering a profoundly honest account of her life shaped by ableism and misogyny. Her writing is as compelling as it is enlightening, seamlessly blending humor with poignant truths.

Webster’s generosity of spirit shines as she shares the challenges she has faced, from inaccessibility to society’s low expectations. Her insights into how ableism combines with sexism to create unique hurdles for disabled women are vital, offering valuable lessons for feminists and society alike.

The book moved me deeply, particularly Webster’s reflections on dating, motherhood, and friendship, which were written with such authenticity that I couldn’t help but feel connected to her experience, despite being an able-bodied reader.

This is an essential read, one I’d recommend for anyone seeking a better understanding of the realities of being a disabled woman in our world. It’s a fantastic choice for book clubs, sparking important conversations about inclusion, equality, and empathy.

✨ Highly recommend!

Happy reading! x

[Katharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to read The View from Down Here because I attended several book club events and a panel discussion on Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body, (very high recommend, BTW) and was intrigued by another memoir from a late-twenties woman on life as seen from a wheelchair. However, instead of Sitting Pretty's series of vignettes/essays on episodes from the writer's life that told her frustrations and victories very much in the form of a conversation over coffee, The View.... grabs you roughly by your hair and drags you through the mud of normal, everyday life of a disabled person, from putting on shoes to being told she wasn't allowed in a club because she "wouldn't enjoy that kind of music," to demonstrate firmly that this BLOODY FREAKING SUCKS!!!!! Lucy Webster is defiant and determined and proud and wants you, the reader, to understand that You Can Do Better. It is a rallying cry and a challenge, not a rejection. And, it arms you with tiny details that you probably never thought of before (Are there really no sanitary item baskets/receptacles in accessible lavatories??)
With luck, it acts as an inspiration to many.
P.S. I was glad to see multiple instances where Lucy Webster mentions Rebekah Taussig as a friend, even though they live on opposite sides of the Atlantic.

[ciara · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very important overview of the discrimination faced by disabled people, especially women, and how the double oppressions of sexism and ableism dehumanise disabled women.

this book deepened my understanding of how ableism operates, especially as it pertains to disabled women. it opened my eyes to a lot of the effects of combined ableism and sexism - for example the fact that disabled toilets often don’t have sanitary bins.

i am autistic, and this book has highlighted the ways in which physically and visibly disabled people’s experiences with ableism differ from my own, which has given me pause to consider the ways i perpetuate ableism and how i can dismantle it.

overall, a great book.

[beyond_blue_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant exploration of the intersections of being a disabled woman. The writing was a bit journalistic (surprise, since the author's a journalist). I don't enjoy that in a book, but what she said was too raw and important for it to bother me much.

She touches on topics like care and bodily autonomy, making friends, dating and love, wanting to be a mothrt - all through the intersections of disabled womanhood. The stories of inclusion are joyful, but there are also horrific examples of exclusion.

I found some bits - particularly the dating chapter - insistently heteronormative, which I also don't particularly enjoy. But since writing the book, she's publicly come out as queer and now I definitely hope there's a follow-up - that might be the missing 🌟!

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The View From Down Here: Life as a Young Disabled Woman, by Lucy Webster
Rating: 5/5
Published: NOW
‘The first, difficult lesson was in unpicking the ways ableism and sexism had divorced me from my own body. The social model of disability was instrumental in helping me to stop blaming my body for the exclusion I faced, and understanding that the blame lay instead with an ableist and sexist society.’
Being female and disabled is not for the light-hearted. Lucy Webster’s memoir is a powerful declaration of this, but also a heart-breaking story of navigating a world that is not designed for you. She suffers from cerebral palsy, but does not allow that to dictate her life. She is brave, incredibly brave, and her account of living as a disabled woman is empowering but also infuriating. She explains ableism is an extremely accessible way, and points out all the shocking ways that society works against disabled people. I was aware of some of the latter, but Webster really opened my eyes to how devastating it can be. She is an absolute powerhouse of inspiration, and her spirit and raw honesty made me quite emotional at times. Disability should not be taboo, but it is, and Webster invites us all to start an important conversation about why that is. I would love to hand this to every politician and business owner in the world, and tell them to take note. We could learn so much from Lucy and her powerful work.

[Keegan Hillier · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow disabled person, it was really special hearing from someone else how all these shitty issues we face in life are in fact the choices of others, and not ok. Additionally, Lucy Webster has a brilliant ability to highlight how things that seemed so mundane are in fact aspects of ableism so deeply entrenched we don't notice them. Intersectionality is something so desperately lacking in so much of our movements today, so taking the time to see how ableism and womanhood are so deeply intertwined is well worth it.

[Rachel L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true must-read!

I could not put down this powerful book that was recommended to me by a friend who is confined to a wheelchair. This book not only touches on the physical obstacles in Lucy’s way but also navigating a world that constantly discriminates against her, just as much for being a woman as for having a disability. The way she writes about her experiences is incredibly moving, honest, and eye-opening & I’ve learned so much. This should be required reading for everyone.

[Liz Creavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wasn’t an easy read. It made me so angry and frustrated for the author and anyone else who can identify with her. Working with colleagues and children who are disabled - wheelchair users and a wide range of other needs - it’s absolutely helped me empathise and appreciate them so much more.
I really hope that as many people as possible read this and engage with conversations and knowledge around ablism.

[Katherine Dutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing description of what it is like to be a disabled women in UK. Great read for disabled people and their allies. Thanks to this Lucy for explaining near enough! my own life in her words and experiences, and how it feels to be cared for with a physical disability. Would 100% recommend this book.

[Amariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Lucy, for writing this book. It was eyeopening to say the least, it made me contemplate so much about my preconceived notions about disability and what it is like to live with a disability. Even tho I have a medical condition, there was so much more about disabilities that I had no idea about. A fantastic read.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the kind of memoir I feel like many folks need to head, because the intersection of abelism and sexism is so large and I can honestly say I never even thought of it that much compared to other intersections of feminism

[Charlene Gordon · Rating 2 out of 5]

4-27-2024: This book was chosen by the book club I’m in for one of the selections this year. It was informative and did open my eyes to the issues disabled people experience daily. I can’t say I enjoyed it but I did learn some things from it.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful exploration of the intersection between disability and feminism, making this the perfect memoir to pick up at any point in your disability rights journey. There is basic information in here for beginners plus Lucy’s personal stories and in-depth analysis to deepen your understanding.

[Gracie Walston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opening for anyone aiming to expand their understanding of intersectional identities and ableism; validating and inspiring for those living with disabilities or for those with loved ones living with disabilities.

[Elaine J Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous book that should be required reading for all. Lucy gives such a great insight into the actual struggles that society creates for disabled women. I hope this knowledge helps all women to do better in their lives - whether friends, partners, parents, carers or any other role they choose.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The View From Down Here” shines a light on ableism and sexism across all aspects of society. It’s been a truly eye opening read for me – 4 stars!

My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...