We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Gasner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to change the perceptions of people with disabilities in the media. Disability isn’t a tragedy or something to be ashamed of. People with disabilities are capable and intelligent. Our lives are full, diverse, and creative.
I hope to be remembered as a positive representation of disability and a woman who took action by contributing to disability culture through her book “My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis.” I would also like to develop a speaking platform to provide greater representation of disabled people.
Jennifer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I grew up in Wisconsin and at 17 was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia, a rare, progressive, neuromuscular disease. After the initial shock and denial wore off, I realized my life would be full of joy. My determination and sense of humor helped me meet the challenges I faced going from walking independently to using a walker, and eventually, a wheelchair.
I attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where I received a BA in English. I was involved in the Student Activities Board and campus radio station, where I honed my love for music. I then went on to Western Illinois University for an MS in Recreation.
I began working with Independent Living Centers in Wisconsin, advocating for people with disabilities and learning about disability culture. My understanding of programs for the disabled, gave me the courage to move to San Diego alone when I was 28. In San Diego, I worked for various non-profits and UC San Diego. I became involved in the disability community as a mentor for What’s Next?, a mentorship program for youth with disabilities and as co-chair of UC San Diego’s Staff Association for staff with disabilities.
I am a San Diego Memoir Writers Association member and was Member of the Month in September 2023. My writing has appeared in “Shaking the Tree” Vol III and Vol IV and in “Six Feet Apart…In the Time of Corona.” My coming of age memoir, “My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis” was released in September 2023 with Acorn Publishing and is available ‘for order on Amazon or wherever you prefer to buy books.
“My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis” has won three awards: The Gold Book Award for Literary Titan in February 2024, Honorable Mention in the Biography/Autobiography category at the Hollywood Book Festival 2023, and a Notable 100 Book in the 2023 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition.
I am most proud that I am honest in my writing and that I show the evolution of myself—the good, bad, embarrassing, and naïve. As the title suggests, I have done things I and others with low expectations of the disabled did not expect. I hope to continue challenging the assumptions of living with a disability.
More information can be found on my website at https://jennifergasner.com/. Signing up for the mailing list will give you a link to the book’s playlist, where you can hear the songs referenced
Have you ever had to pivot?
Music has always been an important part of my life. Growing up, I wanted to be in that world. When I was in college, I had dreamed of being a radio or TV personality. But FA had caused my voice to become less clear with occasional slurs and a halting cadence. Since speaking effectively is important in radio and TV, I decided to change my major to English. I thought I could still be involved in music—as a music journalist instead of a presenter.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I moved to San Diego from Wisconsin by myself in 2001, knowing only two people—the couple that I knew and let me live in their home. I really wanted to work at one of the universities in San Diego. I like to think the timing wasn’t ideal, post 9-11, but I believe it had more to do with the fact that I use a wheelchair. I was openly and unapologetically discriminated against. For example, people would say the wheelchair would slow me down, or they were unable to make a place fully accessible, even though my probable workspace was already totally accessible. Yet I kept trying to get a position. At one point, I had gone through over 30 interviews in 9 months, at one institution alone, but had not received one offer. I had given up and went on to work for several nonprofits. About six years later I tried again to get a job at a university. I received an offer shortly after at UC San Diego and worked there happily for seven years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jennifergasner.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennygwriter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferGasner/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gasner-4b1aaa50/