February 16, 2026 - 21:41
The concept I wanted to discuss is "crip time" and how there are so many definitions and perspectives of looking at this concept. In "Time for Disability Studies" by Alison Kafer and "Six Ways of Looking at Crip Time" by Ellen Samuels, the authors have very different yet similar perspectives of “crip time,” with both authors considering different definitions in their writing. Kafer defines “crip time” in 6 different ways: time travel, grief time, broken time, sick time, writing time, and vampire time. She describes it as an inability to live a linear and progressive life, the struggle with never being healthy again, the requirement to take breaks even when someone wants to keep going, the forced sick days, the balancing of writing as expression and breaks, and the late nights and unconscious days. Samuels discusses “crip time” as how society always categorizes disabilities by time, as well as how disability affects the perception of time.
Both articles talked about one’s orientation to time in a day-to-day setting, which is a concept that I found interesting and touches on multiple definitions of “crip time.” I also think this is a concept that society struggles to understand, recognize, and adapt to. Whether it be the need for extra time on an assignment or work project, having to take more time out of the day or off work to attend doctor’s appointments, or needing extra time to get from place to place, society struggles to accept these accommodations. From the time a student is in school, if they need extra time in any way, multiple forms have to be filled out by a doctor and signed, and meetings have to be held, even for 10 extra minutes or an elevator/late to class accommodation for a broken leg. The inability of society to accept that people require different times to do the same activity for whatever reason may add to the feeling of grief time as it emphasizes the “crushing undertow” that accompanies loss.
Similarly, with needing to attend doctors' appointments and taking time off, people have different health needs, but society places such a harsh limit on these with the number of sick and personal days, forcing them to lean into their vacation days, which are so crucial for work-life balance. Again, it adds to the feeling of loss, taking away the ability to see family or attend a fun event, all because society has such harsh regulations and rules that are not accepting of different people’s needs. I have seen society progress regarding this slightly in the last few years, with more companies switching to an unlimited PTO system. While debates exist about unlimited PTO policies, for many, this flexibility can be essential. For those who often have to miss days of work for disability, the freedom and flexibility to use these days when needed is crucial. Society’s rigid expectations often marginalize those who need different time accommodations.