Demystifying Disability
What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be
Author
Emily Ladau
Disability Rights Activist
Co Author
Details
- Print length 176 pages
- Publication date September 7, 2021
- Available in Paperback, Kindle eBook and Audible Audiobook
Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau is an essential guide for anyone seeking to better understand disability and become a thoughtful ally to the disability community. With clarity and warmth, Ladau addresses key topics such as recognizing ableism, practicing good disability etiquette, and advocating for accessibility in daily life. She explores disability history, identity, and media representation, offering practical tips and insights for creating a more inclusive world. Whether you’re disabled or nondisabled, this intersectional handbook provides a welcoming space to engage with disability as a natural part of the human experience and take actionable steps toward positive change.
An approachable guide to being a thoughtful, informed ally to disabled people, with actionable steps for what to say and do (and what not to do) and how you can help make the world a more inclusive place
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: NPR, Booklist •
“A candid, accessible cheat sheet for anyone who wants to thoughtfully join the conversation . . . Emily makes the intimidating approachable and the complicated clear.”—Rebekah Taussig, author of Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary, Resilient, Disabled Body
People with disabilities are the world’s largest minority, an estimated 15 percent of the global population. But many of us—disabled and nondisabled alike—don’t know how to act, what to say, or how to be an ally to the disability community. What are the appropriate ways to think, talk, and ask about disability? Demystifying Disability is a friendly handbook on the important disability issues you need to know about, including:•
- Recognizing and avoiding ableism (discrimination toward disabled people)
- Practicing good disability etiquette• Ensuring accessibility becomes your standard practice, from everyday communication to planning special events
- Appreciating disability history and identity
- Identifying and speaking up about disability stereotypes in media
Authored by celebrated disability rights advocate, speaker, and writer Emily Ladau, this practical, intersectional guide offers all readers a welcoming place to understand disability as part of the human experience.
Praise for Demystifying Disability
“Whether you have a disability, or you are non-disabled, Demystifying Disability is a MUST READ. Emily Ladau is a wise spirit who thinks deeply and writes exquisitely.”—Judy Heumann, international disability rights advocate and author of Being Heumann“Emily Ladau has done her homework, and Demystifying Disability is her candid, accessible cheat sheet for anyone who wants to thoughtfully join the conversation. A teacher who makes you forget you’re learning, Emily makes the intimidating approachable and the complicated clear. This book is a generous and needed gift.”—Rebekah Taussig, author of Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body
Discover the power of knowledge through our featured book.
Each book offers an opportunity to learn from industry leaders in the exploration of digital accessibility principles and practices. The titles serve as a vital resource for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and implementation of industry standards.
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"Knowledge is power." - Thomas Jefferson
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It brought me closer to the people who really care for accessibility. The Accessibility Book Club has been an incredible space to share ideas, learn from passionate individuals, and grow as an advocate for inclusive design. I also connected with Manuel, the author of Web Accessibility Cookbook, and had the prestigious opportunity to professionally review his book and learn his inspiring story. As someone deeply inspired by accessible design—especially with my mother being a teacher for students with special needs—this community holds a special place in my heart. 💙
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I love the Accessibility Book Club. The participants bring such good questions, and the Club is so thoughtfully organized. Sometimes we talk about care as a value in disability work in ways that can get unarticulated in the context of more technical work. I found Accessibility Book Club to be a great place for smart conversations done with care about access work. I'm incredibly grateful to have had my book read and discussed by this group. Thank you all!
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