Disability Is Human
The Vital Power of Accessibility in Everyday Life
Author
Dr. Stephanie Cawthon
Bestselling Author + Keynote Speaker
Co Author
Details
- Print length 262 pages
- Publication date September 9, 2024
- Available in Paperback and Kindle eBook
In Disability Is Human, Dr. Stephanie Cawthon draws on over 25 years of experience as an educator and researcher to challenge misconceptions about disability and empower readers to create a more accessible world. Using relatable stories, personal experiences, and real-world examples, the book offers practical guidance on understanding disabilities, identifying ableism, and tapping into the transformative power of accessibility. With a focus on actionable tips and insights, this groundbreaking book provides the building blocks for fostering inclusion and ensuring disabled individuals can thrive. Perfect for readers in any industry, Disability Is Human is a powerful call to action for greater understanding and change.
Author Dr. Stephanie Cawthon draws upon more than twenty-five years of experience as a professional educator and groundbreaking researcher to dispel myths and raise expectations about disabled people. In Disability Is Human, she brings the same energy and insights from her popular presentations and workshops to nearly every industry — where Dr. Cawthon has empowered, encouraged, and supported thousands of people in their journey toward greater access. With relatable stories, real-world examples, personal experiences, and actionable tips, Disability Is Human is a breakthrough book that:+ Provides the key building blocks to tap the vital power of accessibility+ Boosts your understanding of disability — including disabilities you can’t see or don’t notice+ Explains “ableism,” how to identify it, and ways to address it to improve accessibility for everyone
AUTHOR BIO
Stephanie W. Cawthon, PhD, is an internationally renowned author, researcher, and consultant who brings relatable insights and real-world skills to her mission, namely, that when we tap into the power of accessibility, we ensure disabled people can thrive and succeed. Dr. Cawthon’s groundbreaking research has been funded by over $50 million in federal and other grants. In 2023, she founded the National Disability Center for Student Success at The University of Texas at Austin, where she is a tenured Professor of Educational Psychology. She also brings a lived experience to her work. In addition to her congenital hearing loss, she has several mental health and physical disabilities that have a significant impact on her ability to engage in important life activities. Dr. Cawthon earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Stanford University and her doctorate from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She lives in Austin, Texas.
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.
Key Themes
Inclusivity, user experience, and practical strategies for accessible design are all taken into consideration when choosing each book.
Accessibility Highlights
We love books that dive deep into accessibility principles, best practices and teach readers common terminology and techniques.
"Knowledge is power." - Thomas Jefferson
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This is what our members are saying about the club:
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. 💙
Yash Raj Bharti
UXE (front end) Lead
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!
Ashley Shew
Associate Professor of Science, Technology, and Society
I joined the Accessibility Book Club because accessibility is something I care deeply about, and I wanted to connect with others who truly 'get it.' It’s a space where I can learn, and be part of a community that shares my passion for making an impact.
Dr. Nicole L'Etoile, Ed.D.
Learning Experience Designer
I was overwhelmed when I clicked the Zoom link and saw a full screen with faces looking at me. All these people decided to spend time with me and ask questions about my book and accessibility. That’s an experience I will never forget. The Accessibility Book Club is a unique and invaluable initiative I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Manuel Matuzović
Author Web Accessibility Cookbook
I have always wanted to join a book club and was very happy when I discovered one that was about accessibility! Not only does this book club give us the chance to learn more, it also gives us a platform to connect with people passionate about accessibility.
Amber Wilson
Founder & CEO
I joined the Accessibility Book Club after hearing my advisor speak about her book, and I’ve been inspired by the opportunity to discover what this incredible community is reading in the ever-evolving world of accessibility.
Sonal Sathe
Doctoral Student
I recommended the Accessibility Book Club to my daughter, an aspiring UI/UX designer, so she could connect with a community of professionals and access the wealth of knowledge in the books we’re reading. This group isn’t just helping her education—it’s setting her up to be a standout candidate in her future career.
Dana McMullen
Digital Accessibility Trusted Tester and Consultant