These books, listed in no particular order, will help you learn about the experiences of disabled people and how they are challenging ableism.
There are no links if you click on any of these books. To purchase, consider alternatives to Amazon and Audible. Also, consider ordering from bookstores owned by people of color.
#1: The War on Disabled People: Capitalism, Welfare and the Making of a Human Catastrophe by Ellen Clifford
“The War on Disabled People” is a book that talks about how capitalism and how governments handle welfare can cause many problems for disabled individuals.
It explains how ableism makes life tough for people with disabilities, leading to serious challenges and difficulties.
The book shows how society and policies can contribute to a big catastrophe for disabled people, and it sheds light on the struggles they face due to these issues.
This book will help you understand the problems better and why it’s important to support disabled individuals.
#2: Crippled: Austerity and the Demonization of Disabled People by Frances Ryan
“Crippled: Austerity and the Demonization of Disabled People” is a book that talks about how government policies related to money-saving efforts, called austerity, can negatively affect disabled individuals.
The book explains how these policies can lead to disabled people facing unfair treatment, discrimination, and challenges in their daily lives.
It shows how society can wrongly blame disabled individuals for financial problems, making their lives much harder.
You’ll learn about the struggles disabled people go through and why it’s important to treat everyone with fairness and respect.
#3: A Disability History of the United States by Kim E. Nielsen
“A Disability History of the United States” is a book that tells the story of how people with disabilities have been treated throughout American history. It discusses how they faced challenges, discrimination, and unfair laws.
The book explains how disabled individuals have fought for their rights and inclusion. It shows that despite facing tough times, they’ve also shown strength and resilience in their journey for equal treatment.
You’ll learn about the history of disability in the United States and understand the importance of treating everyone with dignity and fairness.
#4: Black Disability Politics by Sami Schalk
“Black Disability Politics” is a book about how Black people with disabilities have worked for their rights and better treatment.
The book explains how they faced challenges due to racism and ableism when people judged them based on their disabilities.
It shows how these individuals have spoken up, organized, and fought against these unfair treatments. The book shares stories of strength and resilience, teaching us about recognizing and supporting Black people with disabilities in their journey for equality.
#5: Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century by Alice Wong
Disability Visibility is a collection of essays, poems, and artwork by over 100 disabled people from various backgrounds.
It tells the stories of disabled people’s lives, their experiences with discrimination, and their hopes and dreams. The book challenges how we think about disability and shows that disabled people are just as diverse as any other population group.
It is an important book for anyone who wants to learn more about disability and how to be an ally to disabled people.
#6: Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig
“Sitting Pretty” is a book where a woman named Rebekah shares her story of growing up with a disability called Arthrogryposis.
She talks about how she faced challenges but also learned to embrace her uniqueness. Rebekah shares her experiences with humor and honesty, showing how she navigated school, friendships, and her journey to independence.
The book teaches us the importance of self-acceptance and finding the beauty in ourselves, no matter our differences.”
#7: Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally by Emily Ladau
“Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally” is a book that helps people understand disabilities better.
Written by Emily Ladau, who has a disability herself, the book explains what disabilities are and offers advice on how to talk about them respectfully.
It also shows how to support and stand up for people with disabilities as allies. The book aims to make the topic less confusing and encourages everyone to treat people with disabilities with kindness and understanding.
There you go. Seven books that will help you learn about the experiences of disabled people and how they are challenging ableism.
Speed Reading Hack:
- It is considered reading if you purchase and listen to a book.
- I listen to a book up to two times the speed to get through it as long as I can understand it.
- If it’s a super incredible book, or I want to listen to passages repeatedly for understanding and clarity, I slow it down.