Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally

(Paperback)

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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 accessible, inclusive place. An approachable guide to being a thoughtful, informed ally to disabled people, with actionable steps for what to say and do (and whatnotto do) andhow 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. Demystifying Disability is a friendly handbook on the important disability issues you need to know about, including . How to appropriately think, talk, and ask about disability . 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 inmedia 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 hercandid, 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

Reviews

If being a good ally to disabled people is your goal . . . Ladaus guide is a goldmine.Book Riot

Activist and writer Emily Ladau is a responsible guide and advocate for change, and her book is one that everyone could benefit from reading.BookPage

Emily Ladau provides a welcoming, easy-to-read guide to disability. I highly recommend this book to readers seeking to deepen their understanding of disability and ableism.Haben Girma, human rights lawyer, speaker, and author of Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law

Demystifying Disability is both comprehensive in its scope and easy to understand. I cant recommend this book enough.Eric Garcia, author of Were Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation

Demystifying Disability isa generous and approachable companion to the world of disabilityespecially for people who are (for the time being, at least) not disabled. I'll be using it as a reference book for years to come.Ann Friedman, co-author of Big Friendship

Emily Ladau has craftedan absolutely essential guide to understanding disability. In it, she dispels countless myths that surround the disabled experience, while providingpractical tips for interacting with disabled people in healthier and more positive ways.Shane Burcaw, author of Laughing at My Nightmare

Demystifying Disability is a powerful reminder that disability is a vast spectrum with a wide range of voices and experiences. Emily Ladau expertly addresses so many of the common issues and pitfalls (and how to learn from them) able-bodied people face when attempting to be supportive of the disability community. I am grateful for this book and Emilys voice.Grace Bonney, author of In the Company of Women

From general disability knowledge, to disability rights, to ableism, to what to say and what not to say, this book will provide everyone with more understanding and empathy (not pity!) about what it really means to be disabled and what non-disabled people can do to be better allies, friends, parents, and partners with the disability community.Amy Webb, author of the award-winning Charley and Emma picture book series

Demystifying Disability is a great primer for anyone who wants to learn more about the largest minority in the world, and how to lead with accessibility at the forefront.Victor Calise, commissioner of the New York City Mayors Office for People with Disabilities

Demystifying Disability is a game-changer in so many ways. This book is long overdue and isa must read for both new and experienced allies.Chris Ulmer, founder of Special Books by Special Kids

Emily Ladau is a once in a generation kind ofwriter and activist whose legacy cant even be quantified. The world needs her. The world needs thisbook.Liz Plank, award-winning journalist and authorof For the Love of Men

This wonderfully accessible and intimate volume delivers a comprehensive review of the complicated topic of the disability experience. Everybody should read this book.Emily Perl Kingsley, writer for Sesame Street

Author Bio

Emily Ladau is an internationally known disability rights activist, writer, and speaker. She is the editor in chief of the Rooted in Rights blog, a platform dedicated to amplifying authentic narratives of the intersectional disability experience. She also co-hosts The Accessible Stall, a podcast about disability issues. Ladau's writing has been published in outlets including the New York Times, HuffPost, CNN, Self, Salon, Vice, The Daily Beast, Variety, and Marie Claire Australia. Her work is also included in the Criptiques Anthology and About Us Essays from the Disability Series of the New York Times. She has served as an expert source on disability issues for outlets including NPR, Vox, Washington Post, and Teen Vogue, and has been featured in a range of press outlets including Newsday, BuzzFeed, CBS News, and U.S. News & World Report.