Celebrating Disability Pride Month
Recommended reading and Films For Disability Pride Month.
Recommended reading and Films For Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month is an annual event celebrated in recognition of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. To honor this important month, we recommend the following books and films that highlight the experiences and contributions of individuals with disabilities.
Books
1. Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Kristen Joiner and Judith Heumann
This powerful memoir by Judith Heumann, a lifelong advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, details her journey from contracting polio as a child to becoming a leader in the disability rights movement. Heumann's story is a testament to resilience and the ongoing fight for equality.
2. Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally by Emily Ladau
Emily Ladau provides a comprehensive guide to understanding disability, addressing common misconceptions, and offering practical advice on how to be a supportive ally. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and engage in meaningful advocacy.
3. Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions by Temple Grandin, Ph.D.
Temple Grandin, an autism advocate and animal science professor, explores the unique strengths of individuals who think visually. Through personal anecdotes and scientific insights, Grandin highlights the advantages of visual thinking and challenges traditional perceptions of cognitive abilities.
4. Disability Pride: Dispatches from a Post-ADA World by Ben Mattlin
Ben Mattlin, a disability rights activist, shares his perspectives on life after the ADA in this compelling collection of essays. He discusses the progress made since the ADA's enactment and the challenges that remain, offering a nuanced view of the disability experience in contemporary society.
Films
1. Wonder (2017)
Based on the bestselling novel, "Wonder" tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a young boy with facial differences, as he navigates the challenges of attending a mainstream school for the first time. The film promotes themes of kindness, acceptance and the importance of seeing beyond appearances.
2. Margarita with a Straw (2014))
This thought-provoking film follows Laila, a young woman with cerebral palsy, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and independence. "Margarita with a Straw" explores themes of sexuality, identity and the quest for personal freedom, challenging societal norms and stereotypes.
3. The Theory of Everything (2014)
"The Theory of Everything" is a biographical film about the life of physicist Stephen Hawking, who was diagnosed with ALS at a young age. The film depicts Hawking's groundbreaking work in cosmology, his relationship with his first wife and his enduring spirit in the face of a debilitating illness.
4. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
This heartwarming adventure film follows Zak, a young man with Down syndrome, as he pursues his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Along the way, he forms an unlikely friendship with Tyler, a troubled fisherman and Eleanor, a kind-hearted caregiver. The film celebrates self-determination, friendship and the pursuit of dreams.
A few of this author’s favorite reads and films are included in this list. These stories foster understanding and empathy, offering unique perspectives that can enrich our views. As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, let these narratives educate, inspire and encourage us to advocate for a more inclusive and accessible world.
Books for Disability Pride Month - Penguin Random House Higher Education
Top 10 Movies About Disabilities And Disability Culture - mxdwn Movies