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Disability History Month (14 November – 20 December) is a time to celebrate the diverse history of the disabled community, and there’s no better time to improve your understanding of the many mental and physical conditions that impact the lives of so many people around us. Your Student’s Guild is running an array of activities, workshops and social media series, so be sure to check those out!
Books can be an incredibly personal way of conveying people’s experiences, and this is especially true for describing the lives of those with disabilities. The following 10 titles are available in the Community Library and are freely available to borrow!
Being Heumann, by Judith Heumann
A candid memoir of the life and work of Judith Heumann, who was paralysed from polio as a baby and dedicated her life to fighting for disability rights and equalities. An inspirational read for anyone interested in how activism can make a difference.
It Just Doesn’t Add Up, by Paul Moorcraft
An invaluable book for anyone affected by, or interested in understanding, dyscalculia and its related conditions, including dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention deficit disorders. Paul Moorcraft himself has dyscalculia, so his book is reviewed as very relatable.
Kika and Me, by Amit Patel
This book recounts Amit Patel’s journey from losing his sight and with it, his confidence, to the positive impact of meeting his guide dog Kika. A moving and emotional story that places values of empathy and community at its centre.
Different, Not Less, by Chloe Hayden
Written by actor, social media star and disability advocate Chloe Hayden to unpick the many misconceptions around living with autism and ADHD. Her personal stories and advice for supporting those with neurodivergent conditions is essential reading for anyone feeling alone in their experiences.
The Story of My Life, by Helen Keller
Helen Keller’s autobiography, written in the late 19th century, that details the lived experiences of a deafblind woman. Nowadays, she is a well-known public figure in the disabled community.
Can You See Me?, by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott
Including diary entries by eleven-year-old Libby Scott, this book has been widely praised for its realistic portrayal of autism through its fictional main character Tally and her daily struggles as a child with autism.
Downs: The History of a Disability, by David Wright
David Wright, Professor in the History of Medicine at McMaster University, delves into the history of Down’s Syndrome with an empathetic and intelligent hand, analysing how care, treatment and stigma around this disability have evolved over the years.
From the Periphery, by Pia Justesen
With almost 40 first-person narratives, this book is full of lived experiences of those with disabilities, and the stigma and social treatment they receive simply by being perceived as ‘different’.
The Boy Who Lived, by David Holmes
The memoir of the man who played Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double in the Harry Potter film franchise, and who became paralysed after a stunt rehearsal went wrong. His book is a story of hope and vulnerability as he rebuilds his life.
Ramping Up Rights, by Rachel Charlton-Dailey
A celebration of the activists and protests behind the fight for disabled rights in the UK. Rachel Charlton-Dailey brings to the light the many overlooked aspects of disability history in the past century.
These titles - and many more! - can all be found in the Community Library in Devonshire House, outside the Greenhouse.