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Demystifying Disability
- What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally
- Narrated by: Emily Ladau
- Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins
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Publisher's Summary
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.
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 in media
Authored by celebrated disability rights advocate, speaker, and writer Emily Ladau, this practical, intersectional guide offers all listeners a welcoming place to understand disability as part of the human experience.
Includes a downloadable PDF of Resources and Further Reading from the book
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Critic Reviews
“If being a good ally to disabled people is your goal...Ladau’s 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)
What listeners say about Demystifying Disability
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Coral
- 10-13-21
Disappointing PC rant of a Undergrad
This book listens like you have been cornered by a undergrad with a cause at a table with some pamphlets. The message is good however the author needs to learn to give the reader space to are their own conclusions rather than presenting a conclusion and then giving a example which isn't flushed out. She has chosen first person narrative, and tends to refer to her mother which gives the text the feeling she is talking your ear off rather than authority in field. The author in future would do well to leave out " phew" at the end complexes grammar stretches by inviting the reader in a illustratable story or by developing a larger vocabulary to allow for ideas such as the interplay of thought and language as a self-reinforcing loop with each reinforcing the mentality of the individual towards a ridge view of the concept.
1 person found this helpful
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- Cynthia Raines
- 03-01-22
Easy to read disability primer
An excellent read for those who are wanting a primer on disability, living with a disability and tips on how to not be an ableist. I have spent my life around many disability advocates and this narrative was super engaging and supportive of those who have little to no experience with people with disabilities.
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- Anonymous User
- 10-07-21
Perfect
Masterfully written and so helpful for those of us outside the communities of disabilities. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
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- Philippa
- 09-18-21
Great book
Emily presents examples of ableism and then she presents alternative scenarios. She suggests how to interact with disabled people that is not ableist.
This would be a really useful tool for anyone who is concerned with saying or doing the wrong thing. It would also be super helpful Christmas gift for “that” person who just stop themselves saying those ableist comments.
She has asked people with different disabilities to provide advice on what to do and say. This is really useful and practical advice.
This is a really useful teaching resource, either for your own learning journey or if you have children/ family members/ friends that you want to help educate. You could pull small chunks out as examples.
This is a great book for allies looking to continue their education as it includes quotes and advice from disabled activists and artists.
Big shout out to Emily’s Mum and Dad who made appearances in the audio book. This was an awesome treat!!!
The whole family has great voices!!!
Thanks so much to Emily. It is a great resource.