Boldly Belong - by Julie Harris (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In Boldly Belong: The Power of Being You in a Disabling Society, dedicated disability inclusion advocate and process improvement specialist Julie Harris delivers an actionable guide for those navigating life with disabilities. It is a practical roadmap to belonging that challenges the unjust societal shame and stigmas that shape our beliefs of disability and ourselves. The book includes reflective exercises and practical strategies to incorporate the mindset of acceptance into everyday life. The author accepts the idea of limitations caused by disability as a neutral fact, rather than as a negative or positive, and shows us how to use limitations as parameters to accept and work within, rather than resist or reframe"--

Book Synopsis

Reject the common beliefs around disability to cultivate self-acceptance, regain control, and navigate the path to genuine belonging.

In Boldly Belong: The Power of Prioritizing You in a Disabling Society, dedicated disability inclusion advocate and process improvement specialist Julie Harris delivers an actionable guide for those navigating life with disabilities. It is a practical roadmap to belonging that challenges the unjust societal shame and stigmas that shape our beliefs of disability and ourselves. The book includes reflective exercises and practical strategies to incorporate the mindset of acceptance into everyday life. The author accepts the idea of limitations caused by disability as a neutral fact, rather than as a negative or positive, and shows us how to use limitations as parameters to accept and work within, rather than resist or reframe.

In the book, you'll learn why self-acceptance, rather than trying to fit in or unrealistic, positive reframing, is the key to belonging. You'll also discover:

• How accepting your limitations, needs, and true self can lead to profound growth and possibility
• New insights that help you to question and deconstruct the harmful beliefs you've always been told to be true about you and your disability
• How to identify who you are and finally believe that you are enough
• Strategies for self-advocacy that effectively further your interests in a wide variety of settings and circumstances

Perfect for people from all over the world who have a body or brain that works differently, Boldly Belong is also an essential read for business, academic, military, and athletic leaders who want to understand more about disability and cultivate disability inclusive environments that promote belonging.

From the Back Cover

PRAISE FOR BOLDLY BELONG

"A really important book--restoring disabled people's self image and celebrating the power of individuality."
--DANIEL AHERNE, Founder of Adjust and author of The Pocket Guide to Neurodiversity

"Julie's thoughtful voice guides readers through the process of dismantling stigmas and shame in their lives. This is a topic that the disability community needs, and Julie's someone I deeply trust to show the way. I hope all disabled people can learn how to boldly belong and be authentically themselves."
--CATARINA RIVERA, MSEd, MPH, CPACC, Public Speaker, DEIA Consultant, and Content Creator @BlindishLatina

"Julie masterfully breaks down complex topics and provides actionable strategies for deconstructing harmful belief systems that are unfortunately still held by many. Her insights into how self-stigma and external judgments affect identity, decision-making, and overall well-being are both profound and empowering. While the book encourages readers to prioritize their own values, goals, and needs, it also seems to offer a clear path to overcoming internalized ableism and societal expectations. Boldly Belong isn't just a book, it's a call to embrace who you are unapologetically and to find true belonging by being your most authentic self. It caused me to pause and realize who I am outside of being the CEO of Disclo--something I don't think I've had the chance to do since getting on the entrepreneurial roller coaster six years ago."
--HANNAH OLSON, CEO of Disclo and a Forbes 30 under 30

About the Author

JULIE HARRIS is a disability inclusion advocate and process improvement specialist with a focus on reasonable accommodations in the workplace. Leveraging her knowledge and experience, she has partnered with numerous employers to take their accommodation process from barely legally compliant, to actually effective and inclusive.