Demystifying Disability - by Emily Ladau (Paperback)

About the Book

"A guide for how to be 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 place"--

Book Synopsis

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 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. What are the appropriate ways to think, talk, and ask about disability? Demystifying Disability is a friendly handbook on the important disability issues you need to know about, including:

- 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 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 her candid, 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

Review Quotes

"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

"Demystifying Disability is both comprehensive in its scope and easy to understand. I can't recommend this book enough."--Eric Garcia, author of We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation

"Demystifying Disability is a generous and approachable companion to the world of disability--especially 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 crafted an absolutely essential guide to understanding disability. In it, she dispels countless myths that surround the disabled experience, while providing practical 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 Emily's 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 Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities

"Demystifying Disability is a game-changer in so many ways. This book is long overdue and is a 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 of writer and activist whose legacy can't even be quantified. The world needs her. The world needs this book."--Liz Plank, award-winning journalist and author of 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

About the Author

Emily Ladau is a passionate disability rights activist and author. She has served as the editor of multi­ple publications including Able News at The Viscardi Center, The Century Foundation's Voices of Disability Economic Justice project, and the Rooted in Rights Blog. Her writing has appeared in outlets including The New York Times, CNN, Vice, and HuffPost, and she is a cohost of The Accessible Stall podcast. She has also spoken before audiences from Microsoft to the United Nations and does consulting work to reimagine entertainment industry standards for disability inclusion and create a more accessible cultural landscape. Emily is the recipient of multiple awards and recognitions, includ­ing Adelphi University's 10 Under 10 Young Alumni, the American Association of People with Disabilities' Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award, the Jewish Federations of North America and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism's Disability Advocate of the Year Award, the New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities' Frieda Zames Advocacy Award, and the Women's Media Center's Progressive Women's Voices IMPACT Award.