July is the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Originally signed just 33 years ago in 1990, the ADA is a federal civil rights law that “prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities.” This yearly anniversary is a great time to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments, legacy, and experiences of individuals in the disabled community as well as the barriers that still exist, 33 years after the law was passed.
Individuals with disabilities’ experiences are widely diverse and often intersectional. For this reason, reading stories written by authors living with a disability is a wonderful way to better understand their lived experiences. In honor of Disability Pride Month, challenge yourself to read outside of your own experience by choosing a title written by or about someone with a disability; or if you are disabled yourself, choose a title with an experience different than your own. The APL’s Reader Services Coordinator created a display on the second floor in the Marble Lobby featuring books by disabled authors and/or disabled characters for adults. Are you looking for titles for children featuring young people living with disabilities? If so, check out the book lists available in the Children’s Room, or this list which offers options for children, tweens, and teens!
Need more suggestions? Stop by the Reference or Children’s Desks to ask APL staff for more suggestions, or check out Novelist, an online database available free with your library card that helps you find your next great read. Use it to find more titles with characters living with disabilities and so much more!
