Disability Pride

From misconceptions to systemic barriers, disability is a world often misunderstood. However, the true measure of a society's progress is how we ensure that every voice, every perspective, and every person matters. By embracing diversity, communities build a stronger, more empathetic, and richer world. The accessible main text, augmented with informative fact boxes, challenges preconceived notions and encourages readers to become champions of a more inclusive, equitable future. A list of resources gives a starting point for independent research into the ways a more inclusive society benefits everyone.

Independence is a fundamental human desire, and for individuals with disabilities, it is a pursuit that embodies resilience, determination, and unwavering strength. This volume challenges stereotypes and preconceived notions about disability. Through vivid, full-color photographs and intriguing fact boxes, readers learn why fostering independence in disabled individuals is not only important on an individual level, but also a vital step toward creating a more inclusive, compassionate society. Students recognize that true progress is measured by the extent to which we empower and support individuals to live life on their own terms.

Accessibility, or the lack thereof, impacts how people can engage with nearly every aspect of the world. The difficulty of living with a physical or mental disability is greatly increased by struggling to overcome barriers that do not exist for abled people. This volume breaks down various types of accessibility for young readers, both physically and digitally. Students gain a deeper understanding of why continuously improving accessibility makes life better for everyone, empowering them to become accessibility champions. Intriguing fact boxes and full-color photographs highlight everyday actions that kids can take to advocate for people with accessibility needs.

Many people have different abilities and disabilities. While that's a universal truth, the language we use to talk about these abilities and disabilities is definitely not universal. What one person may prefer may not be what another person prefers. However, there are many ways to use language that both recognizes differences and doesn't disparage the challenges that may come with them. The informative main text, augmented with engaging fact boxes and full-color photographs, explores the history of disability rights and the many changes in terminology over the years, addressing how language can make a big difference in perception and pride.

An ally is someone who sees when others are being treated unfairly, speaks out against injustice, and wants to learn more about how they can help support all kinds of diversity. In this volume, students find answers to some of the difficult questions around privilege, discrimination, and how to lead by example. Engaging fact boxes, informative charts, and vibrant, full-color photographs give readers a better understanding of how to begin the life-long practice of learning to be a good ally. A list of age-appropriate books and websites provides a jumping-off point for future independent research.

It can be difficult to truly understand what having a disability is like unless you're dealing with it yourself, and it's also true that everyone has a different journey and experience with their disability. That's one reason why it's so important for everyone to have a chance to communicate about their experience! This volume showcases more about how people with disabilities can speak up (literally or figuratively!), challenge preconceptions, share their stories and experiences, and advocate for themselves and others. It also shows how others can help amplify and boost their voices to be better allies.

It's been a long road for those who fight for disability rights. Including the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and beyond, legal reform has often proven key to making sure these rights are protected, and that fight continues today. This book examines the history of disability rights laws in the United States and how they've made a difference throughout the years, along with setbacks along the way and how people continue to work for these laws now. Intriguing fact boxes, full-color photos, and historic details will draw in readers and showcase how much laws matter.

Everyone-with a disability or without-is different! That's one reason why it's so important to listen when you're trying to help or make a difference. What is helpful and encouraging to one person can be annoying and unhelpful to another. People with disabilities are just as diverse as people in general. This thoughtful volume discusses how important it is to communicate well and pay attention, supporting different voices and points of view and learning how to treat people how they want to be treated. Full-color photos will draw readers in, and fact boxes will pinpoint key bits of information.

Many people hold the mistaken belief that a disability defines one's capacity to learn and excel. This volume aims to dispel that myth by exploring the importance of creating educational environments where every student has the opportunity to flourish. By embracing diverse learning styles and empowering all students, schools unlock their potential and enrich the educational experience for everyone. The engaging main text, enhanced with vivid, full-color photographs and intriguing fact boxes, serves as a compelling call to action, challenging preconceptions and rallying young readers to advocate for inclusive education.

Over the past 25 years in particular, technology has had an increasingly profound impact on human life, growing by leaps and bounds as new innovations are made. People with disabilities use technology for entertainment, school, and work just like anyone else, but they may also be able to use it to help with challenges in communication, mobility, and other aspects of life. This book highlights ways in which technology can change lives, with full-color photographs illustrating these steps and intriguing fact boxes pointing out possibilities for the future.

Everyone wants an opportunity to shine and show off what they can do. People with disabilities are certainly no exception! However, sometimes things need to be a little different so that these opportunities are accessible to all. This book showcases how important diverse opportunities (to work, to perform, to travel, to live, and more) can be, how changes over the years have helped more people reach them, and how further changes can still be made today.