National Disabled Authors Day

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We live in a diverse world that includes disabled people. The disability experience is a natural part of life and every life has value regardless of age, gender, color, religious belief, background, or ability. However, in literary works, disability is underrepresented. 

Despite the signing of the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) in 1990 disability is still often looked at as the presence of a medical condition residing within the individual that needs to be fixed, making them different from “what is normal ''. However, the real “disability” is an environment filled with physical, attitudinal, communication and social barriers.

From elementary to university level education there is limited awareness of disability history or disability inclusion in literature, and the burden of awareness has fallen on the shoulders of those impacted by disabilities, either indirectly or directly. Until these studies and literature that include disability are more prevalent in education, the most effective way to increase awareness is through supporting disabled authors and books that feature characters with disabilities. 

There are 56 million people living in the United States who self-identify as having at least one disability. The advocacy effort of Rolling With Me was founded by Margarita Elizondo who is dedicated to increasing disability awareness and inclusion of authors with disabilities and books featuring characters with disabilities. As well as supporting literacy efforts that support and benefit disabled people. Everyone deserves the opportunity to identify with, and see themselves represented in, published literary works.

Disabled Authors Day provides an opportunity for schools, libraries, and the public in general to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion of disabled people. Celebrating this day every year on October 2nd allows our communities the opportunity to value all the wonderful talents and experiences those with disabilities have to offer the world.