INTRODUCTION

Dear reader,

When I was younger, I wanted to be the child who flew to Neverland, or a magical creature, or a princess in a tower under the spell of a spindle, or have hair so long and tangled that people could climb up it. But none of those children looked like me. That’s because I was born with one hand and for some of my childhood even had an actual hook, so really, I looked much more like a stereotypical pirate than the hero of the story.

Looking back now I realize there just weren’t enough books with a disabled protagonist having daring adventures. This is something that needs to change. Everyone deserves to see someone like them in a story or achieving something great. Representation matters, because magical things happen when we see ourselves in a book, film, or stadium, or on a stage, even if that magical thing is realizing that we are all of value. That we all have a place in the world, and that we are enough, just as we are.

There is a whole world of unknown stories with disabled people at the heart, stories that we have yet to celebrate. Stories of grace and resilience, challenges and empowerment, judgement and re-education, and perhaps most importantly, stories of humor and everyday life.

I have gathered some of my favorite ones together in this book.

This is an anthology of tales about disabled artists, athletes, activists, thinkers, writers, performers, and dreamers, finding joy, normality, and wonder in a world that deems us “different” (as though this something bad). In this book I have choose to use what is called identity-first language, which means I say “disabled person” instead of “a person with a disability”. Neither is wrong, or offensive, but it is important to remember that people are disabled by society and do not need to be fixed. If there are any words in the book that you’re not sure about, there is a glossary at the end to help.

Each person in this book has led or continues to lead a fascinating life, often overcoming misconceptions and prejudice to do so. I hope you will love reading their stories. I hope they will show you that we are all more than just a label, and that whoever you are, disabled or not, there are no limits to your dreams.

We all have the power to shine our own light. Everyone deserves to live in an inclusive and accessible world and feel like they belong. A world that embraces difference rather than tries to hide it, and a world where every person’s story is valid.

Big love,

Cerrie Burnell
xxx