Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally

Title: Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally
Author:Emily Ladau
Paperback Availability: Amazon
E-book Availability: Kindle
Audiobook Availability: Audible 

In “Demystifying Disability”, author Emily Ladau introduces important disability issues you need to be aware of. People with disabilities are the world’s largest marginalized group, 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. The author uses a friendly approach to break down the barriers we build between ourselves, our disabilities, and the people that carry them.  

Reflection Prompt

1. At US², we typically use “person-first” language to describe a person. In “Demystifying Disability”, author Emily Ladau offers insights on her life as a disabled person, partially, by talking about the language used to describe her body and her ability. Emily mentions that in some cases, the term “disabled person” may be preferable. Keeping in mind the Core Principle that invites you to release guilt and politeness in order to foster inclusion, how can you work to ensure you are referring to a person using language they prefer?