DISABILITY BOOK WEEK
I have talked several times about the importance of literacy with individuals with disabilities. This is a topic that means a LOT to me, so much so that... *drumroll* I began my own organization (working to become a non-profit) to promote disability inclusion in literature!
Think about it- can you name three books that YOU personally have read recently that included a character with a disability?
Persons with disabilities make up more than 10% of our ENTIRE population, and yet are only represented in about 3% of books! That is a gross underrepresentation, and we need to change it!
So, let's get down to it- DISABILITY BOOK WEEK!!!
What is it?
Disability Book Week is a virtual event in which we encourage people all over the world to participate by reading a book that either features a character with disabilities or else was written by an author with a disability.
The purpose is to increase awareness of various disabilities and open the reader's eyes to a different way of viewing the world. When you read a book, you begin to identify with those characters and experience things with a unique perspective.
Our team of 13 panelists and countless volunteers have combed through more than 100 books, secured proclamations across the nation, spoke on podcasts, and coordinated displays and author readings all over the United States. Join us and some of our partners by participating!
How Do I Participate?
It is easy! To participate, follow these steps:
1. Follow Disability Book Week on Facebook or Instagram @Disability.Book.Week
2. Pick out a book (check out the recommended reading list on disabilitybookweek.org if you need suggestions)
3. Read that book and post a review on social media! Use the #DisabilityBookWeek when you post
Why Should I Leave Reviews?
It is actually very difficult for authors to get exposure for their books, and a lot of that, especially for self-published authors, is because algorithms suppress books that don't have a lot of reviews.
So yes, we always try and look for books that have lots of great reviews, but please remember the books that haven't "made it big" yet. Most self-published books get less than 20 reviews total.
How Does This Help The Disability Community?
Ready for a staggering statistic? 80% of individuals with disabilities are unemployed or underemployed. THAT IS NOT OKAY!
When you leave a review or post about a book you enjoyed, that is a free way that you are actively supporting the employment of individuals with disabilities!
Being an author while diagnosed with a disability is a wonderful way to work at your own pace and bring a new perspective to the world that people need to hear!
Remember to check out the website DisabilityBookWeek.org and follow us on social media
