Welcome back for our second installment of trending news and stories in the disability community. This edition features articles on disability pride books, spotlights on disability creatives and news on accessibility advancements.

If you come across a piece of media of any sort from articles to movies and anything in between, please share with us at CEDHARS@uab.edu.

Changing the Narrative of Disability One Page at a Time | Daily Emerald

This review explores the impact of the comic book "Firsts: Coming of Age Stories" in challenging societal perceptions of disability. Created by cartoonist Jessica Rae Gordon, the comic features stories of individuals with disabilities navigating various life experiences. Through authentic representation and diverse narratives, the comic aims to dismantle stereotypes and empower people with disabilities. By highlighting their achievements and struggles, it promotes inclusivity and changes the prevailing narrative around disability, fostering empathy and understanding in society.

I Do Not Owe You a Disability ‘Success’ Story | Rooted in Rights

This personal narrative challenges the notion of framing disability journey solely around success stories, emphasizing that individuals with disabilities don't owe anyone a success narrative. The author asserts that their disability doesn't define their worth and resents societal pressure to present their experiences as inspirational or triumphant. They highlight the importance of acknowledging struggles and seeking assistance without being judged for it, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of disability beyond conventional success stories.

5 Disability Stories Journalists Should Be Covering Now | The Arc

This article highlights five disability stories that journalists should prioritize covering. It underscores the importance of diverse representation in media coverage, ranging from examining the impact of ableism in healthcare to exploring the experiences of disabled individuals in the workforce. The stories emphasize the need for increased awareness and advocacy for disability rights, including issues such as accessibility, discrimination and systemic barriers. By shedding light on these narratives, journalists can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Disability Community Advocates Meet with Lawmakers and Share Stories about Issues Facing the Disability Community | Bladen

This news piece discusses a meeting between disability community advocates and lawmakers to address pressing issues affecting individuals with disabilities. Advocates shared personal stories to highlight challenges such as accessibility barriers, discrimination and inadequate support services. Lawmakers were urged to prioritize legislative action to improve the lives of people with disabilities, including enhancing accessibility standards, expanding healthcare coverage and increasing funding for support programs. The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration between policymakers and the disability community to enact meaningful change and promote inclusivity and equality.

The 10 best disability pride books, ranked | We Got This Covered

This article ranks a selection of disability pride books, celebrating diverse perspectives and experiences within the disability community. It highlights titles that explore themes of identity, resilience and activism, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals with disabilities. The list encompasses a range of genres, including memoirs, fiction and poetry, showcasing the richness and complexity of disability narratives. By promoting these books, the article aims to amplify marginalized voices and foster greater understanding and empathy toward the disability experience.

Filmmaker Daisy Friedman ’25 Reshapes Disability Narrative | Barnard College

The article profiles filmmaker Daisy Friedman, Barnard College undergraduate who is reshaping disability narratives through her work. Friedman, who has cerebral palsy, challenges stereotypes and advocates for authentic representation of disability on screen. She discusses her documentary "Inside Voice," which explores communication methods for non-verbal individuals. Friedman emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and collaboration in storytelling, aiming to empower and amplify the voices of people with disabilities. Through her filmmaking, she seeks to promote understanding, inclusivity and social change surrounding disability issues.

20 books with a disabled character as the lead or focus of the story | Disability Horizons

This listicle highlights 20 books featuring disabled characters as leads or focal points, showcasing diverse experiences. Titles cover various genres, including fiction, memoir and fantasy, offering insights into disability and promoting representation. Works like "Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon delve into unique perspectives. This collection aims to amplify disabled voices, foster empathy and enrich literary landscapes with authentic portrayals of disability.

Starbucks’ New Store Offers Accessibility for Employees and Customers | New Mobility

This article discusses Starbucks' new store design aimed at enhancing accessibility for both employees and customers. Features include wider aisles, lower counters and accessible seating, accommodating individuals with disabilities. The design also prioritizes employee accessibility with considerations such as adjustable-height counters and accessible technology. Starbucks collaborated with disability advocacy groups to ensure inclusivity in the store's layout and amenities. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment for people of all abilities within their establishments.