Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century, edited by Alice Wong, is a powerful anthology that disrupts ableist narratives and offers a profound exploration of the disabled experience. This collection of essays, written by disabled people, not only challenges common misconceptions about disability but also highlights the rich diversity, resilience, and wisdom within disabled communities.

One of the most striking elements of this anthology is how it centers the voices and lived experiences of disabled people, making it clear that disability is not a monolith, nor is it something to be "overcome." Instead, these essays celebrate the adaptability, creativity, and strength that disabled people embody as they navigate a world structured around able-bodied norms. Wong has curated a collection that speaks directly to the importance of community, solidarity, and self-advocacy, with many of the essays focusing on the deep connections between disability justice, intersectionality, and social change.

The essays in this collection expose the harmful impacts of the medical-industrial complex, capitalism, colonialism, and racism on disabled lives, illustrating how these systems of oppression are intricately linked. In doing so, the writers dismantle the myth that disability is solely an individual burden to be carried or "fixed" through sheer willpower. Instead, they offer a vision of what is possible when disabled people are fully supported by their communities and have their access needs met. The concept of "Nothing About Us Without Us" resonates throughout the anthology, emphasizing the necessity of disabled people telling their own stories and advocating for themselves.

Among the standout essays is Common Cyborg by Jillian Weise, which explores the complex relationship between technology and ableism, revealing how technology can both empower and oppress disabled people. Last But Not Least - Embracing Asexuality by Keshia Scott is another powerful piece, shedding light on the intersection of disability and sexual oppression, and challenging the stigmas surrounding disabled people and sexual intimacy. How to Make a Paper Crane from Rage by Elsa Sjunneson is a raw and moving reflection on disabled rage and the transformative power it holds, while Six Ways of Looking at Crip Time by Ellen Samuels offers a poignant meditation on how disabled people experience time differently, urging us to rethink our relationship with productivity and time.

The final essay, On the Ancestral Plane by Stacey Milbern, is a beautiful tribute to disabled ancestors and the intergenerational knowledge that shapes the disabled community. This essay, like many others in the collection, illustrates the deep sense of connection and continuity within disabled communities, reminding us that the fight for disability justice is both historical and ongoing.

Disability Visibility is an essential read for anyone interested in social justice, intersectionality, and the power of first-person narratives. It is a collection that validates and uplifts disabled voices, offering insights that are both deeply personal and universally relevant. Wong has created a platform for disabled people to share their truths, and in doing so, has provided a crucial resource for both disabled and non-disabled readers alike. This anthology is not just a collection of essays; it is a call to action, a testament to the power of community, and a celebration of disabled lives. An absolutely stellar, five-star read that should be required reading for everyone.

📖 Recommended For: Readers interested in social justice and disability rights, those seeking to understand the lived experiences of disabled people, anyone who values first-person narratives that challenge societal norms, fans of Alice Wong and disability activism.

🔑 Key Themes: Disability Justice, Intersectionality, Community and Solidarity, Medical Industrial Complex, Technology and Accessibility, Disabled Rage and Resilience, Queer and Disability Oppression.

Content / Trigger Warnings: Provided in the book at the start of each relevant chapter!