Top content recommendations by creative people with disability
When it comes to learning about disabilities, there’s no better expert than people who have a disability themselves, or who are involved in the lives of people with disability.
So if you’re after a new book to binge or want to refresh your music while learning about disability, here are some creatives whose work we recommend checking out! Here we list our favourite books, musicians, artists, content creators, podcasts and movies all created or inspired by people with disabilities.
Banner image from Nat Luna’s Instagram
Books to read:
Laughing at My Nightmare by Shane Burcaw (@shaneburcaw):
A witty and thought-provoking memoir by Shane, a content creator who shares his experiences having spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), on social media, he further shares his perspective on life with humour and honesty.
From awkward handshakes to having a girlfriend and everything in between, Shane handles his situation with humour and a “you-only-live-once” perspective on life.
A Face for Picasso by Ariel Henley (@arielhenley):
Ariel’s memoir, co-authored with her twin sister, reflects on their experiences growing up with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare craniofacial condition, and undergoing multiple reconstructive surgeries.
The book takes readers through Ariel and her sister’s journey of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of medical challenges, societal expectations, and physical transformations. As they navigated the complexities of their condition, Ariel shares personal insights into the emotional and psychological impact of constant surgeries and the societal stigma attached to their appearance.
By sharing their story, Ariel aims to break down the barriers of beauty standards and raise awareness about Crouzon Syndrome, encouraging empathy and understanding for those with visible differences.
The Zebra Alphabet by Aditi Kantipuly (@thezebraalphabet)
While not written by someone with a disability, The Zebra Alphabet is a great resource to introduce children to rare conditions.
The term “zebra” originates from Dr. Theodore Woodward in the 1940s, referring to patients with rare diseases. Today, approximately 6,000 rare health conditions affect 350 million people worldwide. The book aims to make these complex conditions relatable and emphasises the importance of collective understanding in diagnosis and treatment, through the letters of the alphabet and watercolor paintings.
For art lovers
Riva Lehrer (@rivalehrer):
An artist with spina bifida, Riva creates powerful portraits of people with disabilities, challenging traditional beauty standards and highlighting diverse experiences.
Riva Lehrer’s artwork focuses on the concept of “otherness” and its intersection with disability, portraying individuals in a way that empowers them to be seen beyond societal expectations. Through her vivid portraits, she celebrates the uniqueness of each subject, often incorporating elements that reflect their personality and life experiences. By centering people with disabilities in her art, Riva encourages a redefinition of beauty, aiming to create a more inclusive and diverse visual culture.
Her work sparks conversation around the importance of representation and challenges the mainstream art world’s limited views on who is deemed worthy of being portrayed.
Hedva (Hedva Ser) (@serhedva):
A French multimedia artist with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hedva’s work delves into themes of pain, fragility, and the complexities of disability.
Hedva’s art explores the physical and emotional experiences of living with a chronic condition, often reflecting on the fragility of the human body and its limitations. Using various mediums such as video, installation, and performance, Hedva creates thought-provoking pieces that address the intersection of disability, vulnerability, and strength.
Her work often challenges conventional views of disability, pushing boundaries to explore the idea of fragility as both a physical state and an emotional experience.
Music to discover:
Nat Luna (@natlunaaaa):
Nat Luna, a rising singer-songwriter from Australia, is making waves with her enchanting fusion of pop and R&B.
She has captivated listeners with her airy vocals and mesmerizing melodies. Living with a physical disability, themes of using a wheelchair come through in her songs. “As a wheelchair user, this song is especially meaningful to me because it shows that people with disabilities can be sexy too” Nat said when talking about her song Too Pretty.
Her newest single, Too Pretty, debuted on November 6, 2024, exuding bold confidence and setting the stage for her forthcoming EP, expected in 2025.
Emmanuel Kelly (@emmanuelkellyofficial)
Emmanuel is a singer songwriter who shot to fame after being featured on The X Factor Australia in 2011 and one of Coldplay’s supporting acts for their Australian Music of the Sphere’s tour.
Born in Iraq with limb deficiencies due to chemical warfare, Emmanuel moved to Australia thanks to Moira Kelly for medical treatment, with Moira later adopting him. In January 2024, Emmanuel released the single “My Sky,” a song symbolizing hope and resilience, marking a significant milestone in his musical career. Beyond his music, Emmanuel is a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, aiming to inspire others with his story of overcoming adversity.
Content creators to follow:
The Disabled Life (@thedisabledlife):
Jess and Ich, siblings with muscular dystrophy, create hilarious and relatable comics that capture the realities of living with disability.
Through their webcomics, Jess and Ich bring humour and lightness to everyday challenges faced by those with muscular dystrophy, offering an honest and entertaining glimpse into their lives. The siblings use their platform to share both the ups and downs of living with a disability, tackling topics such as accessibility, medical experiences, and social interactions with wit and charm.
Steph Kelly (@stephkelly)
Currently binging:
DisTopia Podcast (@disabilityvisibility):
Hosted by Alice Wong, who has spinal muscular atrophy, this podcast explores disability culture, activism, and the stories shaping the movement.
Alice brings together diverse voices from within the disability community, offering insightful conversations that cover everything from social justice issues to personal stories of empowerment. The podcast highlights the intersection of disability with other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and class, while also exploring the rich history of disability rights and activism.
Out of My Mind (@outofmymindmovie):
Based on Sharon Draper’s memoir, the film follows Melody, a young girl with cerebral palsy, as she fights to overcome the barriers of her condition and find her voice. The film beautifully highlights her journey of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of never being underestimated, despite the challenges she faces.
Amy Evams
Amy is the brains behind all of Able Foods' social media. She runs her own business, Little Black Dress Digital.
