“There’s something horrifying about realizing people don’t see you as an adult when in fact you are an adult.” (135, Sjenneson)

The quote above comes from “How to Make a Paper Crane from Rage”, a contribution to Disability Visibility by Elsa Sjunneson, where Sjunneson discusses her experience with her anger and how the world defined her by her emotions as invalid. This just one of many personal narratives documented in Disability Visibility. Each entry captures the distinct views and life experiences of its author, allowing a small insight into their reality. Most entries are around 3-5 pages long allowing the reader to sit, enjoy a short story, and have time to reflect upon what they just read without information overload. This is a very effective presentation for the narratives included, as allows the audience to digest each message and work through their personal thoughts on the issues discussed.

Disability Visibility is Academic yet Personable. This is the books strongest feature. The reader feels like they are being talked to by a person passing by on the street. Each author has their own tone, but none are extremely clinical or academic. The anthology allows each featured author a moment to shine, to take up some space. “Taking up space as a disabled person is revolutionary” (115), as Sandy Ho states in her chapter (“Canfei to Canji”). The reader gets a chance to know them, hear their views, to humanize these voices. This allows a greater retention of each author’s messages, as one feels like they are personal being talked to and can find some familiarity in a topic foreign to many. This also allows for even the most skeptical of readers to find something to relate to, something they will engage with.

The beauty of Disability Visibility is the way every narrative differs from each other, but clear themes appear as one reads the book. Not all the authors have the same world views making these themes much mor meaningful. Sentiments such as “…. for me to claim the label, when I didn’t feel “disabled enough”, felt disingenuous” (56, Eric-Udorie) are expressed multiple times in completely different context. On the other side of the coin, many times a sentiment like “Crip space is unique, a place where disability is celebrated and embraced… (273)” appears. This wide swing in visible opinions allows the reader the opportunity to build a well-rounded picture of disability. This is the main reason I would suggest this book to people, especially if they have little experience with disability. I would also like to say it has been very enlightening as someone with some experience. Learning about struggles others have faced and how they work around those struggles has been inspiring and view-shifting. Over all I would rate Disability Visibility , 4.5/5.

Readers will find overall the personal experiences are mildly alarming at the worst. However, I can guarantee there will likely be one or two entries that are disturbing or triggering. These chapters will probably be different for every person. So, I think some cation is healthy when reading certain chapters. Though, if possible, I think everyone should try to read those chapters.  I have found that each chapter is impactful in its own unique way, and by skipping some you are missing out on a journey. That being said mental health and wellness is a bigger priority than learning a new perspective.