Part of the Orca Issues series, this book provides the reader with a broad overview of human disabilities. Starting with various definitions of “disability,” the author then distinguishes between sensory, physical, and intellectual disabilities, providing descriptions and examples for each. Causes for disabilities, whether acquired or congenital, are explained, and statistics demonstrate prevalence of certain disabilities. Personal stories provide readers with a sense of what it is like to live with a disability. Challenges and obstacles, as well as notable achievements, are highlighted. Changes in attitudes toward and treatment of people with disabilities over time are noted, acknowledging there is still work to be done to improve equality and accessibility, and recent innovations that improve quality of life for persons with disabilities are mentioned. Text boxes and sidebars provide definitions, examples, and further explanation, along with photos and illustrations. Words that appear in bold italics are defined in a glossary.

192 pp., 6 × 8.5", colour photographs and illustrations, b&w photographs • Index

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Hannalora Leavitt is a writer living in Victoria, British Columbia. She lost most of her vision by the age of 12 due to cancer and spent two years at a residential school for the blind, where she lived and learned alongside her blind peers. She works to demystify disability through her writing and public speaking, with her loyal guide dog, Ogden, at her side. Hannalora holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Victoria. The Disability Experience is her first book.

Hannalora Leavitt's profile page

Belle Wuthrich is an illustrator and designer specializing in books for young readers. Based in Vancouver, Belle has contributed to more than a dozen books for kids, a number of which have won awards or been republished internationally, including the Montaigne Medal Award–winning Eyes and Spies: How You’re Tracked and Why You Should Know and the Silver Birch Award nominee Eat Up: An Infographic Exploration of Food.

Belle Wuthrich's profile page

• Commended, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Selection of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities - Portrayals of Disability
• Short-listed, Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable Information Book Award
• Commended, Children’s Book Council & National Council for Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
• Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets
• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools
• Commended, Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom

“An engaging, conversational writing style...The Disability Experience does an excellent job of explaining the disability experience and should be required reading for all teens (and adults, too). Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Easy-to-follow...Offers readers who have little knowledge of people with disabilities a crash course in understanding – rather than fearing – the unfamiliar.”

Quill & Quire

“The book would be useful for reports, but its strength is a narrative voice that asks readers to contemplate another point of view…A strong…introduction to disabilities.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)

“Leavitt has created more than just an informative introduction to disability—this book is a compelling disability experience that ensnares readers in the lives of real people with real disabilities living their lives just like anyone else. Amidst the real-life accounts and definitions, the author emphasizes the social model, the idea that society's lack of understanding and accommodations is the disabling factor. This is a comprehensive, eye-opening disability primer.”

Kara Dorris, PhD, visiting assistant professor of English at Illinois College

“A candid introduction to the multifaceted experiences of people with disabilities.”

Kirkus Reviews