Resources

Books

Othman - Frida Kahlo’s Diary

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican communist, feminist and artist who has had a legacy that has largely tried to whitewash her disabilities. For Disability History Month, Frida Kahlo's Diary offers an intimate and powerful glimpse into the life of one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century. Beyond her vibrant paintings and public persona, Kahlo's diary reveals the profound challenges she faced living with chronic pain following a traumatic bus accident when she was a child. Her writings offer a raw, unfiltered account of her physical struggles, emotional turmoil, and indomitable spirit. With deeply personal reflections and striking sketches, Kahlo’s diary stands as a testament to resilience and the complex intersection of art, identity, and disability.

Jitendra - Hyperbole and a half

Hyperbole and a Half is a popular webcomic and memoir by Allie Brosh, known for its blend of humour, vulnerability, and sharp observations about life, mental health, and the absurdities of everyday existence. Originally launched as a blog, Brosh's distinctive style combines simple, exaggerated drawings with candid, often hilarious storytelling that resonates with readers of all backgrounds. The book, which compiles some of the most beloved webcomics along with new material, delves into topics like depression, anxiety, and the complexities of adulthood, all while offering moments of lightness and laughter.

Holly - Blind not Broken by Lucy Edwards

Part memoir and part self help guide, Lucy Edward’s novel follows her journey losing her eyesight at 17 due to a rare condition called Incontinentia Pigmenti and learning to navigate her life all over again. She is now an online influencer, blind broadcaster, Pantene Ambassador and disability activist! Lucy’s motto is that she is “blind, not broken,” and her message is that our challenges do not mean that we have to break and can instead inspire us to lead full lives.

Rowan - Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability and Making Space by Amanda Leduc

This book addresses the ableism of fairy tales and offers new ways to celebrate them. How come the ogre never gets the princess? Leduc examines the often harmful and limiting portrayals of disabled characters in traditional stories and how these narratives shape societal attitudes towards disability. She is a disabled writer and speaks regularly about accessibility and the role of disability in storytelling.

Person

Othman - Muhammad al-Bhar

Muhammad al-Bhar was a Palestinian man with downs syndrome whose death became a symbol of the genocide taking place in Palestine. His murder at the hands of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) highlighted the violence and suffering experienced by many individuals in Palestine, especially those with learning difficulties. His last words were, “enough, my dear,” a heart-wrenching plea that echoes calls for justice and humanity at this time. During Disability History Month, it's important to reflect on the experiences of individuals with disabilities, many of whom are disproportionately affected by violence and war.

Jitendra - Srikanth Bolla

Srikanth Bolla is an inspiring Indian entrepreneur and social innovator, best known for founding Bollant Industries, a company focused on manufacturing eco-friendly products and providing employment to people with disabilities. Born blind, Srikanth defied societal expectations and overcame significant challenges to become one of India’s most remarkable business leaders. Srikanth’s work has earned him widespread recognition, including being listed among the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders. His journey from a small village in Andhra Pradesh to the global stage is a powerful testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of inclusivity.

Holly - Rose Ayling Ellis

Rose Ayling Ellis is an English actress, best known for playing Frankie Lewis in Eastenders, where she made history as the first deaf actress to play a deaf character in a major UK soap. She also won Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 as the first deaf contestant! This year, she received an MBE for voluntary services to the deaf community.

Rowan - Mark Pollock

Mark Pollock is a motivational speaker, explorer and author from Ireland. In his past, Pollock has been blind since the age of 22, starting with the loss of sight in his right eye and then his left. Despite this, he completed in ultra endurances races and was the first blind person to race to the South Pole. Unfortunately, in 2010, he fell from an upstairs window, causing paralysis. Nevertheless, he has made it his mission to explore where humans and technology could cure paralysis in our lifetime, and has also written a novel, raised money and been the subject of the documentaries “Blind Man Walking” and “Unbreakable – the Mark Pollock Story.”

Songs

Othman - Superstition by Stevie Wonder (1972)

Superstition was a lead single on Stevie Wonder’s fifteenth studio album, Talking Book, and is probably the most popular of his songs to this day. Stevie Wonder was born blind due to his prematurity but defied societal odds to become one of the bestselling music artists of all time, having sold over 100 million records worldwide.

Jitendra - Give me some Sunshine by 3 idiots

Give Me Some Sunshine from the film 3 Idiots is an uplifting anthem that resonates with themes of freedom, self-expression, and challenging societal expectations. Though not explicitly about disability, the song and its accompanying narrative reflect the struggles of individuals who are often pressured to conform to rigid definitions of success. In the film, the character of Raju, alongside his friends, faces obstacles that include societal and familial pressures, mental health struggles, and the pursuit of personal happiness.

Holly - I wish I knew how it would feel to be free by Nina Simone (1967)

Seen as an anthem for the 1960s Civil Rights Movement in America, Nina Simone’s version of I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free was part of a repertoire that included songs addressing racial inequalities and represented her determination and passion to perform and fight back against the Jim Crow laws. This song represents how she aspired and wished to be in a world without segregation and racism, and the messages within it are true to this day.

Rowan - Dog Days Are Over by Florence and the Machine (2009)

Dog Days Are Over is from Florence and the Machine’s debut album, Lungs, and is known as a fan favourite, speaking about liberation and emotional release. The album itself topped the UK Albums Chart and won a Brit Award for Best British Album. Florence Welch, the lead singer from the band, was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child and has always said that music gave her the form of escape that she needed.