Read, Reflect, and Celebrate Disability Pride Month
This July, the ORL invites you to explore stories that celebrate the richness of human experience. In honour of Disability Pride Month, we’ve curated a list of compelling books that challenge stereotypes, inspire empathy, and highlight the power of visibility and voice. Whether you’re looking for children’s stories, memoirs, or cultural critique, there’s something here for every reader.
Here are just a few titles from the ORL’s book collection to explore:
The Discovery of Flight – Susan Glickman
Sixteen-year-old Libby, who has cerebral palsy, writes a fantasy novel for her sister Sophie. Through alternating chapters of fantasy and diary entries, this tender story explores sisterhood, disability, and creativity.
A World Without Martha – Victoria Freeman
A moving memoir about two sisters separated by institutionalization in 1960s Ontario. Freeman’s reflection on loss, love, and evolving ideas of disability is both personal and political.
Out Into the Big Wide Lake – Paul Harbridge
This picture book celebrates a young girl’s growing independence during a lakeside summer, subtly affirming her learning differences through confidence-building moments.
Amazing Athletes: An All-Star Look at Canada’s Paralympians – Marie-Claude Ouellet
Get inspired by the accomplishments of Canada’s Paralympians and learn more about the incredible athletes who are redefining the limits of sport.
Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice – Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
An essential collection of essays by a queer, disabled writer of colour that explores collective care, access, and survival. Ideal for readers looking to deepen their understanding of disability justice.
Unstoppable: Women with Disabilities – Helen Wolfe
Ten stories of remarkable women who’ve turned challenge into change. From neurosurgery to advocacy, these true tales inspire and uplift.
Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space – Amanda Leduc
A brilliant reimagining of fairy tales through a disability lens. Leduc challenges ableist narratives and offers a new vision for what magic and heroism can look like.
I Talk Like a River – Jordan Scott
This poetic and visually stunning picture book centers a child’s experience with stuttering and the transformative power of perspective.
Celebrate Disability Pride Month with the ORL by borrowing one of these titles, visiting your local branch, or browsing online to discover more inclusive reads and resources.
