Inclusion Awareness Month
Each October, the library celebrates Inclusion Awareness Month, which recognizes the library's commitment to connect you to resources and programs, highlights enhancements in accessibility and invites community feedback.
The library's commitment to inclusion is ongoing, and we want to hear from you! To tell us more about your needs and ideas, contact us via comment cards available in the library, at ahml.info/contact, call us at 847-870-3712 or email us at accessibility@ahml.info. Learn more at ahml.info/accessibility.
Featured Programs
Our Time: Developmental Playgroup
Tuesday, October 13, 10–11 a.m. / Drop In
Social Worker in the Library
Tuesdays, October 13 and 27, 9:30–11:30 a.m. / Drop In
The Chicago Lighthouse: Technology for Low Vision
Thursday, October 15, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. / Register
Memory Cafe
Wednesday, October 21, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. / Register
Resource Hour: Arlington Heights Disability & Senior Services Social Worker
Tuesday, October 27, 1–2 p.m. / Drop In
Wider Lens Film Screening: I Swear
Wednesday, October 28, 1–4 p.m. / Register
Celebrating Inclusion Awareness
The anti-ableist manifesto smashing stereotypes, forging change, and building a disability-inclusive world
"The "Anti-Ableist Manifesto" defines ableism as discrimination in favor of non-disabled people and helps readers understand that ending discrimination begins with self-reflection. Tiffany Yu celebrates the power of stories and lived experiences to foster the proximity, intimacy, and humanity of disability identities that have far too often been "othered" and rendered invisible. As the Asian American daughter of immigrants, living with PTSD and a permanent arm injury sustained at age nine, Yu is well aware of the intersections of identity that affect us all. She navigated the male-dominated world of corporate finance as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs before founding Diversability, an award-winning community business run by disabled people building disability pride, power, and leadership. Organized from the personal to the professional, the domestic to the political, the Me to the We to the Us, The "Anti-Ableist Manifesto" frames context for conversations, breaks down the language of ableism, identifies microaggressions, and proposes real actions that lead to genuine and authentic allyship: - How do we remove ableist language from our daily vocabulary? - What are the advantages of hiring disabled employees? - How do we create inclusive events? - What market opportunity are we missing out on when we don't consider disabled consumers? "The Anti-Ableist Manifesto" is an essential book for any ally to go beyond mere awareness to being an active anti-ableist and help form a more equitable society for all"--
Belonging the key to transforming and maintaining diversity, inclusion and equality at work
There's never been more discussion around diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Various studies show that the most successful and productive senior management teams are those which are truly diverse and eclectic. Yet there remain only eight female CEO's of FTSE 100 boards, and only 10 BAME people working in leadership roles across companies in the FTSE 100. While there has been a clear shift in attitudes, actual progress towards more inclusive workspaces has been excruciatingly slow and, in some cases, has ground to a halt. Following extensive research and interviews of over 200 international businesses, Kathryn Jacob, Sue Unerman and Mark Edwards have discovered one major problem that is holding back the move towards greater diversity: why aren't the men getting involved? Belonging is the call to action we need today- the tool to turn the men in power into allies as we battle discrimination, harassment, pay gaps, structural racism and patriarchy at every level of the workplace. The lessons in this book will help us work together to build a better workplace where everyone feels they belong
Beyond Inclusion : How to Raise Anti-Ableist Kids
If the question is "How do you raise anti-ableist kids?" the answer is "Become anti-ableist and then model it through intention and action for your children." Parents want to be inclusive of their disabled and neurodivergent neighbors and want to pass these values along to their children. What holds them back is not having the education or experience on how to appropriately do this. Beyond Inclusion breaks down fifteen common forms of ableism, with explanations, examples, and first-person accounts. Doing better starts with knowledge. Author Carrie Cherney Hahn offers activities and perspectives that help parents understand the ableism that exists within them and supports their ability to process and dismantle it so that they can model anti-ableist practices for their kids. Each chapter offers children's resources that parents can use to nurture informed and anti-ableist ideals in their kids. Inclusion is actually the bare minimum. Our work is to show our children how to become more understanding, more accepting, and more appreciative of disabled and neurodivergent people
See me rolling on disability, equality and ten-point turns
In this warm, thought-provoking and often hilarious memoir, Lottie Jackson reflects on her experiences of living with disability: from the difficulties of going shopping on a mobility scooter, to the headache of defining oneself on a tick-box form, and from the indignities of the so-called easy-pull tights aid to the intense pleasure of finally swapping a hospital gown for a slinky dress. Lottie captivatingly expresses the acute difficulties and joys of living with disability, as well as the strange everyday occurrences that abled-bodied people usually don't experience
Demystifying disability what to know, what to say, and how to be an ally
"A guide for how to be a thoughtful, informed ally to disabled people, with actionable steps for what to say and do (and what not to do) and how you can help make the world a more accessible place"--
Inclusive Intelligence : AI for People with Disabilities
Transform Lives with Cutting-Edge AI Dive into a revolutionary exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping the lives of people with disabilities. This compelling book offers a profound journey, blending heartwarming real-life stories with cutting-edge technological advancements, designed to captivate and inspire. Imagine a world where everyone is part of the digital revolution. With an eloquent introduction to various disabilities and the historical evolution of AI, this book sets a solid foundation. You will gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the groundbreaking AI technologies that promise to overcome these barriers. Discover the intersection of AI and disability. From intelligent assistive devices to AI-powered personal aides, delve into fascinating case studies and examples that illustrate how AI is transforming everyday lives. Witness the advancement of AI tools designed for visual, hearing, mobility, and cognitive impairments, offering unparalleled independence and accessibility. Uncover how smart assistants are revolutionizing daily living, enhancing communication, and creating personalized learning environments for diverse needs. Explore the ethical dilemmas and regulations shaping the future. Learn about the legal and ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and the principles of inclusive design that guide the development of fair and accessible AI systems. This book highlights the collaborative efforts of governments, NGOs, and communities in fostering an inclusive AI ecosystem, ensuring that no one is left behind. Filled with personal stories and international case studies, Inclusive Intelligence: AI for People with Disabilities paints a vivid picture of the current landscape and future potential of AI in enhancing accessibility. Whether you are an AI enthusiast, a disability advocate, or simply curious about the future of technology, this book is your gateway to a more inclusive world. Take the first step towards understanding and embracing the transformative power of AI. Embark on a journey that promises to inform, engage, and inspire
Disability visibility first-person stories from the Twenty-first century
"A groundbreaking collection of first-person writing on the joys and challenges of the modern disability experience: Disability Visibility brings together the voices of activists, authors, lawyers, politicians, artists, and everyday people whose daily lives are, in the words of playwright Neil Marcus, "an art . . . an ingenious way to live." According to the last census, one in five people in the United States lives with a disability. Some are visible, some are hidden--but all are underrepresented in media and popular culture. Now, just in time for the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, activist Alice Wong brings together an urgent, galvanizing collection of personal essays by contemporary disabled writers. There is Harriet McBryde Johnson's "Unspeakable Conversations," which describes her famous debate with Princeton philosopher Peter Singer over her own personhood. There is columnist s. e. smith's celebratory review of a work of theater by disabled performers. There are original pieces by up-and-coming authors like Keah Brown and Haben Girma. There are blog posts, manifestos, eulogies, and testimonies to Congress. Taken together, this anthology gives a glimpse of the vast richness and complexity of the disabled experience, highlighting the passions, talents, and everyday lives of this community. It invites readers to question their own assumptions and understandings. It celebrates and documents disability culture in the now. It looks to the future and past with hope and love."--
We're all neurodiverse how to build a neurodiversity-affirming future and challenge neuronormativity
"Radical, accepting and kind. This is the neurodiversity paradigm. This guide challenges your assumptions of who is and isn't neurodivergent with own voice narratives reflecting on intersections of race, gender and sexuality and directly opposes the pathology paradigm. At its heart, it is a rallying cry to be a neurodiversity affirming society"--
Trans and disabled
"The first anthology by trans disabled people on the intersection of disability and gender identity"--
Fallosophy my trip through life with MS
"A memoir based on columnist, fashion-show TV host, podcaster and MS advocate Ardra Shephard's award-winning blog, Tripping on Air. Twenty-three-year-old Ardra Shephard is sleeping with the wrong guy, living in a crappy apartment, and spending money she doesn't have on designer shoes, boozy brunches and weekends in NYC. She hates her office job, but it pays for the lessons she needs to make it as an opera singer. She isn't thrilled about her current situation, but she isn't panicked. She knows she's got time! Making mistakes while you figure stuff out is what your twenties are all about. But then when a doctor tells Ardra she has MS, those two letters split her life into a Before and After. While over a million people in Canada and the United States live with Multiple Sclerosis, there is no certainty when it comes to the progression of the disease. By her mid-thirties, Ardra is struggling to walk, and it's terrifying. When she starts using mobility aids, she faces feelings of otherness and not belonging like never before. As Ardra's deepest fears keep coming true, she starts to learn the most important lesson: She's been sold a lie about disability--it isn't a fate worse than death. Having so far survived all of her worst-case scenarios, she begins to realize that a difficult life doesn't have to be a joyless life. Today, twenty years after her diagnosis, Ardra's journey isn't over. MS will always be a force to be reckoned with, but the woman Ardra is, day after day, is no longer negotiable. Fallosophy serves up wisdom like a seasoned bartender who's seen it all, and doesn't try to sugarcoat what it's really like to live with a progressive, disabling illness in a world that would rather not build a ramp."--
Connecting dots a blind life
"When Joshua Miele was four years old, he answered his front door, and a mentally disturbed neighbor poured a cup of acid over his head, horrifically burning him and blinding him for life. It was a tragedy that could've destroyed him, but instead, Miele-naturally curious, and a born engineer-not only recovered, but flourished, finding increasingly inventive ways not only to help himself thrive in a world built for the sighted, but to help others to do the same. In "Connecting Dots" -a reference to braille and a metaphor for Miele's explorations and discoveries-readers are treated to a memoir that is as illuminating as it is entertaining, and ultimately as triumphant as they come: in 2022, Miele fulfilled a nearly lifelong dream when he won a MacArthur genius Grant. "Connecting Dots" comes at a time when disability is finally starting to get the recognition (and legislation) that it deserves, and entering the popular culture in a huge way, from Coda to Crip Camp and beyond. We are at an inflection point in addressing those who have historically been marginalized-a conversation that must include those with disabilities. This is the moment for a book like this in so many ways, and Miele is, apart from the obvious reasons, the perfect person to write it. He is funny, pragmatic, and direct-with a healthy dose of attitude. In telling his own story-spanning from the 1970s to today-he also speaks to how the world has changed (and how it hasn't) when it comes to blindness, and to disability and accessibility more broadly. Miele has always considered his challenges to be opportunities, and that is something we can all learn from"--
I felt the cheers the remarkable silent life of Curtis Pride
"On a September night in Montreal in 1993, Curtis Pride got his first Major League hit, prompting a long, emotional standing ovation from the crowd of 45,757 fans. Profoundly deaf since birth, Pride couldn't hear their thunderous applause. But as the cheers grew louder and more insistent, he realized he was feeling those vibrations within his chest--an undeniable acknowledgment of an extraordinary achievement. Pride went on to play in 420 more major-league games over eleven different seasons with the Montreal Expos, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and New York Yankees. He was then hired as head baseball coach at Gallaudet, the world's leading university for deaf and hard of hearing students and was also named Major League Baseball's Ambassador for Inclusion. Pride has received countless national and local awards for his achievements and his service in inspiring and educating others. With candor, warmth, and humor, Pride writes from the heart in I Felt the Cheers. From the first time he played T-ball at age six and got a couple of hits, he dreamed of playing in the major leagues. No matter how unlikely it seemed, or how much skepticism he faced from teammates or coaches, Pride stayed resolute. Far from it being a disadvantage, he came to see that his deafness could sometimes be a secret weapon, forcing him to use senses that other players take for granted. Curtis's personal journey is unique, but his message is a powerful, universal one, sure to resonate deeply with everyone who has faced difficult challenges. I Felt the Cheers is living proof that dreams can come true, no matter how impossible they seem."--Publisher
The quiet ear an investigation of missing sound a memoir
"At the hospital where Raymond Antrobus was born, a midwife snapped her fingers by his ears and gauged his response. It was his first hearing test, and he passed. For years, Antrobus lived as a deaf person in the hearing world, before he was diagnosed at the age of six. This "in-betweenness" was a space he would occupy in other areas of his life too. The son of a Jamaican father and white British mother, growing up in East London, it was easy for him to fall through the cracks. Growing up, he was told that he wasn't smart enough, wasn't black enough, wasn't deaf enough. It was only when he was fitted with hearing aids at the age of seven, that he began to discover his missing sounds: the high pitches of whistles, birds, alarms, the "sh, ch, ba, th" sounds in speech-all of it missing. The Quiet Ear is an attempt to fill in those missing sounds in Antrobus' own life, and how they formed his hybrid deaf identity. It's a story of a journey of finding your path when there are no signs to show the way, and a testament to the people-his parents and teachers, artists, writers, and musicians -- who helped form his language: spoken, written, and signed. It's also about becoming a father to a hearing son, and trying to know the ways in which they might understand and misunderstand one another. "-- Provided by publisher
Spellbound my life as a dyslexic wordsmith
"The A-list comedian tells the story of his unlikely path to success while struggling with severe dyslexia. When Phil Hanley entered first grade, he realized something that would forever set him apart from his peers: he couldn't read. His teachers were ill-equipped to assist him and wrote him off as a hopeless case. Phil slipped through the school's cracks, year by year falling farther and farther behind his friends, only passing to each next grade because of his mother's interventions. Finally, he was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disability that would shape the rest of his life. In Spellbound, Phil Hanley shares his experience living with debilitating dyslexia. Unable to pursue college or a traditional job, Phil was thrust into a life to be defined by unconventional twists. He moved to Europe and became a successful runway model, a job that suitably kept him away from pens and paper. In search of fulfillment that couldn't be found posing for a Docker's ad, Phil retreated home to Vancouver where, desperate to manage the mental health issues connected to living with dyslexia, he turned to an all-consuming obsession with Transcendental Meditation. Finally, he found himself on a stage with a microphone, a spotlight, and five minutes of jokes. Stand-up became the first pursuit that the more Phil put into it, the more he got out, and something that he compellingly argues, saved his life. Spellbound is a story of humor and also of struggle and heartbreak, of constantly living in a world that sees things differently than you, and of triumph over adversity. Phil shows us that dyslexia can be a huge challenge, but having it does not spell certain condemnation (nor can he). Just the opposite: dyslexia has been more than a blessing in his life-it's been his north star"--
Beautiful people my thirteen truths about disability
In the summer of 2019, journalist Melissa Blake penned an op-ed for CNN Opinion. A conservative pundit caught wind of it, mentioning Blake's work in a YouTube video. What happened next is equal parts a searing view into society, how we collectively view and treat disabled people, and the making of an advocate. After a troll said that Blake should be banned from posting pictures of herself, she took to Twitter and defiantly posted three smiling selfies, all taken during a lovely vacation in the Big Apple
Vision a memoir of blindness and justice
David Tatel has served nearly 30 years on America's second highest court, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, where many of our most crucial cases are resolved -- or teed up for the Supreme Court. He has championed equal justice for his entire adult life; decided landmark environmental and voting cases; and embodied the ideal of what a great judge should be. Yet he has been blind for the past 50 of his 80-plus years. Initially, he depended upon aides to read texts to him, and more recently, a suite of hi-tech solutions has allowed him to listen to reams of documents at high speeds. At first, he tried to hide his deteriorating vision, and for years, he denied that it had any impact on his career. Only recently, partly thanks to his first-ever guide dog, Vixen, has he come to fully accept his blindness and the role it's played in his personal and professional lives. His story of fighting for justice over many decades, with and without eyesight, is an inspiration to us all
Disability intimacy essays on love, care, and desire
"The much-anticipated follow up to the groundbreaking anthology Disability Visibility: another revolutionary collection of first-person writing on the joys and challenges of the modern disability experience, and intimacy in all its myriad forms. What is intimacy? More than sex, more than romantic love, the pieces in this stunning and illuminating new anthology offer broader and more inclusive definitions of what it can mean to be intimate with another person. Explorations of caregiving, community, access, and friendship offer us alternative ways of thinking about the connections we form with others-a vital reimagining in an era when forced physical distance is at times a necessary norm. But don't worry: there's still sex to consider-and the numerous ways sexual liberation intersects with disability justice. Plunge between these pages and you'll also find disabled sexual discovery, disabled love stories, and disabled joy. These twenty-five stunning original pieces-plus other modern classics on the subject, all carefully curated by acclaimed activist Alice Wong-include essays, photo essays, poetry, drama, and erotica: a full spectrum of the dreams, fantasies, and deeply personal realities of a wide range of beautiful bodies and minds. Disability Intimacy will free your thinking, invigorate your spirit, and delight your desires"--
Beyond Borders : Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Here's a captivating paragraph that describes the book "Beyond Borders: Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion":"Join Dr. Mustafa A.B on a transformative journey as he explores the power of diversity and inclusion in 'Beyond Borders: Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion'. This groundbreaking book is a comprehensive guide to understanding and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of life. From exploring the impact of stereotypes and microaggressions to celebrating LGBTQ+ stories and disability pride, this book delves into the complexities of identity, power dynamics, and systemic inequality. With real-life stories of resilience and triumph, practical strategies for promoting inclusion, and a vision for a more just and equitable society, 'Beyond Borders' is an essential read for anyone committed to creating a more inclusive world. Dive in and discover how to break down barriers, challenge ableism, and foster empathy and understanding in your personal and professional life."
Unfit parent a disabled mother challenges an inaccessible world
"Navigating the joys, stigma, and discrimination of disabled parenting-and how the solutions offered by disability culture can transform the way we all raise our kids"--
Dateable swiping right, hooking up, and settling down while chronically ill and disabled
"Disabled people date, have casual sex, marry, and parent. Yet, our romantic lives of are conspicuously absent from the media and cultural conversation. Sexual education does not typically address the specific information needed by disabled teens. Mainstream dating apps fail to include disability as an aspect of one's identity alongside race, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The few underutilized disability-focused apps are paternalistic and unappealing. Bestselling dating books do not address disability, and the few relationship books marketed to disabled people focus on the mechanics of sex rather than the complex interactions that create the conditions for it. In Dateable, disabled author and essayist Jessica Slice and disabled bioethicist and progressive faith leader Caroline Cupp team up to address the serious gap in the dating space. A dating guide made especially for disabled and chronically ill people, that calls in able bodied readers, Dateable is the first book on disabled dating and relationships. Slice and Cupp take on everything from Rom Com representation to dating apps to sex and breakups with a strong narrative underpinning and practical advice. The book is as much a practical tool as it is an empowering guide"--
Brittle joints
An evocative and heartfelt graphic memoir about the challenges of living with a progressive disability. --from Amazon
Everything no one tells you about parenting a disabled child your guide to the essential systems, services, and supports
"The honest, relatable, actionable roadmap to the practicalities of parenting a disabled child, featuring personal stories, expert interviews, and the foundational information parents need to know about topics including diagnosis, school, doctors, insurance, financial planning, disability rights, and what life looks like as a parent caregiver"--
But you look so normal lost and found in a hearing world
When four-year-old Claudia Marseille was diagnosed with severe hearing loss and received her first hearing aid, her lifelong journey to fit in began. Here, she reveals how she overcame loneliness and isolation and carved out a fulfilling life for herself somewhere between the mainstream culture and the Deaf world." --
Morally straight how the fight for LGBTQ+ inclusion changed the Boy Scouts--and America
This deeply-reported narrative illuminates the battle for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Boy Scouts of America, a decades-long struggle led by teenagers, parents, activists, and everyday Americans. Weaving in his own experience as a scout and journalist, Mike De Socio's Morally Straight tells a story that plays out over the course of nearly forty years, beginning in an era when gay rights were little more than a cultural sideshow; when same-sex marriage was not even on the radar; and when much of the country was recommitting to conservative social mores. It was during this treacherous time that accidental activists emerged, challenging one of America's most iconic institutions in a struggle that would forever change the country's view of gay people and the rights they held in society. In Morally Straight we meet James Dale, the poster child of Scouting who took his fight for inclusion to the Supreme Court; Steven Cozza, the 12-year-old scout in California who started a movement for inclusion called Scouting for All; Jennifer Tyrrell, the lesbian den mother whose expulsion from the Scouts reignited the gay membership controversy; Zach Wahls, the son of lesbian moms who led the final push for policy change; and an array of other previously unknown Scouters who played smaller--but no less crucial--roles in the fight for full inclusion. Richly reported and filled with unforgettable people, Morally Straight braids together these characters and brings to life their collective struggle. This is an essential narrative in the American LGBTQ+ rights movement, and a truly American story about the fight for a better future for our nation's bedrock youth organization
Inclusion : The Fight for Language Rights in Healthcare
Inclusion: The Fight for Language Rights in Healthcare by Dr. Amanda Oliva is a compelling exploration of the systemic barriers faced by Deaf individuals in medical settings, grounded in her groundbreaking dissertation research. Drawing on the concept of language deprivation the chronic lack of access to a natural language during critical developmental periods, Dr. Oliva examines the pervasive challenges of communication inequity in healthcare. Through rigorous quantitative research and a review of current studies, Dr. Oliva spotlights the discriminatory factors that often prevent Deaf individuals from accessing qualified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. Her work sheds light on the human rights violations that occur when healthcare organizations fail to provide necessary accommodations, creating a critical gap between Deaf and hearing communities. This book not only highlights the struggles of Deaf individuals denied language access but also offers a path forward by advocating for greater understanding, accessibility, and systemic change. Inclusion is a vital call to action, urging readers to join the fight for language equity and a future free from barriers and discrimination