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Hello, compassionate leaders dedicated to cultivating workplaces that embrace diversity in all its forms. Today, we embark on a journey of understanding and inclusion with a carefully curated reading list tailored for managers seeking to enhance their awareness of disability-related issues. These insightful books offer perspectives, insights, and actionable strategies to create environments where every team member, regardless of ability, feels seen, valued, and empowered.

1. “The Unseen Minority: A Social History of Blindness in the United States” by Frances A. Koestler: Koestler’s historical exploration provides valuable insights into the experiences of individuals with visual impairments. “The Unseen Minority” prompts managers to consider the historical context of blindness, fostering empathy and understanding.
2. “NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity” by Steve Silberman: Silberman’s groundbreaking work delves into the history of autism. “NeuroTribes” offers managers a nuanced understanding of neurodiversity, promoting an inclusive approach that celebrates the unique strengths of individuals with autism.
3. “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist” by Judith Heumann: Heumann’s memoir offers a firsthand account of her journey as a disability rights activist. “Being Heumann” inspires managers to advocate for disability rights within the workplace, fostering a culture of inclusivity.
4. “The Rejected Body: Feminist Philosophical Reflections on Disability” by Susan Wendell: Wendell’s philosophical exploration addresses the intersectionality of disability and gender. “The Rejected Body” encourages managers to consider the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly within the context of gender.
5. “My Body Politic” by Simi Linton: Linton’s memoir reflects on her experiences as a disabled woman navigating society. “My Body Politic” prompts managers to consider the social and cultural dimensions of disability, fostering a workplace culture that values every individual.
6. “Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century” edited by Alice Wong: Wong’s anthology amplifies the voices of individuals with disabilities. “Disability Visibility” provides managers with diverse perspectives, encouraging them to centre the experiences and narratives of disabled individuals in their approach to leadership.
7. “No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement” by Joseph P. Shapiro: Shapiro’s book chronicles the disability rights movement in the United States. “No Pity” offers managers a historical perspective on the fight for equality and encourages them to actively contribute to the ongoing progress.
8. “Enabling Acts: The Hidden Story of How the Americans with Disabilities Act Gave the Largest US Minority Its Rights” by Lennard J. Davis: Davis explores the legislative history and impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). “Enabling Acts” educates managers on the legal framework supporting disability rights and prompts reflection on its continued relevance.
9. “Unbroken Thread: What a Mother Learned About Living Gracefully in the Face of Struggle” by Sohrab Ahmari: Ahmari’s memoir reflects on the experiences of raising a child with a disability. “Unbroken Thread” provides managers with insights into the challenges faced by families and encourages a compassionate and supportive workplace environment.
10. “Criptiques” edited by Caitlin Wood: This anthology features essays that challenge and redefine traditional perspectives on disability. “Criptiques” encourages managers to question societal norms and foster a workplace that celebrates the diversity of abilities.
11. “Disability and the Art of Living” by Felicity Haynes: Haynes explores the philosophy of disability, challenging prevailing notions of normalcy. “Disability and the Art of Living” prompts managers to embrace a more expansive understanding of what it means to live with a disability.
12. “The Able Life of Cody Jane: Still Celebrating” by Marly Cornell: Cornell’s memoir tells the story of her daughter Cody Jane, who has Down syndrome. “The Able Life of Cody Jane” invites managers to recognize and appreciate the unique abilities and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.
13. “Brilliant Imperfection: Grappling with Cure” by Eli Clare: Clare’s work challenges the notion of seeking a cure for disability. “Brilliant Imperfection” prompts managers to question the societal pressure for conformity and embrace a more inclusive definition of success.
14. “Far from the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity” by Andrew Solomon: Solomon’s exploration of diverse identities includes a section on raising children with disabilities. “Far from the Tree” provides managers with insights into the experiences of families, fostering empathy and understanding.
15. “Blindsided: Lifting a Life Above Illness” by Richard M. Cohen: Cohen’s memoir reflects on his experiences living with multiple sclerosis. “Blindsided” encourages managers to consider the resilience and strength of individuals living with chronic illnesses, fostering a workplace culture that supports health challenges.
16. “The Disability Studies Reader” edited by Lennard J. Davis: This comprehensive anthology brings together key writings in disability studies. “The Disability Studies Reader” provides managers with a foundational understanding of the academic perspectives shaping the field.
17. “More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament” by Lindsay Kite and Lexie Kite: While not explicitly focused on disability, this book challenges societal norms around body image. “More Than a Body” encourages managers to promote a workplace culture that values individuals for their contributions rather than their appearance.
18. “Visible: A Memoir” by Emma Faukner: Faulkner’s memoir reflects on her experiences as a wheelchair user and challenges societal perceptions of disability. “Visible” prompts managers to reevaluate assumptions and cultivate environments that embrace diverse abilities.
19. “Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution” by Judith Heumann and Kristen Joiner: Heumann, a disability rights activist, shares her inspiring journey. “Rolling Warrior” encourages managers to learn from Heumann’s activism and apply principles of advocacy within the workplace.
20. “Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice” by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha: Piepzna-Samarasinha’s collection of essays explores disability justice and the intersections of identity. “Care Work” encourages managers to adopt a holistic approach that acknowledges and addresses the diverse needs of team members.
21. “The Real Work of Leaders: A Report from the Front Lines of Management” by Donald L. Hackett: Hackett’s practical guide offers insights into effective leadership, including considerations for managing diverse teams, including individuals with disabilities. “The Real Work of Leaders” equips managers with actionable strategies for fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.
22. “Accessing the Future” edited by Kathryn Allan and Djibril al-Ayad: This anthology features speculative fiction stories that centre on disability. “Accessing the Future” prompts managers to consider diverse perspectives on disability, fostering

I hope this list gets you started on your journey to creating a more inclusive organisation.