Virtual Visit: Cathy Reay, author of How To Be Disabled and Proud

Book a FREE 45-minute Zoom webinar with Cathy Reay on Friday 28th March at 11:30AM. 

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Join disabled writer, journalist, and author of How To Be Disabled and Proud, Cathy Reay, to explore disability, empowerment, and identity. Learn how systemic barriers and societal attitudes can create challenges for disabled people, and discover the importance of valuing and celebrating yourself just as you are. This event will shed light on the realities of being a disabled kid in today’s world, while giving children the tools and gentle support to inspire them to be part of the change disabled kids need to see in the world.

About the event: 

  • Meet Cathy and learn about her life in the lead up to becoming an author!
  • Get an introduction to disability, disability politics and activism from Cathy’s book How To Be Disabled and Proud.
  • Learn about how important it is for disabled people to feel okay with their identity.
  • Take part in an activity where you can share what your identity is and what makes you proud.
  • Ask Cathy your class questions in a live Q&A at the end of the Visit. Head to our online form and submit your questions 24 hours before the event!

About the book: 

How To Be Disabled and Proud is a powerful call to action for both disabled and non-disabled children, encouraging them to advocate for a more accessible and understanding world. Written in a warm, funny, and empowering style, this book is aimed at children aged 9+ and is authored by disabled journalist and mum of two, Cathy Reay. Drawing on her personal experiences of growing up disabled, Cathy inspires young readers to embrace (or at least, feel kinda sorta okay with) their disabled identity.

This book will guide disabled readers through navigating the transition from primary to secondary school, expressing their accessibility needs, finding disabled community and gaining the confidence to stand up for their rights, and for others too. Cathy addresses the challenges faced by disabled children, including issues such as bullying and discrimination, and what to do when people just don’t get it, with comforting and practical advice to help readers through tough times. How To Be Disabled and Proud encourages and empowers disabled readers to value and celebrate themselves, just as they are.

About the author: 

@cathyreaywrites

As a disabled writer, journalist, and single mum to two disabled children, Cathy Reay has written for publications such as The Guardian, Glamour, i, and The Independent on disability politics, accessibility, sex and relationships, and popular culture. She has also contributed to several books, including Gina Martin’s No Offence, But… and Naomi and Natalie Evans’ Everyday Action, Everyday Change. In addition, she has delivered talks at leading UK universities. Cathy lives near London with her two children and her cat.

Cathy had this to say about the book: “I wrote How To Be Disabled and Proud to help kids navigate being disabled in an often inaccessible and ableist world, supporting them with what to expect, empowering them with tools to get what they need, and reassuring them that their bodies and minds are not a problem that need to be fixed. It’s the book I needed as a child, and the book my children will get to lean on as they grow up.”