World Book Day is a day that celebrates the magic of storytelling and the diverse voices that bring stories to life. It's also a wonderful time to shine a light on writers who, through their lived experiences, share stories that challenge perceptions, advocate for change, and provide invaluable insights into the lives of disabled people.

Disabled writers, in particular, offer us a window into their worlds, teaching us about resilience, struggle, and joy in ways that are authentic and deeply impactful. Their work often challenges societal norms and helps shift the dialogue around disability. From powerful memoirs to practical guides to help make life a little easier, here are some non-fiction books by disabled authors that are perfect examples of why it's essential to share lived experiences with the world.

1. Occupational Therapy, Disability Activism, and Me by Georgia Vine

Georgia Vine's Occupational Therapy, Disability Activism, and Me is an eye-opening exploration of ableism in the healthcare system. As both an occupational therapist and a disability activist, Georgia brings a unique perspective to the conversation. This book is a call to action, urging readers to rethink the way healthcare professionals interact with disabled individuals and emphasising the importance of respecting and understanding diverse needs. Through her personal experiences and professional expertise, Georgia challenges us to imagine a more equitable healthcare system for all.

 

2. How To Do Life With A Chronic Illness by Pippa Stacey

Pippa Stacey's How To Do Life With A Chronic Illness is an honest and practical look at the daily challenges of living with a condition that often isn’t visible to the outside world. Pippa's book aims to be a one-stop guide on how people can live their best life alongside their chronic illness, rather than relying on the outdated narrative that people must be healed or experience recovery to live a life that truly brings them happiness. Between these pages, you'll find bespoke information and resources curated through 10+ years of lived experience, alongside words of wisdom from diverse contributors and subject experts. This book also contains journal prompts, resource lists, and (perhaps most importantly) words of comfort and validation that people with life-altering conditions simply do not hear enough.

 

3. The Pretty One by Keah Brown

From disability rights advocate and creator of the #DisabledAndCute campaign, Keah Brown’s The Pretty One is a powerful and inspiring collection of essays about being black and disabled in America. With clear, engaging, and light-hearted prose, these essays cover topics ranging from her relationship with her non-disabled identical twin to navigating romance, her love for pop culture, her frustration with the media’s distorted portrayal of disability, and her celebration of self-love through the viral hashtag #DisabledAndCute.

 

4. The View From Down Here by Lucy Webster

In The View From Down Here, Lucy Webster provides a refreshing, unapologetic perspective on life with disability. Through candid reflections and personal anecdotes, this powerful, honest, hilarious and furious memoir from journalist and advocate Lucy Webster looks at life at the intersection; the struggles, the joys and the unseen realities of being a disabled woman. From navigating the worlds of education and work, dating and friendship; to managing care; contemplating motherhood; and learning to accept your body. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to better understand what it really means to move through the world as a disabled woman.

 

5. You Are The Best Thing Since Slice Bread by Samantha Renke

Sam Renke’s You Are The Best Thing Since Slice Bread is a delightful celebration of life as a disabled individual. Media personality and disability activist Samantha Renke brings you her no-holds-barred look at life with plenty of advice to inspire you to follow your dreams and know your self worth. Samantha brings humour and joy to her writing, offering a refreshing perspective on living with disability.

 

6. The Autism Friendly Cookbook by Lydia Wilkins

Lydia Wilkins’s The Autism Friendly Cookbook features 100 recipes across four chapters, designed with accessibility in mind. Drawing from over 30 interviews with autistic individuals and two experts, it offers clear, jargon-free guidance for autistic adults and teens. The book includes recipes for all occasions, with energy level ratings for days when you're feeling low-energy or up for a challenge. It provides adaptations for various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, along with options for sensory seekers, sensory avoiders or who want to expand their repertoire in the kitchen.

 

7. Driving Forwards by Sophie Morgan

Sophie Morgan’s Driving Forwards is a remarkable memoir that chronicles her journey from a life-altering accident to becoming a champion for disabled rights. An award-winning disability advocate, inclusion consultant and broadcaster, Driving Forwards documents Sophie’s journey of overcoming both her own and others' perceptions of disability, while inspiring readers to see how adversity can be channelled into opportunity and how ongoing resilience can ultimately lead to empowerment.

 

8. Now That I Have Your Attention: 7 Lessons in Leading a Life Bigger Than They Expect by Nicolas Hamilton

Nicolas Hamilton, a motorsport driver with cerebral palsy, shares his journey of defying the odds in Now That I Have Your Attention. This motivational book provides seven lessons for living a life that surpasses expectations — both those of society and those we place on ourselves. Nicholas’s story is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome barriers, especially in the world of professional sports where disability is often seen as an obstacle.

 

9. The Boy Who Lived by David Holmes

For the best part of a decade, David Holmes was a stunt performer in the Harry Potter film franchise, as a body double for Daniel Radcliffe. However, in 2009, David was left seriously injured and partially paralysed after a stunt on set went wrong. The Boy Who Lived by David Holmes is a beautiful and inspiring memoir that follows the author’s life as he navigates the world with a disability.

Our Ambassador Ross Lannon had the pleasure of interviewing David on CHAOS Radio recently, which you can see a highlights video of here.

 

Audio Books

On Audible, there is an ever-growing collection of non-fiction titles by disabled authors highlighting the lives of trail-blazers, first-person memoirs, and fiction exploring characters with disabilities. 

View a collection of fiction and non-fiction audio books by disabled authors here. 

 

Accessibility Information for Libraries 

On our website, we offer Detailed Access Guides for local libraries across the UK. We provide you with all the detail you need to find out if a library is going to be accessible for you.

Find essential information on parking, outside and inside access, toilets, the reception area, lighting levels, computers, self service points, and hearing assistance systems. Plus, discover if your library offers regular supplies of books in audio format, large print and Braille.

By signing up for a free AccessAble account, you can save Detailed Access Guides to easily return to them - just like your favourite books!

Discover the Guide for your nearest library by scrolling up to the search box at the top of the page. Happy reading!