Today, December 3rd, is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—a day to honor the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of the 1 billion people living with disabilities around the world. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of inclusion and accessibility in creating a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
As a children’s author and someone living with a disability, this day holds a special place in my heart. Stories have the power to bridge gaps in understanding, foster empathy, and inspire action. Through my books and the work of my publishing company, Purple Diamond Press, I strive to embrace disability awareness and inclusion.
Here are a few of my books that celebrate disability awareness and the power of embracing our differences:
1. What If We Were All The Same!
This is the book that started it all—a heartwarming story about accepting differences and celebrating what makes us unique. Through the lens of diversity, this book teaches children the importance of kindness, understanding, and inclusion, values that are essential for creating a more equitable world.
2. Seen
In Seen, Ariana is a young girl who is disabled and uses a wheelchair. However, her disability is not revealed until the end of the story. The book emphasizes that people with disabilities don’t owe anyone an explanation for their differences. It highlights the importance of seeing each other for who we are, not for the challenges we face. This powerful message resonates with readers of all ages and reinforces the idea that everyone deserves to feel valued and respected.
3. Why Can’t I…?
This story tackles the topic of bullying, focusing on how words can hurt and the importance of using our voices for kindness. The book inspires children to think before they speak and encourages them to build a more inclusive world where everyone feels safe and supported.
4. What If We Were All Friends!
The second book in the What If We Were series takes the message of inclusion further, focusing on friendship and how we can all be better friends to one another. From celebrating each other’s differences to offering support when it’s needed most, this story reminds readers that our differences are what make our friendships beautiful.
5. The Lonely Zebra
While not solely about disability, The Lonely Zebra addresses themes of belonging and feeling different. The story reminds readers of the importance of inclusion and shows how embracing our individuality makes the world a more vibrant.
Advocating Through Stories
Books like these are vital in introducing children to disability and helping them build empathy at a young age. Stories are a gateway to understanding—they teach children that differences are not something to fear but to celebrate.
This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I invite you to explore stories that highlight the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these books can be a powerful tool in teaching the next generation to embrace inclusion and kindness.
If you’d like to support the cause further, consider donating books to schools or organizations that promote disability awareness. Every story shared is a step toward a more inclusive world.
Let’s celebrate our differences, honor our shared humanity, and work together to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to shine.
Visit Purple Diamond Press to explore these stories and more. Together, we can make a difference, one book at a time.
Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities!
Check out the books here: https://www.amazon.com/author/harriscm
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