I first saw mention of "The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World" by Tiffany Yu on LinkedIn and immediately wanted to read it.
On her "About" section of her LinkedIn profile, author Tiffany Yu describes her work as "building and funding the things I wished existed when I was younger." Yu is doing just that, whether it is through Ted X talks or as the founder and CEO of Diversability, a Disabled-led organization seeking to elevate Disability pride.
The "Anti-Ableist Manifesto" is, no pun intended, an accessible read for Disabled folks looking to address internalized ableism as well as non-disabled folks who are hoping to learn how to be an accomplice to the disability rights movement.
Yu uses an overarching theme of "Me, We, Us" throughout the book, reminding readers that Disabled and non-disabled folks' liberation is bound up with each other, to paraphrase Australian Aboriginal activist Lilla Watson. Yu shares personal life experiences alongside clear suggestions for how to interrupt ableism wherever we encounter it. She amplifies other Disabled activists and advocates throughout the book, which I love as readers not familiar with those individuals may be inspired to know more about them as well.
I also love how Yu talks about more personal and individual topics like using inclusive language along with larger systemic topics like economic self-sufficiency for Disabled people. Additionally, since the personal is political, Yu also encourages readers to get involved in advocacy with lawmakers as well as smaller/local systems. This is an often overlooked area for disability pride and inclusion.
"The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World" by Tiffany Yu is a great read for those new to the concept of anti-ableism as well as those who have been in the trenches for some time.
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