Disability Pride Month: Meet The Author & Illustrator
July is Disability Pride Month. In moving toward acceptance and celebration (not just “awareness”) of people with different abilities, we spoke with two long-time advocates: mother and daughter Maryann Cocca-Leffler and Janine Leffler. These author illustrators spoke with use about their inspiration for books like We Want to Go to School!: The Fight for Disability Rights, Janine and Fighting for YES!: The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann, the history of disability advocacy in the U.S., and the ongoing political and social fight for greater accessibility and inclusivity.
JML: I became a disability rights advocate in 2015 when my mom’s book, Janine, was published. This book is based on an experience I had when I was bullied and not included. When we visit classrooms, I encourage students with disabilities to become better advocates for themselves and encourage everyone to stand up for their fellow classmates against bullies.
MCL: My daughter Janine, was born with cerebral palsy (CP) in 1985. I became a disabilities rights advocate soon after she was born. I discovered early on that I needed to search and fight for services. Over the years, I have navigated the education system, social security, government service agencies, medical/mental health services, school & job accommodations, employment & supports, housing?…the list goes on. Any parent of a child with disabilities can tell you that there is no guidebook to help navigate the “system”. Service agencies are scattered and don’t share information with each other, making it more difficult. On top of that, many governmental policies are still discriminatory. I’m still fighting. There is still a lot to be done.
2. What inspires you to write books in this genre?
JML: Education is the main goal. Our book, We Want to Go to School! The Fight for Disability Rights is about the law that was passed in 1972 that allowed students with disabilities to go to public school with their peers. I was really intrigued when researching this book about what life was like for these students prior to the law being passed. I was born in 1985 and had I been born fifteen years earlier; things would have been very different for me. I thrived throughout my school years thanks to my peers and teachers. But mostly I am grateful to the people before me who stood up and bravely worked to change these laws.
MCL: I truly believe that in order for us to support disability rights into the future, we need to be educated on the HISTORY of Disability Rights. I wrote these books to teach about the heroes who helped change laws which went on to improve the lives of people with disabilities. My hope is that my books will help shine light on what still needs to be done to truly ensure that people with disabilities are included and accepted in all aspects of society. Young people are our future. I hope my books will open minds and conversations in the classrooms and within communities.
In addition- The time is now! Not long ago, it was very difficult to get books published on the topic of disability rights or books featuring people with disabilities. (Editors rejected my manuscripts and informed me that there was no market.) Luckily, with Me Too, Black Lives Matter and the call for Equity, publishers have finally realized there is a market for books on this topic and books about other underrepresented groups.
3. What are you most excited about for Vertical Harvest Maine?
JML: I am very excited to be part of the Grow Well program and to learn more about hydroponic farming. I am really looking forward to using my skills and working side-by-side with my peers, including those who are differently abled, and being part of the Vertical Harvest Community.
MCL- EVERYTHING! I saw the Vertical Harvest Documentary years ago on PBS. Honestly, when I discovered that they were building 10 minutes from my house, I took it as a sign from the Universe! Their Grow Well model is something that my daughter has been searching for her entire working life. To be accepted into a community, valued for specific skills and included in a company that makes a difference in many areas of life, is a dream come true. (Getting to eat fresh greens is a bonus!) I only hope that other companies will take Vertical Harvest’s lead and hire differently abled adults.
4. What is your favorite memory of Janine growing up?
MCL: Janine always wanted to be the center of attention — she loved to perform. (See pictures!) From a young age, she embraced who she was- blazing the trail, instead of following it. She was always her “spectacular self”; friendly, outgoing, genuine and happy. I can honestly say that she has maintained these positive attributes through the years! Everyone loves Janine! (That is why she is a character in a book!)
5. Do you envision a world where the word “disability” is no longer used?
JML: I absolutely envision a world where the word disability is no longer used.
I like to focus more on what I am able to do and not what I am not able to do. When I was growing up in the 80s and 90s there were not a lot of TV shows or books where people with disabilities were shown in a positive light. I am happy to see a better representation in today’s media and hope it continues.
MCL: Since I am not a person with disabilities, I will hold my answer. I think a person with disabilities should be asked how they want to be addressed.