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GOD BLESS US, EVERY ONE—NO, REALLY!
by Ben Mattlin

In Charles Dickens' immortal A Christmas Carol, Tiny Tim—the crutch-using young son of Bob Cratchit—is the epitome of a disability trope.

Dec 1, 2022
I AM NOT YOUR SUPERCRIP
by Ben Mattlin
Beware the inspirational disability story

Supercrip stories are a subset of “inspiration porn.” And to me, they’re offensive and do a serious disservice to the disability community.

Sep 1, 2022
What I Learned While Researching a Book About Disability Pride
by Ben Mattlin

If you're reading this, chances are you're interested in disabilities (or people who have them). The good news is, you're not alone.

Mar 29, 2022
Britney Spears Guardianship is a Disability Rights Case
By Ben Mattlin

Last month, pop star Britney Spears went to court to protest the guardianship she’d been under since 2008. She told a judge in Los Angeles that

Jul 27, 2021
Wait…Disability Can Be…Funny???
by Ben Mattlin

Editor’s note: Ben Mattlin, our guest blogger, has given us a sneak preview of his new book. It’s a section about comic relief, and how pe

May 4, 2021
GOD BLESS US, EVERY ONE—NO, REALLY!
by Ben Mattlin

In Charles Dickens' immortal A Christmas Carol, Tiny Tim—the crutch-using young son of Bob Cratchit—is the epitome of a disability trope.

Dec 8, 2020
“Reasonable Accommodations” For All – Not Just Me
By Ben Mattlin

This summer, at the age of 57, I was finally able to fill out my own census form. In the past, I’ve had to have my wife do it for both of us. Bu

Oct 15, 2020
Disability and Disease Aren’t Interchangeable

Not long ago, I was hired to do a sensitivity reading of a book manuscript, a guide for young adults about how people live with disabilities.

Mar 5, 2020
A Tale of Two Pretties
by Ben Mattlin
In late summer, two books by disabled women were published with strikingly similar titles: The Pretty One: On Life, Pop Culture, Disability, and Other Reasons to Fall in Love with Me by Keah Brown (Atria Books) and Such a Pretty Girl: A Story of Struggle, Empowerment, and Disability Pride by Nadina LaSpina (New Village Press).

Sep 23, 2019
SMA and Me: To Cure or Not To Cure, That is the Question
By Ben Mattlin

I was born before my disability could be diagnosed.  Now I'm told it can be cured.

Jun 19, 2019
HELP! I THINK I CREATED A WORD!
By Ben Mattlin

Watch the Today Show. Watch Dr. Phil. Read the Chicago Tribune. Go on YouTube. You'll see a new word that's causing a mild uproar.

Apr 8, 2019
THE DOWNSIDE OF “THE UPSIDE”
By Ben Mattlin

Lately, the Internet has been in an uproar over Bryan Cranston in the new movie “The Upside.” Cranston, who came to fame playing meth entr

Feb 4, 2019
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