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
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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 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![]()
To Hell and Back: Disability Wisdom
By Ben MattlinIn the first few days of this year, I was rushed to the emergency room. "We need help," I'd gasped to my wife before she dialed 911. Apr 4, 2018![]()
“NOT ALL CRIPS ARE CREEPS” by BEN MATTLIN
The esteemed Public Radio host John Hockenberry and world-famous artist Chuck Close were both accused of sexual improprieties. Jan 11, 2018![]()
ALIVE AT 55! By Ben Mattlin
For someone like me - born with a progressive neuromuscular condition called spinal muscular atrophy - that feels like a big milestone. Dec 5, 2017![]()
Nurturing Spontaneity, or Why I Love “The Odd Couple” by Ben Mattlin
My current attendant recently asked if he could leave a couple hours early on Friday. No big deal, right? Oct 24, 2017![]()
ROLLING ROLE MODELS ON TV – By Ben Mattlin
Recently, an important anniversary passed quietly. Important to me, anyway. It was 50 years since the TV show “Ironside” first aired. Sep 19, 2017 |