Hot off the Press:
Recent News to Read from Around the Region
Unlearn Ableism with these 4 Talking Books
By David Wright — The Seattle Times (4/8/2022)
“Love audiobooks? Thank a person with a disability. Originally termed ‘talking books,’ audiobooks were first created to make print books more accessible to people with blindness or low vision, just one among many modern conveniences such as speech-to-text and voice-recognition software, closed captioning, electric toothbrushes and curb cuts that were first conceived as adaptive technologies.” In this article, David Write, a librarian at Seattle Public Library’s Central Branch, recommends four audiobooks that address ableism and help us identify ableist attitudes and perspectives in ourselves and others. Read more: tinyurl.com/ys2auxyz.
Meet the woman Behind Stanwood’s Autism Acceptance Library
By Claudia Yaw — Everett Herald (4/14/2022)
“At Stanwood Tattoo Company, locals can book an appointment to get inked, or to sit down and chat with autistic activist Lei Wiley-Mydske. Tucked away in the chic and buzzing tattoo parlor is Wiley-Mydske’s autism acceptance library — a sky blue cabinet filled with anthologies, resources and picture books by autistic authors and scholars. When the collection started in 2014, it was the first of its kind, Wiley-Mydske said. Now, she’s helping other neurodivergent activists start their own little libraries around the globe.” Continue reading: tinyurl.com/yckptxth.
Why Are Moms so Lonely? (And What to Do About It)
By Rebecca Hastings — Parent Map (3/15/2022)
“Invisible. Unknown. Never by yourself, but feeling completely alone. These are just some of the ways moms describe loneliness. It’s more than a lack of friends (although that can be part of it). Loneliness is deeper, affecting people in varied ways.” This article identifies some of the factors contributing to loneliness in motherhood, including disability caregiving, and what can be done to address them: tinyurl.com/ycx64cpy.
‘We Can Do Hard Things’: Morgan Models Resilience Amid Stress and Challenges
By Susanna Block — Seattle’s Child (3/28/2022)
“Morgan is 32 years old and was born extremely premature (at 25 weeks, while a full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks). While he has had a lifetime of health challenges, surgeries and hospitalizations, Morgan describes them as “unwanted visitors” that do not define him. His parents taught him at an early age to ‘control the things he can and not try to control the things he can’t.’ He takes that to heart.” This article shares Morgan’s insight on resilience and goal-setting: tinyurl.com/3rnd74rf.
New Lake City Café Provides Unique Opportunity for Neurodiverse Community
By Chris Cashman — King5 News (3/28/2022)
Located in Seattle, In the Loop Café is a unique business venture and partnership between Ryther and Thrive Seattle Living, a housing program for young adults with autism and related disabilities, that seeks to create a café environment supportive of the neurodiverse community. The café is located on the bottom floor of a new micro apartment community, operated by Thrive Seattle. Autistic baristas are provided professional training and work opportunities at the café. Learn more: tinyurl.com/3uhhyfp6.