In her forthcoming book, The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World (Hachette Go; 10/8/24; $30; ISBN: 9780306833663), Tiffany Yu offers a powerful and transformative guide to creating a world that truly values and includes disabled individuals. With personal insight and professional expertise, Yu dismantles ableist attitudes and provides actionable steps for fostering genuine and authentic allyship.
Tiffany Yu, the daughter of Asian-American immigrants, lives with PTSD and a permanent arm injury resulting from a childhood accident. Her experiences, both personal and professional, inform her compelling narrative. A Georgetown University graduate and former Goldman Sachs investment banker, Yu is also the founder of Diversability, an award-winning community business run by disabled people. This diverse background allows her to address the intersectionality of disability with authority and empathy.
Yu’s manifesto is structured to guide readers from self-awareness to societal change. She introduces frameworks for meaningful conversations about disability, dissects ableist language, and suggests tangible actions to support disabled individuals. The book is enriched with contributions from various disability advocates and professionals, emphasizing the necessity of an intersectional approach to disability.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto is its focus on the often overlooked realities of disability. Yu emphasizes that disabilities can be visible or invisible and highlights the unique challenges faced by those with non-apparent disabilities. She stresses the importance of recognizing and combating microaggressions and removing ableist language from everyday vocabulary.
Yu also explores the concept of the “curb-cut effect,” where accommodations for disabled individuals benefit society as a whole. She provides concrete examples, such as closed captioning and voice-activated technology, demonstrating how inclusive design fosters innovation and accessibility for everyone.
The book is not just a theoretical exploration; it is a practical guide for creating inclusive environments. Yu offers detailed advice on supporting disabled people in various settings, increasing accessibility in public and professional spaces, and organizing truly inclusive events.
Throughout the manifesto, Yu’s voice is both authoritative and approachable. Her personal anecdotes, combined with extensive research and professional experiences, create a narrative that is as inspiring as it is informative. Her story, from concealing her disability to becoming a prominent advocate, underscores the transformative power of embracing one’s identity and advocating for systemic change.
The Anti-Ableist Manifesto is an essential read for anyone committed to building a more inclusive and equitable world. It challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions, engage in meaningful dialogue, and take concrete steps towards anti-ableism. Tiffany Yu’s work is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of allyship in creating a society that values and includes everyone.
Tiffany Yu’s The Anti-Ableist Manifesto is a groundbreaking contribution to the discourse on disability and inclusion. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and combat ableism, and it provides invaluable tools for fostering genuine allyship. Yu’s blend of personal experience, professional insight, and actionable advice makes this book a powerful resource for individuals and organizations alike.
Author Info:
Max E. Guttman
Max E. Guttman is the owner of Mindful Living LCSW, PLLC, a private mental health practice in Yonkers, New York.
