How To Be Disabled and Proud:

by Cathy Reay

A warm, funny and empowering guide to what you can expect growing up disabled, written by disabled journalist and mum Cathy Reay.

Have you ever felt like you don’t fit in anywhere?

Or like no-one understands what it feels like to be you?

Maybe you feel like you’re the only person in the world who looks, moves or thinks like you do.

Well, I’m here to tell you that you are not alone, and you belong in the world exactly as you are.

In this honest, funny, empowering guide, Cathy Reay draws on her own experiences of growing up disabled to encourage young readers to embrace (or at least, feel kinda sorta OK with) their disabled identity.

This book will guide disabled readers through navigating the move from primary to secondary school, voicing their accessibility needs, finding disabled community and gaining the confidence to stand up for their rights, and for others too. Cathy examines the challenges faced by disabled children, touching gently on issues such as bullying and discrimination, and what to do when people just don’t get it, with comforting and practical advice to help readers through tough times.

How To Be Disabled and Proud empowers disabled readers to value and appreciate themselves for who they are, exactly as they are, and acts as a powerful call to action for both disabled and non-disabled children to advocate for a more accessible, more understanding world.

Featuring interviews from a wide range of disabled changemakers and friends, including Ellie Simmonds, Jameisha Prescod, Nina Tame, Dr Shani Dhanda, Ellie Middleton, Elle McNicoll, Simon Wheatcroft and even a couple of disabled kids.

This is the essential guide to growing up disabled, perfect for children aged 9+ to read together with their families.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2025

Reviews

[Ember Cant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I needed growing up and I'm so grateful to have been able to share it with my kids. It simultaneously helps them advocate for themselves and celebrate their own uniqueness, whilst making them aware of struggles and barriers others face that they weren't previously aware of.

Loads of great advice, heartwarming anecdotes, stories from wonderful disabled role models and some great exploration into puberty too.
Heartily recommend 🖤

[Claudia Walder · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Be Disabled and Proud is a highly valuable read for kids and adults alike. As a 30-year-old, I was surprised by how much I was able to take from this book. It covers all aspects of disability and how it intersects with everyday life, bringing in other voices and perspectives throughout to provide nuance and representation. I highly recommend it for schools and libraries across the country!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the tone and illustrations make this the kind of book that would have really appealed to me when I was younger. The chapters also facilitate dipping in and out depending on what feels relevant. I 100% recommend!

[liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Goodreads review! I'm so glad this book exists :)