What do you think?
Rate this book
The Power of Disability: Ten Lessons for Surviving, Thriving, and Changing the World
From longtime disability activist Al Etmanski comes this fascinating account of how people with disabilities change the world and the lessons they can teach us about surviving and thriving in turbulent times. The Power of Disability corrects what history has the indispensable contributions of people with disabilities. At 1.2 billion, they are the largest minority group in the world and a force to be reckoned with. Told through one hundred short, funny, harrowing, and thought-provoking stories, the audiobook distills ten key lessons that reveal people with disabilities as authoritative sources on creativity, love, sexuality, dealing with adversity, and living a good life.
Audio CD
Published February 4, 2020
14 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 5, 2021
(I’ve actually extended my old review of The Power Of Disability for a book reviewing award, wish me luck!)
Throughout history, there have been many people that have gone on to do extraordinary things in our world, impacting and inspiring many generations over the centuries of human existence on planet Earth. There have been those who have campaigned for change, discovered new life-saving treatments or like Stephen Hawking, paved a new insight into the solar system and the creation/destruction of stars and galaxies many light years away.
However, there are those who have disabilities and have been victims of severe stigmatisation throughout their lives. Not taken seriously, bullied and often ignored by most of society in general. That is, until I found this book ‘The Power Of Disability’ that aims to highlight the importance of people with disabilities in today’s world and why more inclusive voices should be heard.
The author ‘Al Etmanski’ creates a thoughtful and visual approach to this collection. In the style of ten lessons (that can be easily spread between reading one lesson a day) one hundred people from across the world have been included and written about that have not just gone on to become household names, they have also risen above the negative labelling and ableism others have sent their way.
Some examples include climate change activist Greta Thunberg from Sweden, who going into reading The Power Of Disability, I did know a lot about already. Even though she is on the autistic spectrum, many people have been moved by her speeches on the environmental issues such as rising pollution levels caused by fossil fuels.
Yet what this collection does best is the inclusion of those who have not become as well-known yet, however, shown true passion and commitment to making the world a better place. One of my new inspirations is Aaron Philip, a new name in the world of modelling and in the process, creating some firsts as a trans woman of colour with a disability in the fashion industry. Genuinely, I would not have heard Aaron’s story before, had it not been for the publication of The Power Of Disability.
As a child growing up in the 2000s, disability representation was minimal and even before I was diagnosed with my disability, I still struggled to relate to news presenters or celebrities for example, because I didn’t see myself represented in the media. I feel that with The Power Of Disability, this would revolutionise the way that companies and others in our communities will think.
This is a powerful and recommended read for school and university classes respectively. The balance of research and understanding shown by Al Etmanski throughout made me feel respected and recognised. I laughed, cried and smiled as he shared his experiences of meeting others with disabilities. There was no stigmatisation or nastiness towards anyone.
Could The Power Of Disability be a book to change the world? I think it can be and that is why it is my favourite book I read in 2020, thanks to my local library for spotlighting it during this difficult time.
Throughout history, there have been many people that have gone on to do extraordinary things in our world, impacting and inspiring many generations over the centuries of human existence on planet Earth. There have been those who have campaigned for change, discovered new life-saving treatments or like Stephen Hawking, paved a new insight into the solar system and the creation/destruction of stars and galaxies many light years away.
However, there are those who have disabilities and have been victims of severe stigmatisation throughout their lives. Not taken seriously, bullied and often ignored by most of society in general. That is, until I found this book ‘The Power Of Disability’ that aims to highlight the importance of people with disabilities in today’s world and why more inclusive voices should be heard.
The author ‘Al Etmanski’ creates a thoughtful and visual approach to this collection. In the style of ten lessons (that can be easily spread between reading one lesson a day) one hundred people from across the world have been included and written about that have not just gone on to become household names, they have also risen above the negative labelling and ableism others have sent their way.
Some examples include climate change activist Greta Thunberg from Sweden, who going into reading The Power Of Disability, I did know a lot about already. Even though she is on the autistic spectrum, many people have been moved by her speeches on the environmental issues such as rising pollution levels caused by fossil fuels.
Yet what this collection does best is the inclusion of those who have not become as well-known yet, however, shown true passion and commitment to making the world a better place. One of my new inspirations is Aaron Philip, a new name in the world of modelling and in the process, creating some firsts as a trans woman of colour with a disability in the fashion industry. Genuinely, I would not have heard Aaron’s story before, had it not been for the publication of The Power Of Disability.
As a child growing up in the 2000s, disability representation was minimal and even before I was diagnosed with my disability, I still struggled to relate to news presenters or celebrities for example, because I didn’t see myself represented in the media. I feel that with The Power Of Disability, this would revolutionise the way that companies and others in our communities will think.
This is a powerful and recommended read for school and university classes respectively. The balance of research and understanding shown by Al Etmanski throughout made me feel respected and recognised. I laughed, cried and smiled as he shared his experiences of meeting others with disabilities. There was no stigmatisation or nastiness towards anyone.
Could The Power Of Disability be a book to change the world? I think it can be and that is why it is my favourite book I read in 2020, thanks to my local library for spotlighting it during this difficult time.
November 29, 2024
DNF at 38%- Although interesting this book is more about the exceptions in the disabled community and telling their stories. Using the stories of those to bring hope to the majority.
As a disabled person - my hope was that this book would provide tips in using your disability as an advantage and how to approach the world differently. How we could change the way society operates with the disabled communities limitations or struggles in mind to benefit everyone. Such as changing small things like doorknob shapes, or incorporating ramps as a default when constructing community buildings.
As a disabled person - my hope was that this book would provide tips in using your disability as an advantage and how to approach the world differently. How we could change the way society operates with the disabled communities limitations or struggles in mind to benefit everyone. Such as changing small things like doorknob shapes, or incorporating ramps as a default when constructing community buildings.
February 10, 2022
This was a beautiful and inspirational book. So many wonderful stories were shared of people with disabilities, people advocating and supporting others, the arts, love and much more. There is a little something for everyone and much learning to be had on how we can connect with people in vast ways.
March 19, 2020
I thought I had a fairly open perspective around disability until I read Al Etmanski's book. In every chapter, I experienced my personal view expanding and deepening; hidden biases I never realized I had were revealed in a very helpful and surprisingly non-judgemental way by the author.
The design worked really well for me as a reader. Etmanski clearly set the conceptual stage for each chapter followed by many examples from different walks of life.
Perhaps there is a family that hasn’t been affected by disability, but I certainly don’t know any myself…
Etmanski's stories are personal, generous, respectful and entertaining and I especially appreciated his non-shaming way of opening my eyes to new ways of thinking. Thank you Al Etmanski for your brilliant contribution to our collective wellbeing.
The design worked really well for me as a reader. Etmanski clearly set the conceptual stage for each chapter followed by many examples from different walks of life.
Perhaps there is a family that hasn’t been affected by disability, but I certainly don’t know any myself…
Etmanski's stories are personal, generous, respectful and entertaining and I especially appreciated his non-shaming way of opening my eyes to new ways of thinking. Thank you Al Etmanski for your brilliant contribution to our collective wellbeing.
June 13, 2025
I started reading this to learn more about people with disabilities. I put it down in the first chapter after it started repeatedly misgendering and deadnaming a trans person.
Before I put it down, I was struck by the extremely broad definition the author was using to define people with disabilities (1 in 7 people in the world, and that it was the largest minority group in the world). When you define something this broadly, you can make almost any claim you want. It reminded me of how "LGBT" doesn't actually include the "T" when it comes to actual human rights.
Legalizing gay marriage and banning discrimination based on sexual preference are often used as proof of LGBT rights, but those laws don’t really establish rights for trans people. Trans people get lumped in by name, but not actually included—many people who say they support LGBT rights actually just support LGB rights and are as transphobic as anyone else. That’s what this book felt like with disabilities: grouping everyone together, but not really seeing or addressing the unique challenges faced by different groups.
For example, Steven Hawking was disabled with ALS, and millions of other people are severely intellectually disabled. If you put them all into one "disabled" group, you can claim that people with disabilities have made very important contributions to theoretical astrophysics. However, no person with severe intellectual disabilities made the kinds of discoveries that Hawking did. These overly broad groupings fail to deal with the difficulties that disabled people face because they are largely not shared. The fact that one personal with a particular disability is able to overcome it in one way does not mean that millions of other people with totally different disabilities can do the same. People with disabilities are not the largest minority group any more than combining thousands of other minorities together are.
Before I put it down, I was struck by the extremely broad definition the author was using to define people with disabilities (1 in 7 people in the world, and that it was the largest minority group in the world). When you define something this broadly, you can make almost any claim you want. It reminded me of how "LGBT" doesn't actually include the "T" when it comes to actual human rights.
Legalizing gay marriage and banning discrimination based on sexual preference are often used as proof of LGBT rights, but those laws don’t really establish rights for trans people. Trans people get lumped in by name, but not actually included—many people who say they support LGBT rights actually just support LGB rights and are as transphobic as anyone else. That’s what this book felt like with disabilities: grouping everyone together, but not really seeing or addressing the unique challenges faced by different groups.
For example, Steven Hawking was disabled with ALS, and millions of other people are severely intellectually disabled. If you put them all into one "disabled" group, you can claim that people with disabilities have made very important contributions to theoretical astrophysics. However, no person with severe intellectual disabilities made the kinds of discoveries that Hawking did. These overly broad groupings fail to deal with the difficulties that disabled people face because they are largely not shared. The fact that one personal with a particular disability is able to overcome it in one way does not mean that millions of other people with totally different disabilities can do the same. People with disabilities are not the largest minority group any more than combining thousands of other minorities together are.
Read
September 13, 2021~ I do not give non-fiction ratings ~
This was a lovely little non-fiction covering a variety of different topics in relation to living with a disability. Al Etmanski is honest on his struggles and original thought processes on having a daughter with Down syndrome, but tends to focus more on other peoples experiences and stories, which was nice. With each of the 10 lessons covered, lots of different people are spoken about and quoted, to educate and also uplift. It’s a pretty straight forward book, with what you would hope are easy to grasp ways of thinking; changing a lot of the narratives towards disabilities, to ones more positive and diverse. I am not someone who lives with a disability, so I cannot comment on whether these ideas are good and should be valued largely. I felt that I personally learnt a lot, and honestly just really enjoyed learning about so many incredible people. This book definitely focuses on tackling ignorant thought processes such as needing to change and fix people’s disabilities, and stereotypes about what people with a disability can and cannot do and be. It was focused on changing these to celebration of difference, and focusing on making life in general much more accessible to people with a disability. So if you enjoy feel good non-fiction that can be borderline sappy at times, definitely give this a try. It can be a bit overwhelming with all the different lessons, but it leaves you feeling positive and enlightened.
~ I read this for Becca’s Bookoplathon 2021 ~
This was a lovely little non-fiction covering a variety of different topics in relation to living with a disability. Al Etmanski is honest on his struggles and original thought processes on having a daughter with Down syndrome, but tends to focus more on other peoples experiences and stories, which was nice. With each of the 10 lessons covered, lots of different people are spoken about and quoted, to educate and also uplift. It’s a pretty straight forward book, with what you would hope are easy to grasp ways of thinking; changing a lot of the narratives towards disabilities, to ones more positive and diverse. I am not someone who lives with a disability, so I cannot comment on whether these ideas are good and should be valued largely. I felt that I personally learnt a lot, and honestly just really enjoyed learning about so many incredible people. This book definitely focuses on tackling ignorant thought processes such as needing to change and fix people’s disabilities, and stereotypes about what people with a disability can and cannot do and be. It was focused on changing these to celebration of difference, and focusing on making life in general much more accessible to people with a disability. So if you enjoy feel good non-fiction that can be borderline sappy at times, definitely give this a try. It can be a bit overwhelming with all the different lessons, but it leaves you feeling positive and enlightened.
~ I read this for Becca’s Bookoplathon 2021 ~
July 8, 2020
Al Etmanski is a proverbial gentle giant in stature, heart and presence of mind. He's changed the landscape for people with disabilities and their families by action and by listening. If it wasn't for Al, our son would not have a Registered Disability Savings Plan. A godsend for so many with disabilities who can feel more secure about their future because of the RDSP. I was trying to think of an appropriate way to describe The Power of Disability: 10 Lessons for Surviving, Thriving, and Changing the World. In true Al fashion, the stories of others are shared and showcased along with how they have changed his actions and perceptions. This collection is like a really good bag of trail mix; it works together well, and each individual piece is delicious, healthy and good for you! Ten lessons in humanity, decency, love, living a good life, and belonging from each featured person abound in this book. You can finish the whole bag of trail mix for an immersive buffet, or you can snack your way through it, pausing to reflect and digest the thoughtful meals over time. However you choose to consume the insights in this book, you will finish up feeling nourished and replenished.
September 16, 2020
Some great perspectives that everyone should read. “One in seven people in the world have a disability which makes it the largest minority group.” The book starts with this fact and was an eye opener. When you factor those impacted or are related to those with a disability the number swells to four out of seven people on the planet. Staggering.
This book through many examples and illustrations provides proof on the importance of embracing our differences and disabilities. They should be turned into what someone’s unique abilities are as opposed to what they cannot do because of societal norms.
The day when “inclusion” becomes more of a catch phrase is when we will truly be open to other perspectives and how they can help us all become better.
This book through many examples and illustrations provides proof on the importance of embracing our differences and disabilities. They should be turned into what someone’s unique abilities are as opposed to what they cannot do because of societal norms.
The day when “inclusion” becomes more of a catch phrase is when we will truly be open to other perspectives and how they can help us all become better.
July 16, 2025
I didn't love this collection of stories and "lessons." I did appreciate one quote, attributed to Jean Vanier (L'Arche founder), that says "I am struck by how sharing our weaknesses and difficulties is more nourishing to others than sharing our qualities and successes." (Community and Growth). However, when I looked up Jean Vanier online, the first hit was to a L'Arche press release from 2023 (after this book was published) about Vanier's abusive practices https://larche.ca/news/press-release-.... That was disappointing. It supports the premise of the book, I suppose, of the ordinariness of the disability community.
February 4, 2022
Reading with the lens of teacher and advocate, I found the compilation of voices in this book to be an important reminder of the power of inclusion. It was a quick read, although slowed by my constant pausing to research the people included on social media or in a quick google search! I very much appreciated the urge to be better as individuals and as a society when it comes to acknowledging all aspects of ability (or disability) as humanistic.
September 28, 2022
As someone who works with autistic and disabled kids daily, I loved the many insights this book provided! I’m also deaf, so I loved hearing about the deaf stories and such. I think what made this book all the more impactful to me was knowing that this book was the process of the author changing his own view of disabilities himself. Beautiful book, beautiful people, beautiful stories.
October 7, 2022
Great Read
Enjoyed reading the stories of each person in these reflections. Al connected these stories beautifully to the deep humanness & profound truths within each character & narrative.
It is truly an encouragement to which I am thankful in taking away… I am not alone!!
Enjoyed reading the stories of each person in these reflections. Al connected these stories beautifully to the deep humanness & profound truths within each character & narrative.
It is truly an encouragement to which I am thankful in taking away… I am not alone!!
August 20, 2025
DNF - i get the message behind the book however it just felt like a collection of memoirs presented in a boring way 😭 it did not feel like a lot of effort went into exploring each persons story but quantity over quality of presenting them, if that makes any sense.
June 9, 2021
If your interested in learning more about people with disabilities I highly recommend this book.
January 15, 2023
A must read
April 19, 2023
This is an excellent overview of the resilience and innovation of self-advocates. This would be a good introductory book, if you are unfamiliar with disability justice history.
February 15, 2025
Good book for Disability Studies programs.
January 14, 2026
This book could have been so much more. I think I would have preferred it if it went into a lot more depth with the individuals included in the book.
January 15, 2023
This has real life example of persons with disabilities. It has lots of empowering lessons and so on. It is about using what life has given you and dealing with it.
October 9, 2025
an accessible and entry level introduction to disability rights and justice, though it does focus on exceptionalism more than I would like.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews