bjbrueggemann

Halloween

by Rebecca Dorsey “Smile, God loves you.”“Are you okay? You looked sad.”“Your face is so hard to read. I can never tell how you feel.”“Oh, you’re happy about that? You sounded so bored.”“It’s not Halloween anymore. Why don’t you take off that face mask?”People look at meand assumeHalloweenis my favorite holiday.And they’renotwrong.But they’re alsonotright.I dressContinue reading “Halloween”

How R.J. Palacio’s YA novel Wonder Relates to My Journey

by OAB, written for ENGL 4600W: Advanced Study: Seminars in Literature While both Wonder by R. J. Palacio and Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick explores themes of disability and belonging, Wonder stood out to me for its kindness and the nostalgia I hoped I would find when rereading it. In the ENGL 4600W: Advanced Study: SeminarsContinue reading “How R.J. Palacio’s YA novel Wonder Relates to My Journey”

A Conversation on Disability in Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing

What is Fourth Wing about and how is the book connected to disability? Considered to be one of the most popular Adult Fiction novels trending in the book community right now, Fourth Wing is the first book of the romantasy (romance-fantasy) Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. Set in the fictional country of Navarre, the storyContinue reading “A Conversation on Disability in Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing”

UConn Employees with Disabilities: Come Join Us in a New Affinity Group!

By Maria Bernier We are excited to announce the formation of a new Affinity Group for employees at UConn! The Disability and Neurodiversity Alliance (DNA) aims to create a supportive community for UConn employees who identify with a disability/as disabled, identify as neurodiverse, or have a related identity. Our mission is to foster a welcomingContinue reading “UConn Employees with Disabilities: Come Join Us in a New Affinity Group!”

a brief psychiatric and physiological history of autism

by Anushka Jain the DSM-I pioneersautism is not a diagnosisthere is no word other than the whispered imbecilewhen his repetitive movements surfacechromosomal abnormalities are foundhot spots for mutationsgenetics form facts, but too latethe refrigerator mother is too frigid for her childthe DSM-II linksautism is a part of schizophrenic reactionsa byproduct to something more tangiblethan hisContinue reading “a brief psychiatric and physiological history of autism”

A Conversation with my Chronic Pain

By Natasha Khetan When I felt my first pang of pain at ten years old, I did not know That pain would forever be my foe. My road to acceptanceWas long and treacherous.But I wouldn’t give it up for anything, As what it has taught me is glorious. In the quiet space within my mind,IContinue reading “A Conversation with my Chronic Pain”

Adaptive Fashion: A Revolution of Style for All

Written by Jaylee Cox with the support of the DAC team Disability has historically been widely ignored in mainstream fashion, with little representation on the runways or in designer collections. This neglect echoes the broader cultural attitude toward disabled people in the public eye. Individuals like Aimee Mullins challenge these standards and have brought thisContinue reading “Adaptive Fashion: A Revolution of Style for All”

Disability in Anime: Representation of Prosthetics and Disability in Fullmetal Alchemist

Written by Hannah Dang with support from the DAC Team DISCLAIMER: The following blog post contains spoilers for the manga/animated series Fullmetal Alchemist / Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. If you prefer not to be spoiled, I highly recommend reading the manga series and watching the shows for the full experience. Thank you. Since I wasContinue reading “Disability in Anime: Representation of Prosthetics and Disability in Fullmetal Alchemist”

Why Does Disability Representation in Romance Matter?

Written by Elisa Shaholli with the support of the DAC team I’ve always been a voracious reader. It started off with children’s books, which transitioned into fantasy, and morphed into a love for the romance genre once high school hit, and this is where I’ve been ever since. As part of my reading journey throughoutContinue reading “Why Does Disability Representation in Romance Matter?”

Beautiful Challenges

Written by Ella Cook I write long letters, teach with hope, embrace beautiful challengeseach word, each acta quiet revolution. There’s much progress to be made;roads unpaved, voices unheard. But roads we press forward. “There is no about us without us,We must listen to those who wish to teach”:a truth that resounds,a call we must answer.Continue reading “Beautiful Challenges”