around you . If not , you could always start your own — it is always great to have more organizations committed to disability awareness .
What advice do you have for other people with disabilities hoping to become a writer or journalist ?
First thing I would say is don ’ t give up ! When I first realized that I wanted to be a writer , I was nervous , not only because I thought my disability might prevent me , but also because I knew how difficult it is to be successful in the field . But , at the end of the day , if you love writing , and if you have a story to share , then it won ’ t matter that it is hard , or that you are afraid of your disability — all that really matters is that you believe in yourself . It ’ s a hard thing to do , but once you are able to , writing becomes a lot easier , a lot less daunting .
Please also , don ’ t be discouraged from pursuing writing or journalism solely because you have a disability , because your words are just as valuable as anyone else ’ s . Starting out is always the hardest , but try to find smaller places where you can share your voice . I found literary magazines to be really helpful when I first started writing . It ’ s a great way to introduce yourself to the publishing process and get your work out there . As for journalists , I would suggest the same thing . There are many literary magazines out there that accept opinion pieces , and I think that would also be a great place to start .
Living with a disability and the importance of inclusivity — your thoughts ?
I would like to stress the importance of inclusivity — not only when it comes to books , but also every sector of our world . Having disability representation not only in entertainment , but also in our politics and our areas of leadership are incredibly important . Without this , the disabled community is left with the false assumption that , because of their disability , they could never accomplish the same things others could . We must , as a community of allies and people with disabilities , continue to spread disability awareness and address the inequalities still found in our world . My book is just one attempt at this , and this magazine is another — everything counts , and as we continue to fight for inclusivity , even if it may seem insignificant at first , we will begin to see our world change for the better . A world that is accepting of all disabled people , that values our differences and is able to identify our similarities as well .
" I knew I wanted to help others with this book ."
As for my fellow people with disabilities , don ’ t give up on yourself . It is easy to look down on yourself because of your disability , and it is even easier to dismiss your dreams in fear you will never accomplish them because of your disability . But know that the challenge your disability presents to you only makes you a stronger individual . And once you are able to accept this part of yourself , no longer view it as a hindrance but rather a strength , you will see that there is nothing you can ’ t do , nothing that seems impossible .
~ Zoe
" My goal : to use my book to help other kids with disabilities know that they weren ’ t alone , and that they were capable of doing whatever they dreamed ." ~ Zoe
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