Disability stories book builds lasting human connections
Los Osos, California, announced the release of See Us, Know Us: Profiles of Disability, a book that uses individual stories to foster awareness and lasting human connections beyond statistics alone. Jennifer Chassman Browne, educator and disability advocate, brings readers into the lives of 30 individuals whose experiences invite empathy and challenge assumptions about disability.
Chassman Browne explained that hearing someone’s story leads people to seek points of similarity and connection even when lives differ greatly. She noted that stories lower defenses and encourage greater empathy and understanding toward unfamiliar experiences.
The book features intimate profiles of participants along with original poems inspired by each story. Striking black-and-white photography by Natalie Brescia accompanies the text, creating a powerful portrait of a community whose voices are often overlooked.
The volume mixes well-known figures such as Charlie Carr, who helped secure passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Keith Jones, featured in the Emmy Award-winning documentary The Ride Ahead, with ordinary individuals navigating everyday life while offering insights into strength and belonging.
Chassman Browne added that See Us, Know Us features 30 different stories, but there are so many more to be told. “We need others to learn about disability access and inclusion and to be our allies in creating a more accessible world.”
Accessible travel blogger Cory Lee endorsed the book, describing it as one that stays with readers and reminds them that disabled people deserve to be seen as whole individuals rather than stereotypes or sources of inspiration.
Torchflame published See Us, Know Us: Profiles of Disability with a release date of October 6, 2026. The ISBN-13 is 978-1611536461, and the title is available on Amazon.
Chassman Browne has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since age six. For most of her career she worked as an English teacher and school leader, remaining connected to many former students. In the past seven years she has focused on DEI and disability advocacy, educating others about the strengths and gifts of people with disabilities and the role of allies, systems, and structures that support access and inclusion.
She holds certification as a listener poet and uses poetry and storytelling to build connections and foster empathy, understanding, and belonging. An author reading and signing is scheduled for November 7, 2026, at Celia’s Cafe in Los Osos to benefit the Estero Bay Kindness Coalition.
The distinct lived experiences presented in the book build connections that statistics alone cannot achieve and help readers understand what being an ally looks like.
