Chassman Browne shares profiles of disability in new book
Announced from Los Osos, California on November 10, 2026, educator and disability advocate Jennifer Chassman Browne introduced See Us, Know Us: Profiles of Disability. The book, published by Torchflame, was released on October 6, 2026. She observes that facts and figures can raise awareness about disability, but personal stories have the power to build something more lasting: human connection. In her new book, Chassman Browne brings readers into the lives of 30 remarkable individuals whose honest, deeply personal experiences invite empathy, challenge assumptions and encourage a more inclusive world through enduring human connections.
Chassman Browne observes that encountering someone’s story leads people to seek similarities and connections, regardless of differing life circumstances. “When we hear someone’s story, we naturally look for points of similarity and connection, even when that person’s life is very different from our own,” she said. “Stories can lower our defenses and help us approach unfamiliar experiences with greater empathy and understanding.” This perspective forms the foundation for the book’s approach to disability awareness.
The book contains 30 distinct profiles accompanied by original poems from Chassman Browne inspired by each participant’s experiences. Black-and-white photography by Natalie Brescia complements the text, creating a multifaceted portrait of the community. Among the individuals featured are recognizable figures such as Charlie Carr, instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Keith Jones, who appeared in the Emmy Award-winning documentary The Ride Ahead. The majority represent everyday people who share insights on strength, belonging, and the need to be seen.
Chassman Browne has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since the age of six. Her professional background includes roles as an English teacher and school leader, during which she worked closely with teenagers. In recent years, she has focused on advocacy as a DEI and disability educator, emphasizing the strengths of people with disabilities and the role of allies, systems, and structures in ensuring access and inclusion. She holds certification as a listener poet and incorporates poetry and storytelling to enhance empathy and belonging.
The publication includes an endorsement from accessible travel blogger Cory Lee, who described the book as one that stays with readers and reminds them that disabled people deserve recognition as whole individuals rather than stereotypes or sources of inspiration. Additional details note the ISBN-13 as 978-1611536461. Chassman Browne suggests that while 30 stories are shared, many more remain to be told to advance disability access and inclusion.
