“See Us, Know Us: Profiles of Disability” by Jennifer Chassman Browne

What does it mean to truly see someone living with disability? “See Us, Know Us: Profiles of Disability” introduces readers to 30 people who share their stories with honesty and vulnerability. Through intimate profiles, poetry and photography, Jennifer Chassman Browne honors the complexity, dignity and humanity of those too often overlooked, while revealing the common ground where all of our lives intersect.

Through honest and deeply personal stories, compelling portraits and impactful poetry, disability advocate and educator Jennifer Chassman Browne introduces readers to 30 remarkable individuals who share their experiences with honesty, vulnerability and grace in her new book, See Us, Know Us: Profiles of Disability.

“As I was interviewing each individual, repeated themes kept emerging: how similar our lives are to able-bodied people, how we want to be talked to directly/to be seen as whole individuals, and the need for able-bodied allies in the fight for inclusion,” Chassman Browne said.

By creating these profiles, Chassman Browne captures the humanity, complexity and richness of lives lived with disability. Her original poems, inspired by each participant’s story, add another layer of reflection and connection. Accompanied by striking black-and-white photography by Natalie Brescia, “See Us, Know Us” creates a powerful portrait of a community whose voices are too often overlooked.

Some names, 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,” may be familiar. Most, however, are ordinary people navigating everyday life while offering extraordinary insights into strength, belonging, and the universal desire to be seen and understood.

“’See Us, Know Us’ features 30 different stories, but there are so many more to be told,” Chassman Browne added. “We need others to learn about disability access and inclusion and to be our allies in creating a more accessible world.”

See Us, Know Us: Profiles of Disability

Publisher: Torchflame

ISBN-13: ‎978-1611536461

Available from https://www.amazon.com/See-Us-Know-Profiles-Disability/dp/1611536464

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Chassman Browne has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since she was 6 years old. For most of her professional life, she has been an English teacher and school leader. In her work as a DEI and disability advocate, Chassman Browne educates others about the strengths and gifts that people with disabilities have. She also helps people understand the importance of allies, systems and structures that ensure access and inclusion for those living with disabilities. She has also earned certification as a listener poet and is invested in using poetry and storytelling to build connections and aid in the development of empathy, understanding and belonging.

For more information, please visit https://jenniferchassmanbrowne.com/.

Nov. 5, 2026

Charlie Kelley

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