Introduction

The appearance of differentness often creates a frame of stigma within which those who are "different" must learn to live. Many individuals throughout the world approach illness and disability with great trepidation. The social stigma associated with disability and illness means that the afflicted must struggle for acceptance. Wanting to belong and fearing the position of the "other"—a social space in which one is misunderstood, devalued, and subjugated—many powerful writers have pushed for acceptance and understanding with personal tales and affecting fiction.

Disabilities

Memoirs of those who have triumphed despite physical challenges are among the most remarkable in literature. Their stories would be astounding for able-bodied people, and their further drive to physically create the text is as awesome as the rarest athletic performance. Both Helen Keller's The Story of My Life (1903) and Christy Brown's My Left...