The following poem and story is an excerpt from the book See Us, Know Us; Profiles of Disability by Jennifer Chassman Browne, Certified Listener Poet Cohort 10 alum, forthcoming in October 2026. This book contains profiles of 30 people with disabilities. Each profile contains a portrait, a narrative biography, and an origin story and poem.
Upon stepping into these stories, readers will be captivated and feel connected. As well, they will learn so much about the lives, joys, and challenges of those living with disabilities. Readers will leave with a desire to create a world that is more accepting and inclusive; a world in which all feel that they belong. You can now pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and on Jenn's website, where you will receive a signed book and a discount.
Save the date for Jenn's book launch party on Thursday, October 22nd from 7-8pm Eastern Time. More info to come!
Zazel O'Garra
Full steam ahead is how Zazel describes her approach to life. In spite, or maybe because of her challenges with disability, she feels compelled and committed to serving others in the disability community. Zazel spends her time advocating for others and helping them to navigate the health care and public support systems.
Still A Warrior
The land
I come from –
Colonized by those
Not indigenous.
A foreign
Intrusion
That changed us.
An Ivory wall
Built in
Black sand.1
My body,
Like this ancestral home,
Is host
To that which
Doesn’t belong,
Doesn’t serve us.
Tremendous peaks
And deep valleys
Of my land,
And the landscape
Of my body.
Both are changed
Over time.
My wall
Of strength
Sensitivity,
Radiance-
Visible
Through the lens
As I transform.
And thus,
In spite
Of the pain
And the fear.
I laugh.
1 Howard Fergus, “This Land is Mine”
See Us, Know Us; Profiles of Disability by Jennifer Chassman Browne forthcoming in October 2026.