Is there such thing as a disabled writer?
A hearty crowd packed The Great Debate at Wellington’s LitCrawl last month as a cast of ‘disability and literary luminaries’ debated: ‘There is no such thing as a disabled writer. We are all just writers.’
It was exciting for Escalator Press author Trish Harris who is co-founder (along with Robyn Hunt) of Crip the Lit, the group that organised the debate. ‘We were thrilled with the audience response and the way it showed you can both entertain and generate throught-provoking discussions around disability and literature.’
‘Robyn took the lead on this project—ensuring everything was running smoothly including the debate being signed and recorded by Access Radio. I was a late ring-in for third speaker for the affirmative team. That side of the moot wasn’t a natural fit for me but like all debates you can turn things round in order to say at least a few things you believe in!’
Crip the Lit has another project on the go, a resource celebrating eight disabled women writers. It will be launched next year.
Henrietta Bollinger, Mandy Hager and Paula Tesoriero
Steff Green, Alisha Tyson and Trish Harris
We encourage you to check out:
Robyn Hunt's blog
Steff Green's website
Mandy Hagar's website
Paula Tesoriero on twitter
Henrietta Bollinger on Arts Access Advocates
Alisha Tyson's website
And to read more about Trish Harris or her memoir The Walking Stick Tree.
