Madison Reporter

Rebekah Taussig, author of "Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body," recently engaged in a conversation with UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin during the Go Big Read keynote event at Union South. The discussion focused on living with disability, showing kindness, and fostering independence.

Taussig shared an interaction where a woman offered to help her reach paper towels while acknowledging systemic flaws rather than focusing on Taussig's disability. "I felt like someone had taken a beat and assessed the situation more fully than maybe I usually experience," said Taussig.

The book was selected by Chancellor Mnookin for the 2024-2025 Go Big Read program, which includes panels and discussions throughout the fall semester. Paralyzed since age three, Taussig emphasized the importance of listening before making assumptions about disabilities. "Disability is a great example or framework for moving away from this idea of assumption," she noted.

She also highlighted self-advocacy as essential not only for individuals but for creating accessible spaces for others. Reflecting on a past experience, she said, "That moment, for me, completely shifted the way that I think about self-advocacy."

Earlier in the week, Taussig visited a class called Disability and Society taught by Dian Mawene. She encouraged students to humanize the experience of disability without making it feel intimidating or different.

Taussig spoke about access beyond physical symbols like wheelchair icons, suggesting it's about making environments hospitable to all bodies that change over time due to various factors like injury or age. She concluded her classroom visit by reminding students of their work's significance: “This work is important. This matters a lot.”