2022 Disability Holiday Gift Guide

Image above: Abstract snow-covered mountains in dark blue and teal hues, surrounded by a periwinkle sky with a yellow sun shining down, creating orange reflections. Text reads: “The Original Disability Holiday Gift Guide 2022 by Emily Ladau and Kate Caldwell.”

Hello!

2022 felt like it took an entire century and also like it blew by in one week…but somehow it’s the holiday season again. That means it’s time for my favorite holiday tradition: putting out the annual Disability Holiday Gift Guide along with my friend Kate Caldwell, a nationally recognized consultant on disability entrepreneurship. As always, you’ll find lots of unique creations from disabled entrepreneurs, some new books by disabled authors, and disability-led organizations to support. I know it’s been a rough few years, but I hope this guide brings you a little holiday joy!

Drum roll, please! Here it is…The Original Disability Holiday Gift Guide 2022!

Brought to you by Emily Ladau and Kate Caldwell

Follow and share on social media with the hashtag: #DHGG22

Click here for the full festive infographic. Unfortunately, it’s not screenreader accessible, but I’ve got you covered with an image description below.

Image description for infographic: Abstract snow-covered mountains in dark blue and teal hues, surrounded by a periwinkle sky with a yellow sun shining down, creating orange reflections. Text reads: “The Original Disability Holiday Gift Guide 2022.” Below are rows of orange ski goggles, each with links to previous gift guides. Under that, text reads: “By Emily Ladau and Kate Caldwell.” (Note, links to guides are external and not screenreader accessible, but include links to plain text versions.) The list of disabled-owned businesses, books by disabled authors, and disability-led organizations is spread out over four slides. The first slide has a dark blue background, the second has a yellow background, the third has a light blue background, and the fourth has a partially white and partially dark blue background separated by an illustration of a snowbank. Each slide is accented with snowflakes and geometric shapes in blue, yellow, and orange hues. The business listings each include a small thumbnail image of an item from the shop. The book covers are next to each title, and the organization logos are next to each organization’s name.

Past Disability Holiday Gift Guides

2022 Guide

Rose BYANDER
By Alexis Ander Kashar
A lovely collection of jewelry featuring the sign for “I love you” in American Sign Language.
Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off.

The Squeaky Wheel
By The Squeaky Wheel’s Creative Team
Laugh-out-loud funny, tongue-in-cheek disability-themed merch.
Use code SQUEAKYFAM for 10% orders of $50 or more. Expires 12/31/2022.

Fluffmallow
By Shubheksha
Delightfully cute pins, stickers, stationery, and prints.

Mullen’s Applesauce
By Jim Mullen
Applesauce “like apple pie without the crust.”
Use code HOLIDAYTREAT for $2.50 off of one three pack. Expires 1/2/2023.

Gen Z Alternative
By Hannah
Super cute jewelry in lots of fun designs.
Use code holidaygiftguide for 20% off. Expires 12/31/2022.

InclusiveDinos
By Trevorsaurus-Rex
Adorable animals with all types of disabilities…need we say more?

Alyssa K. Silva
Cheerful stickers, wall art, cards, and more.
Use code MERRY10 for 10% off. Expires 12/16/2022.

Casey Anne Brimmer
A collection that’s sure to bring HoliGay cheer.
Use code HoligayStick to buy 5 stickers and get 1 free. Expires 1/8/2023.

QuirkyCipota
By Aimee
Fun creations based on the artist’s “experiences, cultures and love for quirky art.”

Queeriously ILL
By Katie Reilly
A fun mix of items to show off your queer and disabled pride.
Use code GIFTGUIDE for 22% off.

The Vamp DeVille
By Denise Zubizaretta
Powerful original artwork that explores mental health and cultural identity.

Maya’s Divine Designs
By Maya David Garcia
Art, accessories, and other merch inspired by “lucid dreams, folk art, Indigenous and Asian spiritual symbols and Surrealism, along with everyday objects and ideas.”

Disgaybled Designs
By Malls
“Art for when disability meets queerness.”
Use code HOLIDAY15 for 15% off everything but apparel. Expires 1/3/2023.

Discretely Obvious
Charming reptile and amphibian themed art.
Use code H10IDAYS for 10% off. Expires 1/1/2023.

Scully’s Stuff
Earrings, scrunchies, and more, with some fun Pride and Disney themes.
Use code GUIDE for 15% off. Expires 12/27/2022.

Author’s Corner

Author's Corner

Year of the Tiger
By Alice Wong

Black Disability Politics
By Sami Schalk

Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice
By Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha

Just Care: Messy Entanglements of Disability, Dependency, and Desire
By Akemi Nishida

#GiveBack

#GiveBack

Disability Economic Justice Collaborative

Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies

Asian Americans with Disabilities Initiative

The Fine Print

This post isn’t sponsored. Neither I nor Kate Caldwell assume no responsibility for any issues with sellers or orders. Please don’t republish any part of this gift guide in print or online. If you would like to share the gift guide via any other publication, please write a little blurb and include the link directly back to this post. You don’t have to let me know if you do this, but I’d love if you did so I can personally express my appreciation. Thank you and happy, happy holidays!

2021 Disability Holiday Gift Guide

The Original Disability Holiday Gift Guide 2021

Image above: Festive illustration of scenic pine trees against snow, with a fox in a red scarf holding a snowflake cookie. In a snowglobe-esque circle, text reads “The Original! Disability Holiday Gift Guide 2021.”

Hello!

I won’t make you spend your time reading my laments about 2021 because right now, we’re all allowed to have moments of joy. And you know what always makes me happy? Putting together the annual Disability Holiday Gift Guide along with my friend Kate Caldwell of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurship Education for People with Disabilities (CEED) project. This year, you’ll find lots of cool shops owned by disabled entrepreneurs, some book recommendations by disabled authors, and organizations to support. I hope this brings you a little holiday warmth and happiness, too.

So, without further ado, here it is…The Original Disability Holiday Gift Guide 2021!

Brought to you by Words I Wheel By and The CEED Project. Copyright (c) 2021

Follow and share on social media with the hashtag: #DHGG21

Click here for the full festive infographic. Unfortunately, it’s not screenreader accessible, but I’ve got you covered with image descriptions below.

Image description for infographic: Festive illustration of scenic pine trees against snow, with a fox in a red scarf holding a snowflake cookie. In a snowglobe-esque circle, text reads “The Original! Disability Holiday Gift Guide 2021.” Below, on a row of pine trees, are links to previous gift guides. (Note, links to guides are external and not screenreader accessible, but include plain text versions to download.)

Past Disability Holiday Gift Guides

Image description for infographic: Text on an illustration of a wood log reads “Brought to you by Words I Wheel By and The CEED Project.” Below begins the list of disabled-owned businesses, each featuring a picture of an item from their shop surrounded by illustrated frames with winter foliage and whimsical animals dressed in red winter hats and scarves, including a raccoon, a fox, a bird, a reindeer, a chipmunk, and a rabbit. The list of shops is spread out over three slides.

2021 Guide

FrenchPainstryChef
By Pauline
Whimsical, punny prints.
Use code CEED15 for 15% off until 1/2/2022
Image: Graphic of an orange and white mermaid in a wheelchair made of seashells. 

Johnnie Jae Official Store
Vibrant, authentic Native-designed gear
Image: Shirt design with red and blue rectangles that says “don’t be ashamed of your scars.”

Crip Riot
By Ashley Cowan D’Ambrosio, Joyce Lin, Christine Lew, and Lindsey Muszkiewicz
Unapologetic gear bringing expressions of disability pride to the world.
Use code HOLIDAY2021 for $5 off until 12/31/2021
Image: Neon bumper stickers that say “F*** stairs.”

URevolution
By Corinne & Brendan
Lifestyle brand celebrating disability and diversity
Use code THANKYOUCEED for 20% off until 12/31/2021
Image: Shirt design that says “If you can be anything, be inclusive.” The word “inclusive” is in rainbow colors.

By Mara
By Mara Ladines
American Sign Language “I Love You” logo on collections of apparel, accessories, and more. 
Use code CEED2021 for 15% off until 12/23/2021
Image: Pink and purple tie-dye shirt with ASL “I Love You” logo.

Hell on Wheels Design
By Sabine Grohowski
Accessories and mobility aids for rad disabled babes.
Image: Wheelchair handlebar with pink metal spikes.

Headtracker Art
By Ruth Harrigan
Colorful abstract art created with headtracker technology.
Image: Abstract painting reminiscent of autumn leaves in yellow, green, and red hues.

JoannaNoBanana
By Joanna
Bright disability-themed enamel pins.
Image: A red heart-shaped pin with white banners and gold text that reads “Don’t be ableist.”

Bibipins
By Abi
Fun disability-themed enamel pins, stickers, and more. 
Use code BIBIPINSWELCOME for 10% off.
Image: A purple star-shaped pin outlined in gold that says “Suck it ableism” with a little cup of boba tea with a straw.

Queer Ivy Art
By Danny
Queer apparel, stickers, pins, and prints.
Image: A sticker with an illustration of two manatees kissing and little rainbow heart above them.

Chronic Market
By April Thompson
One-of-a-kind items and unique services offered by artists, artisans and entrepreneurs around the world who have ME/CFS.
Image: A screenshot of selection of items from the market, including art, jewelry, and clothing.

Made With Care
By Elea C.
Letterpress and watercolor cards and hand lettered prints.
Image: A black card with silver and gold lightning bolts that says “Happy mobility upgrade.”

Callisto Creations
By Shona Louise
Adorable crocheted animals, keyrings and pin badges.
Image: Tiny multicolored crocheted bee keychains.

BrokenQueeneJewelry
By Amelia Klunk
Unique handmade jewelry.
Image: A matching pearl earring and necklace set.

Herboreal Arts
By Cryptogamaelacrime
Pins, stickers, and patches reflecting a deep affection for nature and witchcraft. 
Use code DIB21 for 15% off until 12/22/2021
Image: ornate black and gold enamel pin with an illustration of a wolf.

Judy Heumann
Shirts celebrating disability activism. All proceeds benefit the American Association of People with Disabilities and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund.
Image: A yellow shirt with a navy blue and orange drawing of Judy Heumann and the quote “I wanna see feisty disabled people change the world. Judy Heumann” in navy blue text.

Author’s Corner

Author's Corner

Image above: A light blue background with text that reads “Author’s Corner.” Next to the text are two red bows with beige and green berries hanging from them.

Image description for infographic: A light blue background with snowflakes. Text at top says ” Author’s Corner.” Next to the text are two red bows with beige and green berries hanging from them. Below is a list of books with images of the covers next to the text of each title.

The list of books is spread out over two slides. At the bottom of the first slide is an illustration of a snowbank with three green and red wrapped presents and a little owl wearing glasses that’s seated on top of a pile of books labeled “novels, detective, romance, fantasy.” At the bottom of the second slide is an illustration of a snowbank with two green and red wrapped presents and a little brown fox sitting on the snow reading a book decorated with tiny white stars.

Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally
By Emily Ladau

Entrepreneur Workbook
By The CEED Project

Disability Visibility anthology for young people
Edited by Alice Wong

Golem Girl: A Memoir
By Riva Lehrer

Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist
By Judy Heumann with Kristen Joiner

The Pretty One
By Keah Brown

Sitting Pretty
By Rebekah Taussig

What Can a Body Do?: How We Meet the Built World
By Sara Hendren

A Face for Picasso
By Ariel Henley

Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space
By Amanda Leduc

#GiveBack

Give Back

Image above: A dark teal background. Text reads: “#GiveBack. Looking to support a disability-run non-profit this holiday season? Below is a garland with small green and white pine trees.

Image description for infographic: A dark teal background. Text reads: “#GiveBack. Looking to support a disability-run non-profit this holiday season?” Below is a garland with small green and white pine trees. Below is a list of books with images of the logos of each organization.

At the bottom, an illustration of snowflakes falling onto a snowbank with pine trees in the background. Playing in the snow are a little yellow bird in a red hat and green scarf, and a jumping fox in a red hat and scarf. In the left corner is the CEED logo, and in the right is the Words I Wheel By logo.

Autistic People of Color Fund
Provides direct support, mutual aid, and reparations by and for autistic people of color

Disability Rights Fund
Provides resources to organizations of persons with disabilities to advocate for equal rights and full participation in society

Disability Empowher Network
Empowers girls and young women with disabilities through mentoring and transformational learning experiences

Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies
Mission of equal access for people with disabilities before, during, and after disasters and emergencies

Did you buy anything from the list? Are you a disabled entrepreneur? Leave a comment and let us know!

The Fine Print

This post isn’t sponsored. Words I Wheel By and CEED assume no responsibility for any issues with sellers or orders. Please don’t republish any part of this gift guide in print or online. If you would like to share the gift guide via any other publication, please write a little blurb and include the link directly back to this post. You don’t have to let me know if you do this, but I’d love if you did so I can personally express my appreciation. Thank you and happy, happy holidays!

2020 Disability Holiday Gift Guide

The Original Disability Holiday Gift Guide 2020. Text is surrounded by snow covered pine trees.

Wow…we’ve made it to the 2020 holiday season. Bittersweet though it may be, I’m finding joy in upholding the tradition of the annual Disability Holiday Gift Guide along with Kate Caldwell of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurship Education for People with Disabilities (CEED) project. People have actually been reaching out to ask when the guide would go live this year, so that’s been especially exciting to know that so many of you look forward to it!

I know we’ve all felt the devastating effects of the year behind us, and because of this, it’s more important than ever to find ways to support one another. One of the ways I’m doing that is by shopping small businesses and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirits of disabled creators. This year’s guide has a fun array of disability-owned small businesses to get your holiday shopping adventures started. So, take a look around and find something that brings a bit of happiness to a loved one (or you!). Then, please spread the love by sharing the gift guide. And most importantly, here’s to a safe, healthy holiday season for all.

Jen White Johnson
Disability advocacy-focused designs celebrating Black lives.

Safe Place Art by Michelle Davis
Sustainably made hair accessories.

Dissent Clothing
Clothing and accessories that celebrate the disability experience.

Erry B. by Ericka Olujie
Clothing and accessories to spread awareness of Black Deaf culture.

a rainbow in your cloud by Amina Mucciolo
Vibrant prints, stickers, and apparel.

JazeluCreations by Jazalee Sircus
Handcrafted body products and jewelry.

Altered Angles by Ariel Henley
Watercolor art that celebrates the beauty of facial differences.

Popcorn for the People by Samuel Bier
Gourmet popcorn in a variety of delicious flavors.

Shock and Awesome Co by Rachael Rose
Feminist and sex-positive apparel, art, and embroidery.

Devovere by Nicole Rolph
A custom lingerie and accessories brand for people of all body types.

EcoLocal by Pauline
Reusable products for green homes.

Jeanne Fry Art
Handmade contemporary folk art pieces.

Ian Reynolds Art
Bright scenes of nature and life’s little moments.

One Vine Lane by Alixandria
Handmade polymer clay jewelry and other fun wares.

Click here to check out the graphic version of the 2020 gift guide. (Please note it is not fully accessible.)

Did you buy anything from the list? Are you a disabled entrepreneur? Leave a comment and let us know!

The Fine Print: This post isn’t sponsored. Words I Wheel By and CEED assume no responsibility for any issues with sellers or orders. Please don’t republish any part of this gift guide in print or online. If you would like to share the gift guide via any other publication, please write a little blurb and include the link directly back to this post. You don’t have to let me know if you do this, but I’d love if you did so I can personally express my appreciation. Thank you and happy holidays!

The Best Chair Exercise Videos

A photo of pink, green, and blue plastic chairs, stacked. Next to the image is text that reads "The Best Chair Exercise Videos"

Years ago, as I was growing into a stronger sense of disability identity and gaining a deeper understanding of ableism, I read an article that scared me out of my mind. Dr. James Levine, a Mayo Clinic endocrinologist, sounded the alarm on sitting: “There’s a glob of information that sitting is killing us…You’re basically sitting yourself into a coffin.” I know the science is real about how sitting too much poses health risks, but I’m tired of being told my wheelchair is just a ticket to an early grave. Articles on potential health problems caused by sitting almost always focus on solutions suited to people without mobility limitations. Rarely do I see detailed fitness resources for people who sit on the regular (like me), so I’m going to share a round up of my favorite free chair exercise videos.

Keep in mind that just because the exercises are done a certain way in these videos, nothing is set in stone. Adapt as needed. Also, note that some of these require inexpensive exercise equipment like resistance bands or dumbbells. And these videos aren’t just for wheelchair users. Seated exercise can be ideal for people at any fitness level. Especially now that we’re in the midst of a pandemic and going to the gym isn’t an option, I hope these videos help you start or shake up your exercise routine. 

Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Don’t pressure yourself to exercise. Do what feels right for you and your body.

(Disclaimer: I’ll be honest…some of the disability-related language in these videos isn’t great, but I’m trying to include a wide range of options.)


1) If you want a good kick in the butt, Caroline Jordan is your girl. Her upbeat attitude makes me feel like I have a personal trainer in my living room. Click here for her full playlist of chair workouts.

2) Pahla Bowers is super down-to-earth and relatable, which makes her workouts enjoyable, even though they’re tiring. Click here for her full playlist of chair workouts.

3) SparkPeople’s videos are short and sweet, and Coach Nicole is really easy to follow.
Seated Cardio Workout: Burn Calories Exercising from a Chair
Seated Abs Workout: Chair Exercises for Your Core
Seated Upper Body Toning Workout: Chair Strength Training Exercises
Resistance Band Workout

4) KymNonStop is a barrel of energy and her running commentary keeps me entertained while I’m working out.
Intense Seated Workout
Seated Cardio Boxing Workout
Cardio & Core Seated Workout
Seated Circuit Workout
Challenging Seated Workout

5) HASfit offers videos that demonstrate workouts for varied abilities, including some that show seated and standing variations of the same exercises.
Chair Exercises Sitting Down Workout
Standing & Seated Exercise

6) Chair Workouts with Donovan Green are power-packed and totally energizing. Click here for his full playlist of chair workouts.

7) Jessica Smith’s chair exercise videos make you feel like you’re on a gym date with a friend.
Chair Workout I + II (seated cardio, strength, fat burning low impact exercise)
Chair Stretch (quick stretch, seated exercise)
Seated Exercises for Abs, Legs, Arms

8) Fuzion Fitness with Alexis is great for anyone looking for a slightly more relaxed workout. Plenty of good vibes in the background music.
Chair Workout #1
Chair Workout #2

9) Fair warning: Paul Eugene’s videos can come across as overly enthusiastic, but they’re secretly kind of fun.
Turbo Chair Workout
Sit and Get Fit

10) Lucy Wyndham-Read’s video style is helpful because she puts a description of each set of reps on the screen and also gives you previews of what moves are coming up next. Click here for her full playlist of chair workouts.

11) If you’re in the mood for a good 1980’s workout routine, Lisa Ericson has you covered.
Seated Aerobic Workout

12) Adapt to Perform’s YouTube channel is a goldmine of workout videos from Ben Clark, who is a wheelchair user. Click here to check out his channel.

Any good chair exercise videos that I missed in this list? Or do you have other ways that you like to adapt exercise routines? Share so we can keep moving!

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