The Chair is Not Me is a collection of poems written, and illustrated by artists of diverse abilities, to inspire people to think about, learn from, and connect to people who are diversely abled. JJ realized the need to speak and teach about disabilities following an experience at a grocery store in the 1980s.  A little boy shopping with his mother saw JJ and asked, “How come that man can’t walk?” When his mother replied, “Be quiet. Don’t bother him,” JJ approached them and offered to explain his disability. He reminded the mother, “If they don’t ask, they won’t learn.” He wanted the child to think it was okay to talk to someone with a disability.  He also wants families that have children with disabilities to encourage children to find their voices, love themselves, and speak up and out about their disabilities.

Eleven of the poems are accompanied by mixed-media illustrations and are currently touring the state of South Dakota to advocate for disabilities and cultural awareness.

The book, and art show, have been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor, and the Perfect Hanging Gallery. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this book, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.