Skip to main content

Support WBUR

Sibling of kid with disabilities never felt like a 'glass child'

04:44
The author and his brother celebrate their fifth birthday in Danny's classroom in 1988. (Courtesy Brian Trapp)
The author and his brother celebrate their fifth birthday in Danny's classroom in 1988. (Courtesy Brian Trapp)

Brian Trapp grew up with a twin brother who had severe cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. But he never felt like a "glass child."

In this essay, Trapp, director of disability studies at the University of Oregon, details their deep bond and its impact on him. Trapp is also the author of the novel "Range of Motion".

This segment aired on May 5, 2026.

Headshot of Brian Trapp
Brian Trapp Cognoscenti contributor

Brian Trapp is the director of Disability Studies at the University of Oregon. He is the author of the novel "Range of Motion" and essays found in Longreads, Kenyon Review, Southern Review, and Brevity.

More…

Support WBUR

Support WBUR

Listen Live