Laura Beretsky

Cognoscenti contributor

Laura Beretsky is a Somerville-based writer working on a memoir focused on the challenges facing those who live with perceptible health conditions. The book, "Seizing Control," is scheduled for publication in November 2023. Her work has appeared in Health Story Collaborative, The National Library of Poetry, and Cognoscenti. Please visit her website.

Recently published

Judy Heumann, a former State of California rehabilitation agency employees takes part in a Washington news conference to call attention to the outback in funds by the Reagan administration for their program. (John Duricka/AP)

The mother of the disability rights movement knew this: ‘Disabilities are not problems to be solved’

Disability rights activist Judy Heumann passed away recently, at age 75. As someone with epilepsy, writes Laura Beretsky, I am one of many who stood on Giant Judy’s shoulders when...

Cognoscenti

Mar 29, 2023

What Does 'Normal' Mean When You Live With A Disability?

While the ADA is a critical advocacy tool, its ultimate goal -- assimilation into mainstream life -- will not be achieved without a major cultural shift, writes Laura Beretsky.

Cognoscenti

Aug 7, 2018