As I Live and Breathe is a collection of short stories written by authors with lived experience of disability. The stories cover a wide range of topics and highlight how, even though disability is a deeply personal experience, there are common themes within the experiences of disability.
Information about project
This virtual writing project began in February 2022 and consisted of workshops focused on writing styles, utilising writing exercises and prompts, peer critique and discussions that were grounded in current experiences of living in, and growing up as a young disabled person in Toronto. On December 1, 2022 the book was launched in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event also included an author reading and panel, as well as an exhibition featuring the participants' work.
Project lead
Dolly Menna-Dack, clinical and research bioethicist, youth engagement strategy lead, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Artist facilitator, editor, curator, book design & photography
Mary Anderson, program manager, youth engagement strategy, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Book cover & illustrations
Lexin Zhang, writer & artist, youth leader, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the authors, our artist Lexin Zhang, Mary Anderson, Dolly Menna-Dack, the youth engagement strategy team, and the other incredible staff at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital for their dedication and support of this project.
