Arthritis Life
Why do Disability Pride and Disability Representation Matter? “Cursed” novelist and JIA Patient Karol Ruth Silverstein
14 Jul 2021
Episode at a glance:Karol’s experience getting diagnosed with JIA at age 13 and being angry, terrified and grumpy about itThe importance of disability representation beyond the cliche “inspirational” storyHow Karol learned the importance of partnership with a doctor and taking an active role in her care in her 20sWhy Karol identifies as disabled, rather than a “person with disability” (including a discussion of the #SayTheWord, #TheWordIsDisabled movement)How both Cheryl and Karol have confronted their internalized ableismWhy Karol wishes she had listened to her occupational therapists earlier, and why occupational therapy is so important for people with rheumatic diseasesExcerpts from Karol’s award winning young adult novel “Cursed,” about a young woman with JIA who is “frank, funny and full of f-bombs.”The importance of disability prideSpeaker Bios:Karol Ruth Silverstein is a children's book author and screenwriter. She was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 13 and has identified as disabled since 21. Originally from Philadelphia, she now lives in West Hollywood with her two exceptionally fully cats. You can find her website at: https://www.karolruthsilverstein.com/ Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.This episode is brought to you by Rheum to THRIVE, an online support group and educational program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\For full episode links go to: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2021/07/14/why-do-disability-pride-and-disability-representation-matter-with-cursed-novelist-and-jia-patient-karol-ruth-silverstein/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other recent transcribed episodes
Transcribed and ready to explore now
3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE
01 Jan 1970
El Partidazo de COPE
TNB Tech Minute: FTC Orders Instacart to Pay $60 Million Over Deceptive Practices
18 Dec 2025
WSJ Tech News Briefing
Hidden Gem Stocks We Love at the End of the Year
18 Dec 2025
Motley Fool Money
Google Undercuts the Field, OpenAI Builds an App OS, and China Accelerates
18 Dec 2025
The Daily AI Show
Lucy Liu
18 Dec 2025
Fresh Air
#2428 - Michael P. Masters
18 Dec 2025
The Joe Rogan Experience