WEST TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— The West Branch of the Vigo County Public Library is holding an event in relation to this year’s The NEA Big Read selection.
The NEA Big Read initiative’s goal is to have everyone in the Wabash Valley read the same book to foster a love of reading and a sense of community. This year’s book is titled “Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body” by Rebekah Taussig. The memoir discusses Taussig’s life as a disability advocate and what it’s like to live in a body that works differently than others. The library received a $20,000 grant through the National Endowment of the Arts and used it to buy 3,500 copies for the Wabash Valley. The event started at the beginning of March and will last through April and has lots of events to get readers involved.
One such event was held tonight at the West Branch of the Vigo County Public Library. Tonight’s event was called the Sitting Pretty Panel Discussion. The library invited Jess Berryhill, the Executive Director of the Terre Haute Friendship House, to lead a panel discussion with other community members who have hidden and visible disabilities. These members of the community got to share stories about their experiences, the challenges that they face in our area, and the role people without disabilities can play to help advocate and create more accessible, inclusive spaces.
“We’re just like everybody else. And we’re excited to share that with people and spread awareness.” said Olivia Holvey, one of the speakers at the event.
