Insights - Fifteen Stories Exploring Disability

Featuring a story by Michael Coolwood

Inspired by author Sarah Gray’s ability to creatively harness her experience of Motor Neurone Disease, Claret Press sponsored a short story competition. It called for entries that dealt with mental or physical disability in innovative ways. With Sarah, Katie Isbester PhD (editor-in-chief of Claret Press), and Dr James Scott (an orthopedic surgeon) as judges, the competition offered prizes of £250, £150 and £50. 

Over 70 stories flowed in. The quality was exceptionally high, and the stories were, without exception, moving. The best of a great selection have been collected here. Some stories are hilarious, some heartbreaking. They include sci-fi, romance, satire and memoir. All challenge us to see mental and physical disability through a different lens - one infused with humanity.

This beautiful full-colour book includes fifteen original photographs by internationally renowned artist, Tansy Spinks, whose photography can been seen in the Museum of Fine Art in Houston, the National Media Museum in Bradford, and now at the V&A.