The Politics of Disabled Joy

Part of VERB Readers and Writers Festival 2026

Inhabiting a mind or body that society often refuses to accommodate is a life’s work. Fighting the prejudices that make that difficult is an act of political rebellion, one that is capable of unleashing great joy. Join Deaf and disabled writers for readings and kōrero that will annihilate the ableist tropes between them and their good times.

Emcee Olivia Shivas, editor of The D*List, will lead a panel including writer/librarians Riah Tahana-Dawson (Ngāti Kurī, Ngāti Waikato-Tainui) and Bee Trudgeon, and writer/actor/filmmaker Jared Flitcroft (Ngāti Maniapoto).

The Politics of Disabled Joy is curated by the Crip the Lit rōpū, which advocates for placing the unique voices and perspectives of Deaf and disabled writers within a mainstream writing context.

This event will be NZSL interpreted.

2pm Sunday 27 September 2026

See Ticketing T&Cs.