Inclusion key for latest One Book Project

Sep. 20—In the preface to her book "Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body," author Rebekah Taussig states that she is "not — by any stretch of the imagination — the representative of all disabled people."

Taussig, who uses a wheelchair, continues, "I would be doing all of us a great disservice if I led you to believe the conversation starts and ends with bodies and experiences like mine."

In selecting her 2020 memoir for the One Book Project, organizers took a similar cue, packing the programming, which kicked off last week, with a variety of community groups and speakers who represent different types of disabilities.

Lynne Kemmer, One Book Project County coordinator, said the kickoff event, held last Wednesday at Bakersfield College, was very engaging with BC students and panelists from the Valley Center for the Blind, Dr. T's Inclusion Solutions and Disabled Student Programs and Services.

"It was really eye-opening. They discussed all kinds of things — etiquette, personal experiences, how they are approached by people who are expecting them to be inspirational.

"There's a lot of pressure to be inspirational. (Sometimes) they're just trying to get out of bed in the morning or make themselves something to eat."

Kemmer said Taussig's book addresses some of the same topics, filtered through the experiences of the author who has been paralyzed since she was 3 years old.

"Her book is amazing. She talks about her experiences and moving through her life in a body that is not working in the same way as everyone around her."

"She specifically mentions seeing disability depicted as monstrous or angelic. Her experience is to tell her story and how it's very complex but also very ordinary."

In offering everyday stories of her life, she aims to show the complexities of living with a disability. Her goal is also to encourage others to share their experiences, Kemmer said.

"She's a fierce advocate for the need for more stories and more voices, to understand the diversity of humanity."

One Book programming continues into November with a variety of activities highlighting different types of disabilities, including physical, developmental and mental including post-traumatic stress disorder.

Themes that carry throughout the events include ableism (prejudice and discrimination aimed at disabled people), inclusion, access and accessibility, independence and interdependence, Kemmer said.

Along with lead partner Cal State Bakersfield, other One Book partners include CSUB's Office of the Provost, Walter W. Stiern Library and Sigma Tau Delta; Emmanuel Lutheran Church; Kern Council Teachers of English, which is overseeing a writing contest for CSUB students; and the Kern Literacy Council, which has teamed with Golden Empire Transit (GET) for The Reading Express program, an initiative to enhance childhood literacy by providing reading materials to children up to age 12, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

Copies of Taussig's book as well as One Book companion titles are available at all 22 library branches, with many e-book and audiobook copies available to check out.

The Kern County Library has renewed its partnership with the Braille Institute, which will provide books, magazines and equipment for blind and low-vision clients. Those interested can fill out a request for materials at the library.

One Book programming

NOR film screening of "Stronger": Partnering with the North of the River Recreation and Parks District to host the screening of the 2017 drama based on the true story of Jeff Bauman (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), who lost his legs in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. 1 p.m. Sept. 27, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane.

Parks, Parafencing, & Play: Adaptive Sports & Outdoor Spaces for Disabled Community: The community can learn about open spaces, recreational places and adaptive sports programs available in Kern County for disabled residents. This event will include indoor sport demonstrations by Special Olympics participants in the lobby and a wheelchair parafencing demonstration on stage in the auditorium led by Lucas Dobrzanski, founder, president and coach of Kern Athletic Fencing Foundation.

Other participants include Supervisors Pilar Colunga and Ja'Nette Beck, City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks District; Nathan Gutierrez, ADA and Title VI coordinator for the city of Bakersfield; Jasmin LoBasso, superintendent of recreation and community services for North of the River Recreation & Park District; Kellie Peterson, manager II, sports and programs for Special Olympics Southern California-Kern County Office; Matthew Johnson, player and team spokesperson for Valley Children's Ice Center — Bakersfield Oilers, a special needs hockey team, and his mother, Charlotte Johnson. League of Dreams will also take part. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5, Beale Memorial Library Auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave.

"Beautiful, Broken, & Blessed": Panel Discussion on World Faith Traditions and the Experience of the Disabled: Panelists will discuss their beliefs and practices regarding disability based on their faith. Those living with disabilities are also encouraged to share their lived experiences with these traditions. The panel will be moderated by pastor Dawn Wilder of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, which is organizing the event.

Panelists include Bishop Craig Satterlee, bishop of the North/West Lower Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Dr. Shaheer Afaqi, assistant professor of religious studies at Cal State Bakersfield; Alan Salazar, a Chumash and Tataviam tribe elder; and Rabbi Jonathan Klein of Temple Beth El. 7 p.m. Oct. 12 via Zoom (register at emmanuelbakersfield.org, up to one hour before program).

"An Evening with Rebekah Taussig": The disability advocate, educator and best-selling author will "challenge everything you think you know about disability" as she shares her experience of living in a body that looks and moves differently than most. Attendees will be asked to think bigger and more critically about who has a seat at the table and the barriers that bar others from inclusion. 7 p.m. Oct. 26, CSUB's Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway; free to attend, free parking after 6 p.m.

Red Carpet Movie Night: Attendees are invited to dress to the nines and enjoy the red carpet including a specially designed selfie station created by clients from PathPoint Project Search.

Dale Oprandy, executive director of Inclusion Films, will address the audience before a screening of "Enough is Enough," a short film produced by Inclusion Films, at 6:30 p.m

A screening of the 2020 documentary "Rising Phoenix," focused on nine Paralympians and their journeys in competition, will follow at 7:15 p.m. 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 27, Beale Memorial Library Auditorium.

"Courage After Fire": Shares and Services for Disabled Veterans: Combat veterans will share their stories of military service and the true cost of freedom. The discussion will include the services, organizations and programs that helped them readjust to civilian life.

Taking part in the event are Casey Schaubschlager, retired Marine and director of programs and outreach for the Wounded Heroes Fund and Regimen Ruck Program; Chad Garcia, combat veteran, advocate, small-business owner and skydiver, Comrades and Canopies; and Ben Rodriguez, outreach representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center.

Partners Portrait of A Warrior Gallery and Honor Flight Kern County will also take part. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9, Beale Memorial Library Auditorium.

Additional library events: All 22 county library branches will host storytimes and other One Book-related activities through the end of November. Visit KCLonebook.org for a complete list or check with the individual branches for more details.

Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter at @realstefanidias.