Cathy Reay
Cathy Reay is an author, sensitivity reader, and journalist based near London.
Her first book, How to be disabled and proud (or at least kinda sorta okay with it) will be published by Puffin, Penguin’s children’s imprint, on 27th March 2025.
Cathy has written for The Guardian, i, The Independent, Glamour among others, covering disability politics, entertainment and culture. In 2023, she contributed chapters on disability politics and motherhood to three books.
She also consults on books and film scripts featuring characters with dwarfism.
How to be Disabled and Proud
My first book – out 27th March 2025!
I'm so excited that my first book, How to be Disabled and Proud (or at least kinda sorta okay with it) is available for preorder now! I've drawn on my experiences to create a guide supporting young disabled readers (aged 8+) with that tricky stage of growing up and figuring out their place in the world, reassuring them that their bodies and minds are not a problem that need to be fixed.
The book is stuffed full of practical advice for disabled kids and their families to help them overcome some of the challenges they might face, from navigating the primary to secondary school transition, to setting important boundaries and standing up for their rights and those of others. I've even pulled in some of my disabled pals to share some of their tips and tricks along the way.
Click the links below to pre-order from your preferred bookstore!
Hive | Blackwell’s | Amazon | WHSmith |
Books
Cathy’s first book, How to be Disabled and Proud (or at least kinda sorta okay with it) is available for preorder now, out 27th March 2025!
Cathy performed a sensitivity read of bestseller Stuart Macbride's new offering, In A Place Of Darkness, reviewing the depiction of a forensic psychologist who has achondroplasia.
Cathy wrote a chapter on disability inspiration for Gina Martin’s No Offence, But…
She contributed a section on how to combat ableism in Naomi and Natalie Evans’ book for middle graders, Everyday Action, Everyday Change.
She provided a comprehensive sensitivity read of Chrissie Sains’ and Cara Mailey’s children’s novel
I Got This.
Cathy has a chapter on disabled motherhood in Eliza Hull’s We’ve Got This.
Articles
Cathy writes for The Guardian, The Independent, Glamour, i and others on disability politics, culture and entertainment.
Speaking
From conferences to panel events, radio shows and TV, Cathy is experienced in speaking on disability issues via a wide range of platforms. She also guest lectures at universities and colleges around the UK.
Brands Cathy has worked with include:
