“ABC Disabilities: Handicapped No More” by Mary Kaluza-Maxson and was illustrated by Sarah Gledhill has its Spanish Edtion, “ABC disCapacidades: No Más Minusválido,” live! This is an illustrated alphabet-style book that introduces children and families to the wide spectrum of disabilities, highlighting both the challenges and the strengths of people who live with them. Published by Citi of Books, this is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.
One of Mary Kaluza-Maxson’s brothers sustained Cerebral Palsy and deafness shortly after birth in the 1950’s. This began her lifelong experience with the disabled.
Mary has a B.A. in Communications from UNC Greeley, Colorado and an M.A. in Educational Administration from CSUN Northridge, California. She also has a Secondary English Teaching Credential, a Language Development Specialist Certificate, a Special Education Credential: authorization (PHI) Physically Handicapped Impairment which covers Orthopedic and Other Health Impairments, as well as an Educational Administration Credential.
She began her career as a preschool teacher/director. Mary then taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District as a Special Ed. classroom teacher, telephone teacher, and hospital teacher. She went on to be an O.I. Itinerant and case manager until retiring in 2017. A combined 37 years in education.
Her husband is also an LAUSD high school educator and music teacher. They have a grown-up daughter who has a Siberian Husky they frequently dog sit.
Ever flipped through a book that feels like a friendly chat with a wise buddy, guiding you through the world of disabilities with zero judgment and tons of inspiration? That’s “ABC disAbilities: Handicapped No More” by Mary Kaluza-Maxson in a nutshell.
This gem is cleverly organized from A to Z, spotlighting everything from Autism and Braille to Canine Service Dogs, Universal Technology, Wheelchairs, and the game-changing laws that protect rights. But it’s not just a dry encyclopedia—it’s packed with short, heartwarming stories of kids and adults rocking their unique journeys. If you’ve ever wondered how everyday heroes turn challenges into triumphs, this book’s your ticket to feeling empowered and excited about what’s possible.
Dive deeper, and you’ll see why this book hits home for so many: According to 2021 U.S. Census Bureau data, over 42 million Americans— that’s a whopping 13% of us—live with disabilities, yet they’re bursting with talent and dreams waiting to shine. Mary weaves in tales that scream resilience and inclusion, showing that “disabled” doesn’t mean sidelined from fun or success. Picture a kid with a visual impairment mastering Braille or an adult zipping around in a wheelchair, chasing passions like everyone else. The core vibe? Work hard, try new things, give it your all, and go after those dreams—no matter if you look, act, or think differently from the crowd. It’s a total pep talk that reminds us obstacles are just plot twists in an epic story, and overcoming them feels downright awesome.
What makes this read even more irresistible are the practical nuggets mixed with feel-good adventures, like crafting IEPs for school superstars, tapping into expert help, or diving into adaptive recreation that’s all about joy—think modified sports or creative play tailored just right. And don’t miss the “Zeus Patrol,” a fun symbol of kindness and advocacy that shows how a little empathy goes a long way. Blending real-life wins with positive vibes, Mary encourages us all to embrace diversity, celebrate differences, and spread acceptance like confetti.
Now available in Spanish as “ABC disCapacidades: No Más Minusválido,” Mary’s book—whether read in translation or in the original English—offers a sparks empathy and gets you cheering for everyday champs, snag her book today—it’ll leave you smiling and inspired to see the world a bit brighter!
“ABC disCapacidades: No Más Minusválido” by Mary Kaluza-Maxson is now available for purchase through the links provided below:
- Citi of Books: https://citiofbooks.com/bookstore/motivational-inspirational/abc-discapacidades-no-mas-minusvalido/
- AbeBooks: https://www.abebooks.com/ABC-disCapacidades-m%C3%A1s-minusv%C3%A1lido-Mary-Kaluza/32307495336/bd
- Amazon: https://a.co/d/i2n05Zh
- Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/abc-discapacidades-mary-kaluza-maxson/1148126312?ean=9798893916430
1 Comment
I’m really curious about how ‘ABC disCapacidades’ will challenge the way we think about disability. It seems like the book’s message could be an important conversation starter about inclusion and shifting societal perceptions.