By Cameron Phillips, Samantha Ross, and Nathasya G
Over the past fifty years, Calibre Audio has been at the forefront, transforming the reading experience to ensure that those who find reading print books challenging can experience the joy of storytelling through audiobooks. To commemorate this milestone, they are launching the “Inclusive Voices” short story competition, which invites aspiring writers to raise awareness by including a character with a print disability. Submissions for the contest can be in written, audio or video format, to allow everyone to be a part of the celebration.
The power of accessible books lies in their ability to break down barriers and enable diverse voices to be heard. Storytelling has a profound impact in transforming lives, and we are pleased to share our selection of audiobook listens that highlight narratives advocating awareness and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Samantha’s Pick: Deeplight by Frances Hardinge, narrated by Joshua Akehurst
In this captivating children’s/YA fantasy novel, fourteen-year-old friends Hark and Jelt are scavengers on the island of Lady’s Crave in Myriad, a cluster of islands that worship and fear giant sea creatures of the Undersea. Grappling with danger, secrecy and mystery, Hark journeys to save his best friend and the island he calls home.
Deafness is introduced quite early, a normalised occurrence on the island for the elite divers who become “sea-kissed”, something that in turn makes them deaf. Many characters that Hark encounters either sign, lip-read, use hearing devices or a mixture of all to communicate, with him noting that most people know sign language, although it differs slightly between islands. Not only does this feel realistic, but it also becomes a positive plot device. The deaf characters are not isolated, but instead have a vast range of their own stories to share.
I hesitated writing about Deeplight as I am acutely aware that this is an audiobook recommendation which represents deafness, but as someone who is deaf and can hear with the help of headphones and hearing aids, it felt like it was worth recommending for others who may be similar, or for those who are in search of positive and diverse representations of deafness. Hardinge carefully built her world and characters after a profoundly deaf reader, Ella, asked whether she would ever consider creating deaf characters. With the help of Ella and the Young People’s Advisory Board, Hardinge created fully-fleshed characters like Selphin, who communicates mostly through sign language. At all points, whether in a low-key conversation or an explosive adventure sequence, deafness and the varying ways in which we communicate are embedded into the story, bringing attention to everyday things deaf people experience. I love that younger people might pick this book up and feel seen in the same way I have, and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
Nathasya’s Pick: Always Only You by Chloe Liese, narrated by CJ Bloom and Nelson Hobbs
Always Only You by Chloe Liese is a positive and inspiring romance audiobook that beautifully blends heartwarming love with themes of disability, inclusivity and self-acceptance. As part of the Bergman Brothers series, the story follows Ren, a professional hockey player with a quiet, caring nature, and Frankie, a fiercely independent woman who is both neurodivergent and living with a physical disability that requires her to use a cane. The story follows their journey in navigating life, love and vulnerability.
What sets this romance apart is its realistic and sensitive portrayal of disability. Frankie’s chronic illness and neurodivergence are integral to her identity, but they don’t define or limit her capacity for love and happiness. I find Liese writes her story with compassion and nuance. She successfully showcased the complexities of living with a disability while challenging stereotypes. The representation feels genuine, and I was able to connect deeply with Frankie’s journey toward self-acceptance and love.
Narrated by the talented duet of CJ Bloom and Nelson Hobbs, the audiobook brings Ren and Frankie’s chemistry to life with warmth and authenticity. Their voices capture the internal struggles alongside the growing connection between the characters. Their narration is one reason why I enjoy listening to the audiobook as it adds layers of authenticity and warmth to this inclusive love story.
Cameron’s Pick: Dateable, written and narrated by Caroline Cupp and Jessica Slice
We all deserve to love and be loved, and Dateable is an exploration into a space that is sparsely touched on when it comes to the media and cultural spheres. Many dating apps fail to include criteria that identifies oneself as disabled, and disabled essayist Jessica Slice and bioethicist Caroline Cupp take us through sex, breakups to disabled representation within the rom-com space.
Beautifully centered and down to earth, this book is both a handbook for all things love and sex for those with disabilities, as much as it is an empowering and legitimising tool for those who have felt marginalised out of being able to love, or to be loved. Love in many ways has been shaped by society to fail disabled people, but this book is quite clearly a shining light to hold on to when it comes to practical and emotional advice.