Author and Illustrator
she/her
Maryann Cocca-Leffler is an award-winning author and illustrator of over 70 books for children. A Kirkus reviewer said of Maryann; “Cocca-Leffler knows children inside and out.”
Maryann’s passion and advocacy for disability rights began when her daughter, Janine Leffler, was born, and has inspired many books including; We Want to Go to School! The Fight for Disability Rights, co-authored with Janine, and Fighting for Yes! The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann, the 2023 Maine Literary Award winner and the 2023 NTCE (National Council for English Teachers) Honor Award for outstanding nonfiction. Both books were awarded Gold Selections by the Junior Library Guild.
In addition to writing and illustrating children’s books, Maryann speaks on the topic of the History of Disability Rights, many times partnered with Janine, if her schedule allows.
Maryann grew up in the Boston area and has a BFA in illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She now lives and works in Portland, Maine.
Talks
Disability Awareness and The History of Disability Rights
Disability Rights are Civil Rights. The History of Disability Rights were never taught in the classroom and are still overlooked, even though these rights were fought in the 1960-70s, the same time as the Civil Rights Movement. Maryann’s passion for disability rights resulted from a lived experience as she helped her daughter, Janine Leffler, navigate life and laws as a person with disabilities. Maryann uses her two books on Disability Rights to tell the audience about important laws and the people behind them that ultimately led up to the passing of the ADA, including “Mills vs The Board of Education” which ensured a public-school education for all, and the 1977 504 Sit-in, which was instrumental in the passing of section 504. Janine Leffler will present along side me, if her schedule allows.