Editors' Note

Editors' Note Olivia Ellisor (bio) and Kennedy Horton This folio aims to give a voice not to the voiceless, but to the unheard. In this collection of poems, prose, and hybrid works, the faceted experience of living with neurodivergence and disability is brought to light. Our goals for this folio were to allow space for this; to celebrate uniqueness in all its beauty. Often, disability and neurodivergence are looked at as a fault, a crack in the glasswork of our lives. Small hills of life turn into large, overbearing mountains for those who struggle daily. But how can we not view those mountain summits as triumph, once they are climbed? Can it not be said that the human mind longs for conquering the tallest of peaks? While it is true that a typical task for an able-bodied person may not be solved in the same way as a disabled one, does this mean that the solution is wrong? Why? Although these things are certainly difficult, and at times they look impossible, through expression and storytelling, we can view disability through a different lens; one of understanding, acceptance, and dignity. Is it the disabled person's responsibility to educate and inform? Certainly not. But is it the able-bodied person's responsibility to meet people where they are? To honor the climb, to offer a leg up, to boost the voices of the unheard? We believe so. We hope this special folio can offer a glimpse into the disabled life, and can shape future minds into knowing, truly believing, that disability is never something to be ashamed of. Rather, something to be met with deep listening, learning, and most importantly: love. Please read these pieces with kindness wrapped around your heart, and remember that each is the barring of a soul from a person; a real, incredible, beautifully-made disabled person. From our souls to yours, Kennedy Horton and Olivia Ellisor [End Page 63] Olivia Ellisor A writer of both fiction and poetry, Olivia Elle has been published in Generic, ArLiJo, Dodging the Rain, Tupelo Quarterly, and Crow & Cross Keys. Her poem "The Gay Experience: F for Faith, F for—" was a semi-finalist for the 2021 Gival Press Oscar Wilde Award. Olivia herself can be found on most social media sites @OliviaElle98.