INTERABLED

Shane Burcaw, who has spinal muscular atrophy and is a wheelchair user, and Hannah Burcaw, who is nondisabled, are on a mission to illuminate less-represented romantic partnerships. They spoke with nearly two dozen couples, whose identities include diversity in sexuality, race, and gender identity, sharing their stories in their own words through Q&As or in third-person retold narratives. Interspersed segments cover events in Shane and Hannah’s relationship—their early courtship milestones, travel misadventures, and IVF experiences. The importance of communication and shared passions is a theme throughout, as the interviewees recount their stories with candor and a lack of cliche. The couples span a range of ages; some have been married for decades while others are in their 20s. The accounts emphasize the ordinary humanity and deep humor and affection of their relationships. The Burcaws, who present white, largely write for an audience that’s already familiar with aspects of disability activism, but they do include plenty of information to support readers who are just becoming familiar with anti-ableism. The frank focus on rarely discussed topics, such as “the assumption that physical caregiving must detract from (or altogether prohibit) an enjoyable sex life,” is valuable. Enamored with each other and their shared life, Shane and Hannah are charming guides.