The Same Difference: Writers with Disabilities Reading

This reading features some of Minnesota's most accomplished writers with disabilities. Featured artists are John Lee Clark, Tara Arlene Innmon, Raymond Luczak, and Lynne Nerenberg. ASL and voice interpreting, open captioning, assistive listening devices, and Braille will be provided, as well as a Q & A and art show featuring members of People Incorporated’s Artability program. Reception to follow.

June 3, 2011 @ 7 p.m.
The Loft Literary Center
1011 Washington Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55415
http://www.loft.org/
612-215-2575

John Lee Clark was born deaf and became blind in adolescence. His poetry has appeared in many publications, including the Hollins Critic, Pif, Poetry, and the Seneca Review. His chapbook of poems is Suddenly Slow (Handtype Press, 2008) and he edited the anthology Deaf American Poetry (Gallaudet University Press, 2009). He is married to the deaf cartoonist Adrean Clark; they run a small press called Clerc Scar that publishes signing community literature. They live in Minnesota with their three sons.

As a young person, Tara Arlene Innmon loved writing almost as much as she loved drawing. She kept an extensive diary. When she started going blind she asked herself, "What will I do when I can't draw anymore?" The answer came down like a bolt of lightning. "You will write." She could have guessed. In 2000, she was a finalist for the SASE Jerome Foundation Fellowship grant. She went to Hamline University, graduating with an MFA in creative writing in 2008. She has published poetry and short prose pieces in numerous literary journals, including Verve, River Image, and Wordgathering. She is writing a childhood memoir.

Raymond Luczak is the author and editor of more than ten books, including Road Work Ahead: Poems (Sibling Rivalry Press) and Mute: Poems (A Midsummer Night's Press). His website is www.raymondluczak.com.

Lynne Nerenberg is a Saint Paul native, holds an MA in media studies from the New School of Social Research, and is a former journalist. She won first place for her creative nonfiction at Artability's 2010 Art Show and attends People Incorporated's Apollo program for people with mental illness and/or brain injury.

Again, the entire event will be VOICE- and ASL-INTERPRETED along with Braille and open captioning for those who need information accessibility!