Laura Pettenuzzo, a disabled writer living on Wurundjeri country, has found an amazing community in her digital connections. Through these connections, she finds a constant and calming reassurance, giving her a feeling of certainty and comfort. They cheer her on as she confronts the daily realities of inaccessibility and ableism. Pettenuzzo agrees that social media has created a unique opportunity for expression. It further develops the relationships that move beyond state lines.
Pettenuzzo’s introduction to the digital world started with an enormous passion for reading, with a focus on works such as the Harry Potter series. Pettenuzzo’s story got her started on her first steps into digital storytelling, guided by her high school English teacher. My teacher showed me this site where people were making these stories with characters from all these different movies and shows and books. This platform opened a whole new world of possibilities for her, giving her the opportunity to connect with others who shared her passion.
During her first few days on the site, she developed an important friendship with Shelby, another dedicated Harry Potter enthusiast. Their conversations sparked creativity, leading Shelby to send Pettenuzzo a message that would resonate deeply with her:
“I wrote a new story about Hermione thanks to our conversations.” – Shelby
This deep yet simple truth derailed Pettenuzzo’s day in the best possible way and reminded them both of the true power of their connection.
The Power of Online Communities
Pettenuzzo found this vital support system in her life through her online friendships. She reads her inbox with regularity, thrilled to hear from friends who know first hand what she lives each day. While these relationships have changed and grown with the years, they remain a source of affirmation and soul-filling camaraderie.
While social media platforms have faced scrutiny, particularly concerning their impact on youth, Pettenuzzo reflects on the positive aspects of her online interactions. When she first began researching these platforms, the federal government had not yet placed bans on social media use for individuals younger than 16. This gave her the space to connect unexpectedly and authentically.
Through creative communities and collaborative practices, Pettenuzzo and her friends combat inaccessibility in the world around them. They articulate their struggles with candor and vulnerability, drawing comfort from the fact that they are not the only ones suffering. The virtual community we built created a powerful feeling of solidarity and connection, cutting across time zones and borders.
Evolving Relationships
As Pettenuzzo has grown up, her friendships on and off the internet have evolved. They might not seem like the same structures today as they did during her teen years. The nature of those relationships hasn’t changed. Those conversations she and her friends nonetheless kept having on the ground continued to inspire her writing and become a wellspring of encouragement and competitive camaraderie.
Today, Pettenuzzo is unapologetic about her status as a disabled writer. She makes power moves on her platform to call for more accessibility and representation, especially for marginalized communities, in book culture. She recognizes that her experiences resonate with many others facing similar challenges. Through sharing her story, she wants to inspire others to join their own communities of support and grace in their journeys.
The digital age has empowered people like Pettenuzzo to find each other. Now, they can tell their stories in ways that were previously inconceivable. Online platforms have become more than just spaces for expression. They serve as lifelines for those who may feel isolated or misunderstood.
