A Rocking Definition of Rehabilitation

Comic is ink pens on 8.5" x 5.5 paper by Joe Chiappetta 2011.

Rehabilitation is moving from a status of inadequacy to a status of adequacy. I realize this might not sound politically correct, but for someone who has gone through physical rehabilitation successfully, comparing my before rehab experience to after rehab, this is a most appropriate definition. For me it is like night and day. Done right, rehabilitation is about accomplishing goals that recover as much personal freedom, survival skills, and community involvement as possible.

Much more about this topic is covered in my book: The Back Pain Avenger. I designed the book to be a definitive look at

disability in comics

and have found that the subject is virtually wide open for creative exploration. The history of disability in comic books, comic strips, and webcomics is pretty amazing, and my personal contribution to this theme has been one of the most exciting creative projects of my many decades in comics.

Behold The Neon Disability

Ink brush on 11" x 8.5" paper by Joe Chiappetta 2011

Wanting to join the Junior Society on Disability Rights, a new kid climbs the fence to their clubhouse and asks, "I have naturally neon blue hair that glows in the dark. Is that considered a disability?"

One of the kids in the club replies, "Not if you're cute."

If you understand this comic, you're more likely to understand disability stereotypes. This comic, and a deeper dialog on how outward appearances often influence the level at which others perceive a person's capabilities is covered in my book: The Back Pain Avenger. It's all about disability in comics.