Fiction: Tolstoy, Henry Miller, James Joyce...  

Karl Williams has published two books with leaders in the self-advocacy movement (the civil rights work of people with intellectual disabilities); a play based on one of these books had its West Coast premiere in June, and will premier on the East Coast in August, 2011. Williams’ work has appeared in magazines and books, as well as in videos, and on websites. Songs from Williams’ five CDs have aired on NBC and Fox and on radio stations around the world.

Translated and performed songs at Germany's national People First Conference - May, 2003.

"Up Miller Mountain" (story) read in March, 2003 at the WRITING ALOUD series of Philadelphia's InterAct Theater Company.

CD RESPECT: SONGS OF THE SELF-ADVOCACY MOVEMENT (with Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered) won a place on the 1999 Grammy ballot.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (review of BIG FISH LITTLE FISH): "...an easygoing, feel-good collection of folk-tinged originals... The title track sets the kid-centric mood with its simple philosophy: 'Big fish eat little fish in the ocean and the bay/Big fish eat little fish every night and every day/Big fish eat little fish that's what they say/But I hope the little fish get away.' 'Snowboarding,' 'Swimming in the Swimming Pool,' and 'Make a Tent' - focus the spotlight on some famous kid pursuits. Young listeners will be eager to try substituting their monikers in the lyrics of 'K-A-T-I-E (The Name Spelling Song),' a deceptively simple ditty that draws listeners into an enjoyable exercise in counting, spelling and singing along. And listeners will have a good chuckle at 'Merry Halloween,' in which Santa gets his dates mixed up and arrives on October 31. On a more serious note, 'Shoulda Had a Helmet' recounts the story of a child who has seen the light about wearing a bicycle helmet after suffering a bad fall. Guitar, banjo, strings, accordion and percussion instruments are skillfully woven throughout, adding appeal to the proceedings. All ages."

karlwilliams.com
The website of writer/musician Karl Williams. A mini-site for kids and information about the CDs and books.

CD Baby

People First of Germany
Part of the worldwide self-advocacy movement: people who have cognitive disabilities working for respect and civil rights.

Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE)
The US national self-advocacy group.