Elsa Sjunneson

Welcome to Snark-Land

Hi, I’m Dame Elsa Sjunneson of the Order of the Bat. Or at least that’s one way I like to put my name out there. I’m a professor, historian, media critic, author and editor. I’m also Deafblind.

My first book, Being Seen: One Deafblind Woman’s Fight To End Ableism, won the Washington State Book Award in 2022. It’s a snarky but thoughtful look into how media shapes disability in the modern world.

Elsa gazes down through her purple and gold vintage spectacles, wearing pink lipstick, a leather vest, silk shirt, and pearls. It’s unclear if she’s holding a sword or a white cane, but does it matter?

Elsa gazes down through her purple and gold vintage spectacles, wearing pink lipstick, a leather vest, silk shirt, and pearls. It’s unclear if she’s holding a sword or a white cane, but does it matter?





I’m the subject of an award-winning PBS American Masters Documentary, “Becoming Helen Keller.”

Check it out here!

Elsa in fencing gear with sword in front of face. Stamps for Best documentary short Filmocracy Fest 2022, Rhode Island International Film Festival, official selection Edmonton International Film Festival, official selection Hollyshorts Film Festival.