Summary
Contents
‘As well as being of interest to educators, Joan Ross's autobiography would be worth including as a text for pupils following citizenship curriculum in secondary schools’ — SENCO Update. Joan is an adult with cerebral palsy who grew up when compulsory education was not in place for all children. Her memories of her childhood before inclusion, her development as a teenager and her adult life are chronicled without sentiment and this book offers the reader an autobiography of someone who lives with a significant disability. The book is supported by SCOPE who have provided an introduction and informative commentary about cerebral palsy. The book is of general interest and offers information and inspiration to Scope members and those whose lives are touched by CP.
Little Miss Mischief
Little Miss Mischief
In 1951, when I was eleven, Mum found that she was pregnant, expecting a baby in December. There was much concern in the family. Grandmother asked, ‘How will Blod cope with two children?’ My Granddad was afraid I would be neglected. My mother was worried she might have another disabled child. It was thought that my disability was caused because I had weighed nine pounds and my mother has a small pelvis. My brain was damaged through lack of oxygen at birth.
My excitement at receiving this wonderful news was overshadowed by being told I would be away from home for eight weeks. There were many other problems around my mum's pregnancy. Each day she continued to carry me up and ...