Cathy Reay’s new book – A chat, advice and a guide to self acceptance all in one!
How to be Disabled and Proud (or at least kinda sorta ok with it…) is Cathy’s new book aimed at children between the ages of 8–14. Listening to the book, prior to interviewing Cathy, with my fellow Ability Today Journalism students, I was struck by the feeling of having a chat with a friend after I asked for her advice.
Redefining Disability: “It’s Not Wrong, and It’s Not Bad”
The book sets out, from the beginning, that the way someone thinks, feels and describes themselves is their choice and that “you can absolutely call yourself disabled if you want to. It’s not wrong, and it’s not bad.” Hearing this when I was a child would’ve meant a lot as many people used the word in a negative way when I grew up.
School Memories: Shared Struggles and Honest Reflections
All through the book Cathy draws on her experiences. “I used to find P.E. really hard. Plenty of kids – including disabled kids – love P.E., but I was very shy and not very good at sports.” This statement had my ears pricking up as I felt exactly the same way growing up, freezing to death in a leotard that the school carers had to crowbar me into, all in the name of inclusion, so I could sit on the sidelines and watch as gymnastics itself was beyond me.
Using Her Voice
During the interview Cathy was asked about the way she wrote the book. She laughingly said, “I’ve got quite a strong voice, which sometimes does [get] me in trouble, but it’s a strong voice, and so it would feel weird to have someone else do it,” referring to her choice to narrate the audiobook.
Big Topics, Explained Simply
Through the book her voice advocates and educates disabled children, explaining what ableism, discrimination and intersectionality is, to name a fraction of the terms discussed in the book. She also discusses with the reader how to communicate their needs and wants to the adults caring for them.
Chapter Breakdown: From Family to “Big and Scary School”
There are the beginning chapters where Cathy introduces herself, terminology is used, and then explained. This format is used throughout the book and it maintains its chatty style. There are chapters on family, school, secondary school, coined ‘BIG And SCARY school.’
Talking Friends, Body Image and Growing Up
A chapter on friends follows. The chapter explaining how our bodies change as we grow up is discussed in a child-friendly but non-patronising way. “We’re also going to talk about something called body image – a.k.a how you feel about your body.”
Medical Stuff, Activism, and Being Proud
“Medical stuff,” activism, work and of course “Disabled and Proud (or at least kinda sorta ok with it,”) are the remaining chapters. Throughout the book Cathy gives her opinions and experiences generously and without pulling any punches.
“Words like ‘special’, ‘different’ and ‘unique’ don’t make me feel good… My body IS disabled (which is okay!), and I am disabled by the world around me too (which is not okay!).”
Let’s Talk Language and Changing the Narrative
The book showcases her sense of humour and her determination for disabled people to be treated equally in society. I asked her how we change the narrative so that disabled people are thought of and treated the same as ‘able-bodied people.’ The question sparked a discussion of the use of language and how, even with the right intent, certain language can make people feel ‘othered.’ She said:
“They’ve got to want to do it themselves, right? They’ve got to do it as well, and it’s got to come from a place of really wanting that change.” Cathy was referring to non-disabled people referring to disabled people, but language and intent can hurt or bolster any individual/group in society. Therefore, I think that her book could be useful for anyone wanting to be more inclusive, not just disabled children or their caregivers. Her message “You are a brilliant, wonderful person and you belong in this world exactly the way you are,” applies to everyone.
A Book for Parents Too?
When asked what her next book would be about, she said,
“I would love to write a book that’s an accompaniment to this one for parents. It feels like a very natural thing to do. However, my agent doesn’t think it will work.” I disagree. While there is a chapter for parents and caregivers, as a disabled Mom of disabled children I think she has more advice to offer.
Final Thoughts: A Book for Everyone
I would definitely recommend this book for disabled children and anyone that is involved in their lives. It is also a brilliant way of encouraging society to embrace the diversity of difference that exists in the world.
By Lucy Currier – ADJ Student
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/459258/how-to-be-disabled-and-proud-by-reay-cathy/9780241676967