Disability Advocate Celebrates Book Launch

A disability advocate and writer from Hertfordshire is celebrating the launch of her first book, Finding Yourself Within Disability: How to Look After Your Disabled Self.

The book, by Rebecca Sullivan, 32, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, offers practical advice and personal insight for disabled adults, exploring topics including self-care, self-advocacy, ableism, accessibility, navigating the world as a disabled person and finding disabled joy.

Rebecca says her motivation for writing the book came from recognising how misconceptions about disability can affect the way disabled people see themselves.

“I used to hide from the word ‘disability’ and thought I needed to prove myself in some way, which I now largely don't feel the need to do,” said Rebecca, who receives support from leading Hertfordshire homecare provider Abbots Care.

“Since learning from a plethora of disabled voices, I started to change how I felt about disability. I wanted to share what I learned, and am still learning, in a book.”

Rather than presenting a single definition of what it means to be disabled, Rebecca has tried to make the book as inclusive and accessible as possible for people with a wide range of disabilities.

“The term disability is so broad,” she added.

“I wanted to be as inclusive as possible in order for suggestions on self-care to be helpful and accessible for readers with a range of disabilities.

“I share my own experience as a disabled person and ways that we can be kinder to our disabled selves.

“I want people to grow a sense of neutrality around the word disabled or disability. I would also love those who identify as disabled or living with a disability to feel comfortable with it or at least be able to acknowledge it.

“Ultimately, I want people to feel less alone in their disabled experience.”

Abbots Care staff, who visit several times a week, help Rebecca maintain her independence, meaning she can continue doing the things that are important to her and that she enjoys, including weekly swimming sessions and of course writing.

“Rebecca's achievement is a wonderful example of what person-centred support is about.” said Sarah Hurley, Care Director at Abbots Care.

“Our role isn't to define what someone's life should look like, but to support people to remain independent and do the things that matter to them.

“Whether that's receiving support with personal care, going swimming each week or pursuing a huge personal ambition like writing a book, it's about making sure Rebecca has the support she needs to live life on her own terms.

“We're incredibly proud of Rebecca and delighted to celebrate the publication of her first book.”

Finding Yourself Within Disability: How to Look After Your Disabled Self by Rebecca Sullivan is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers and is now available from booksellers.

Photo credit: Rebecca Sullivan