The Hand That Tells The Story: Living With My Disability

This memoir offers the reader an insight and understanding into what it can be like living with disability. What were my reactions in my early years when I realized that I was disabled and could not walk or talk? How did I cope in school and what did I enjoy and not enjoy? Imagine the joy when I finally received a communication aid that has made such a wonderful difference to my life, opening the way to new opportunities and adventures, and enabling me to write this book. My amazing family has been very important to me. I describe our happiness and sadness, and all the great people, in this book. Read about our wonderful travels, the amazing places we’ve visited. Lots of photographs throughout the book illustrate the people and the events that have been important to me. I have included the poems I have written throughout my life, showing how writing poetry has helped me to express my thoughts, ideas and feelings. I want to celebrate all my achievements and the exhilarating experiences that have enriched my positive, exciting and eventful life. Life is fun!

Alicia Gough is thirty-five years old and lives with her parents near Chester. She was born with a physical disability, cerebral palsy. Her supportive family have always encouraged her to lead a full and active life. With charm, a sense of humour and a sunny friendliness, Alicia has always fought against the stereotyping of disability, determined from an early age to be listened to, to achieve educational and physical challenges, to show emphatically that those with a disability can enjoy interesting, purposeful lives. She has always expressed her feelings, thoughts and ideas through her poetry and stories and writing.