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From
PRWEB:
Ed Roberts was an active boy who loved playing football and baseball
at the park across from his house. But in 1953, everything changed: He
contracted polio and couldn’t even breathe on his own, much less walk or
run. This new children’s book profiles the courageous young
quadriplegic, who would go on to fight for his own rights and the rights
of all people with disabilities – a legacy that continues today.
“Ed Roberts: Father of Disability Rights” delves into Roberts’ life,
detailing his early days in an iron lung and learning his lessons via
the phone, battling school officials about high school graduation and
becoming the first person with significant disabilities to attend the
University of California at Berkley. Inspired by the civil rights and
liberation movements, Roberts fought for equality for people with
disabilities. As director of California’s Department of Rehabilitation
and sit-ins in San Francisco, he helped bring change that let people
live more independent lives, paving the way for the Americans with
Disabilities Act and other laws promoting equal access. The World
Institute on Disability, which Roberts co-founded, helps people around
the world.
An illustration symbolism guide details the meanings of symbol-rich
drawings by Patrick Wm. Connally. The symbols -- unique to Roberts and
the disability civil rights movement – portray information via their
colorful graphics. For instance, the boy peeking out of the drawing on
Page 23 represents Roberts’ son. Readers are invited to find other
symbols in the book as well.
Author Diana Pastora Carson, who has a master’s degree in education,
is an elementary teacher, disability rights advocate and a consultant
and speaker who specializes in inclusion and diversity as it relates to
disability. Her inspiration is the experiences of her brother, who grew
up being misjudged and excluded. Carson has taught disability studies
courses through the San Diego State University Foundation and served on
the board of directors for Disability Rights California. Her other books
include “Foundations for Ability Awareness” and “Ability Awareness in
Action: Teaching Ability Awareness to Children and Youth.”
In addition to his art, illustrator Patrick Wm. Connally is a civil
rights advocate, consultant on access and disability rights, a family
caregiver and co-host and producer of a radio program featuring
disability issues. He is founder and president of Disability Rights
Enforcement Education Services and has served on government and
nonprofit boards and committees such as Disability Rights California,
World Institute on Disability, and Research and Training Center on
Personal Assistance Services. His artwork has helped raise money for
animal rescue projects and promoted world-class museum events.
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For additional information, please visit http://www.edrobertschildrensbook.com.
