Happy Ever Afters - disability awareness in children's storybooks - based on the book Happy Ever Afters.
DICSEY Example - a book for fluent readers
King of the Cloud Forests by Michael Morpurgo
1997 Mammoth ISBN 0-7497-2777-2
Ashley and his guardian Uncle Sung escape from the Japanese invasion of China by trekking over the Himalayas. When they become separated, Ashley is saved by Yetis. He adapts and learns to respect their community but eventually returns to the 'civilisation' of human society.
This highly readable story vividly describes situations and emotions that relate to different types of societies. As well as providing an enjoyable read, it could be used as an unusual backdrop to explaining the differences between the medical and social models of disability, and the nature of Disability in the DICSEY code. Image, Society, Control, Enablement and Young carers could also be explored.
Ashley and the Yetis had different abilities.
Question: How well would each be able to survive in the other's environment? Answer: Neither would be able to adapt entirely to the other's usual way of living, because each society had evolved in response to the abilities and majority needs of their individual communities as well as its physical environment. Both could function perfectly well in their own societies, but Ashley and the Yetis would be disabled in each other's worlds . Question: How were they able to co-exist? Answer: They prospered by using their joint abilities, the Yeti's physical strength, communal attitude and instincts beyond human experience combined with Ashley's different knowledge, adaptability and whistling skills. They accepted, harmonised and used their differences, rather than rejecting them.
The Yetis did not use written material.
Question: How did they communicate their knowledge to each other and how did it compare with Ashley's society? Answer. They used speech, sign and expression which was highly efficient for close personal contact but would be limited over the distances and time that Ashley's society needed. Written material overcomes these hurdles, but if we only use written material, then everyone has to be able to decipher written symbols. Different formats enable everyone to communicate easily.
Ashley did not feel qualified to tend Shoo's injury.
Question: What limits are there to how much young people should be expected to look after other people? Answer: Every situation is different but some young carers and their families may need support and understanding from their communities, especially in school.
Aunt Edith thought Uncle Sung could not understand her conversation.
Question: Why didn't she try to speak to him? Answer: She had not had an opportunity to learn about his language, culture, beliefs or abilities but was led into ignorance by the image of China and its people that was common in her society. Stereotypes often lead to wrong judgements about people who appear to be different.
Above all, let children enjoy the book!
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© K. Saunders 2000/2001