Today's Date: Friday, September 3, 2010
Publications and Research - New book looks at life as a sibling of people with disabilities
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Contributor: Liz Wilks.
Source: Liz Wilks; Down Syndrome Association of Victoria.
Posted: 18-10-2006
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Liz Wilks has a son with Down syndrome, a son with autism and a daughter who is special in a normal sort of way. She has been involved with the Down Syndrome Association of Victoria and Autism Victoria for many years. She is an illustrator, writer and editor living in the City of Manningham. Prior to having a family, Liz worked as an artist for The Herald and Weekly Times Limited in Melbourne. In recent years her illustrations, poems and stories have appeared in a wide range of publications.
"I investigated the incidence of more than one child with a disability within families, and found many within Victoria. During my research for this novel I talked to, and observed, families with children with disabilities and monitored discussions on this topic on the internet. It took about six months to gather the information and plan my book.
"I observed the funny side of life within families with children and adults with disabilities. I wanted to convey this humour to readers to show that life with a disabled child is not all misery." - Liz Wilks.
Liz' new book, 'Sara Webb: Disaster Area' uses a fictional family in a variety of humorous situations to help siblings of disabled people know that they share their crazy experiences and inform other teens of what could be going on in the home lives of their classmates and friends.
The story is fast moving and entertaining while the message is powerful, the facts are accurate and the situations are believable. Sara is a gutsy young heroine who faces her personal problems and comes to an acceptance that her siblings are loved and valued members of her family.
The book is set in suburban Melbourne. The novel tackles themes including disability, siblings, friendships, bullying, sexuality, relationships and sport and is aimed at the late-primary school/early-secondary school age group.
The book will be available through book stores in early October.
Title: Sara Webb: Disaster Area.
Author: Liz Wilks.
Publisher: Lothian Books, 2006.
Recommended Retail Price: $14.95.
International Standard Book Number (ISBN): 0 7344 0940 0.
For more information, contact Liz Wilks on (03) 9486 9600 or email liz@dsav.asn.au.
Website:
Go to the Down Syndrome Association of Victoria website.
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