Vancouver’s Lifeguard Legend

“Ruby Smith Diaz (l.) examines the life of Joe Fortes, a Black lifeguard in Vancouver, during a time of rampant racism, exploring his legacy and identity through research, personal reflections and poetry.FULL STORY

 

The able in disabled

April 25th, 2016

As a disabled child in Kimberley, B.C., Nova Bannatyne-Eng fought for acceptance. Born with cerebral palsy, she became one of the first children with a significant disability to be integrated into, and graduate from, a B.C. public school.

When Nova Bannatyne-Eng retired, she began making presentations to school children, educators and other groups about living with cerebral palsy. For most people, meeting Nova is their first encounter with the disease.

In her memoir, Just Think, I Could Have Been Normal: Growing Up Extraordinary with Cerebral Palsy (Agio Publishing $19.95), Bannayne-Eng gives insights into what people with disabilities want and need, which is much the same as everyone else: to respected, appreciated and loved. Her story has inspired many others, both with and without disabilities. “I have pursued a career based on seeing the able in disabled, thanks to her courageous and inspirational example,” says teacher Lorri Taylor at Vancouver Children’s Hospital. “Nova is the bravest person I have ever known.”

For retail distribution inquiries and interviews, contact the author at:

novabannatyne@gmail.com

978-1-927755-40-2

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