Martha Kearney's introduction
If you have somebody in your family who’s disabled, then you tend to discover how many other people are in the same position. My brother has learning difficulties and my brother-in-law has Down Syndrome which is why I was keen to narrate this series which think it will touch many people’s lives.
There are several moving moments in Nobody’s Normal. The first programme depicts two couples who made different choices after being told that their unborn child would be disabled.
Matthew and Catherine, in Darlington are young and coping brilliantly with the challenges of having a baby with spina bifida. They knew ahead of her birth that Eve had the condition and decided not to opt for a termination. They speak eloquently and movingly about the choices they made.
Caroline and her husband Robert made a different choice when they were confronted with news that their unborn child had Down syndrome. Caroline speaks with clarity and empathy about the reasons behind her decision to terminate the pregnancy.
In our second film we look at choices face in education – whether to choose a special school or be taught in mainstream education.
Simeon is a lovely boy who claims he is popular at school because he is in a wheelchair. He has spina bifida. We follow Simeon as he decides whether to stay in mainsteam education for secondary school.
Sophie Grant is 16 and has chosen to complete her education at Star College, a residential school for disabled young people. Interestingly, she thinks that will help her become more independent.
Our third film discusses an area which was once taboo in relation to disabled people – relationships.
Barry is 30, easy going, fun loving and has cerebral palsy. He will be going to University this year. He uses a wheelchair and lives in Randall Close, a supported housing unit in south London. He is articulate and determined, keen to have an intimate relationship after a couple of confidence bruising attempts to find a girlfriend last year.
William Gallagher runs the supported housing unit that Barry lives in. He is a passionate advocate of disabled people's rights to have fulfilling adult relationships. He will be offering help to Barry both emotional and practical.
Jonathon is 25 and has never had a girlfriend. He lives in Mencap supported housing in Hatfield. He is also about to enrol on the RSS scheme and in the meantime is getting in shape at the gym. He is also moderately learning disabled and looking for work in his local Oxfam shop.
Kes has little social life, and high ambitions social life and high ambitions for a partner have made it hard for her to meet men. Perhaps the agency will be the answer for her?
The fourth film charts the progress of adults moving into independence, learning how to cope with the world of work, relationships, and the supermarket.
A small housing development in Bromley is the location for a voyage of discovery for Cathy, Peter and Kevin. They are the first three of nine residents to move into a "Keyring" scheme project. It's housing for people with learning difficulties who are keen to try live independent lives.
The film opens as Cathy and Peter move into their new homes and follows the adjustments that life away from the family always brings. Some of it painful, but ultimately both heartening and hopeful.
I found the fifth film the most moving to watch. As people with disabilities live longer, their parents are having to deal with what happens after their own death. Families are often reluctant to let their vulnerable children move away from home. Mencap has described the numbers of learning disabled adults living with elderly parents as a "timebomb" - because local authorities won’t be able to cope.
Matt is 30 and has been cared for by his dad and mum all his life. He is severely disabled, all his needs are met by his dad, Ivor, aged 74, alone since the death of his wife, Enid, four years ago. They have a wonderful relationship and enjoy shopping for videos together.
Ivor is preparing for his death. His health is poor, though his energy in fighting Matt's corner remains high. The heart of the problem is Ivor's question, "Who will love Matt when I'm gone"?
Overall I think the immense scope of these programmes offer insight into the way modern families cope with disability. Their human interest stories will be an interesting watch for everyone.
Content last updated: 07/12/2006
