Made Possible

by Saba Salman

Success is a crucial part of being human. But what if society thought success and aspiration didn't apply to you?

A human rights campaigner. A critically acclaimed actor. A civil rights activist. A singer-songwriter. A Paralympian and elite swimmer. A fine artist. An award-winning filmmaker and drag artist. An elected UK mayor.

These professionals have achieved astounding and awe-inspiring success. They've won national accolades in competitive fields such as film, theatre, music, fine art, campaigning and politics... and like 1.5 million people in the UK today, they all also happen to have a learning disability.

In Made Possible, these eight remarkable individuals present their authentic experiences - in their own words - and show us what society misses out on by overlooking them, pitying them, patronising them, simply tolerating them and labelling them in terms of their conditions.

Edited by social affairs journalist Saba Salman, this collection of groundbreaking and illuminating essays shatters preconceptions and offers a glimpse of the many types of success that can be achieved by people with a learning disability. Crucially, it reveals how people can make invaluable contributions to society when their potential is acknowledged and supported by those around them.

236 pages, ebook

Published May 28, 2020

About the author

UK-based author, journalist and editor, full bio at http://sabasalman.com/ and Guardian journalism at https://www.theguardian.com/profile/s...

Reviews

[Rubina Naqvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

MADE POSSIBLE is a great effort by Saba Salman to bring in the forefront inspirational stories about the achievements of persons with learning disabilities. The various success stories narrated in the book invoke feelings of empathy and compassion for the achievements of these special persons. They bring so much into the lives of those whom they touch and deserve inclusion into society. The book truly promotes the core value of “focusing on the abilities, not the disabilities” of these wonderful persons. I wish Saba all the best in her efforts to highlight important social issues.

[Rob Gould]

This a heartwarming book by inspirational individuals who happen to have a learning disability.

Made Possible is an important milestone because the voices of people with learning disabilities are so rarely heard. When learning disability is discussed in the media it its usually in negative terms and never involves those with learning disabilities themselves. Now we hear from some of them about how they feel society perceives them and how they have dealt with the prejudices of others.

I'd recommend this not just to anyone who knows someone with a learning disability but to everyone because its only when the majority change their mindset that we can build a society in which learning disabled people are valued for the contribution they can make. It's also a really great read: inspiring, funny and gripping.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made Possible is a truly inspirational book containing personal accounts by eight people with learning difficulties of their individual journeys to success. It is interesting, enlightening, thought provoking, moving, humbling but also entertaining and very readable. I would highly recommend it to any reader. In fact, I’d argue that the book should be read as widely as possible in order to challenge society’s general perceptions about learning disabled people and encourage greater empathy and understanding.

[Hayley Goleniowska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never has a book been more relevant in today's uncertain times. #MadePossible not only challenges our perceptions of learning disability and what it means to be valued and viewed as 'a success' in our society, it also taps into the very essence of what it means to be human.
Inspired to collect these stories by her sister Raana, Saba has produced a ground-breaking book that I am proud to have been able to support.
Made Possible is a vital addition to my book shelf.

[Sami gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly sensational book that shines a light on the inspiring stories of people with learning disabilities who have overcome many challenges. A must read for anyone interested in people and their unique talents.

[Sze Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made Possible is a heartwarming and inspirational read highlighting the journeys of a diverse range of 8 people with learning disabilities. Other books have often focused on successes of physically disabled people overcoming adversity, which is great, but it is also important and wonderful to hear of journeys from people with learning disabilities.

It is really inspiring how these individuals overcame very different challenges, we can ALL learn from them. Whilst I am not deemed as learning disabled, I can really relate and empathise with some of their experiences. This is a reminder that we are the same - regardless of our learning ability. We are all human beings with dreams, hopes and aspirations. The importance is treating everyone equally and with respect.

This book has been edited wonderfully to showcase the 8 individual’s journeys. As with all interesting life stories, it elicits the proverbial rollercoaster of emotions. I love the chapter “If in Doubt, Balls Out" - Dan Pepper, and the title is a winner too!

For me, this book serves as a collective role model. It shines a much needed light for people who are judged or are under-estimated, that there are others who have experienced similar situations, but through determination have achieved their goals in life.

[Pamela Helen Burton]

As someone who works with people who require additional support I read this book with what I thought were open eyes. I am ashamed to say that I was naïve to think that as a population we were acceptable of people with disabilities when truly were are not....

What I was reading made me , so very angry and upset I wanted to stand shoulder to shoulder with that the essay writers and scream at those who were abusing them, neglecting them, being negative and tell them that they are wrong to write off anyone with any disability. The essay writers suffered abuse form all types of people sometimes people in authority sometimes from family and so called friends. Everyone of the essay writer struggled 100% to get where that are today and to get the recognition that they deserve.

This book opened my eyes to a different side of what has happened and could happen in this day and age and made for a very informative and moving read. I would recommend it to any one who wants to know more about the struggles people with disabilities have.

[Faizan Shoaib · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly thought proving, interesting and often heart breaking read. Stories straight from the mouths and hearts of people with learning disabilities which show their own intelligence and emotionally alert takes on their own lives, and that they are far from being “retard(s)”, as Father Shaun’s own father called him many years ago. These often successful leaders in their own field, are pitied and overlooked often by society when they are so alert and aware of their surroundings. So very capable and emotionally mature. And the message? That writers of each of these stories are not “retards” at all. In fact, quite the opposite. If some understanding of their situation can be achieved by this book, then job done. This reviewer certainly was educated. A gem of a book. Beautifully edited. 5 stars.

[Helen Ainsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable book. Full of fun and wisdom. I found I was challenged in ways I wasn’t expecting and I have learned so much more than I anticipated. Thank you Saba Salman for introducing us to these great people. And to each of them my thanks too for patiently making us more aware of what the world looks like from their perspective.

[Shanti Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made Possible is a thoughtful and enlightening read for our times. Saba, together with the other contributors, recount personal stories to illustrate how with appropriate support, help and understanding from family and friends, those with learning disabilities can realise their hidden potential.

[Victoria Donlevy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly original and inspiring book that everyone should read. And which everyone will enjoy reading. It’s entertaining while informative, funny while shocking, relatable while revolutionary, upbeat while challenging.
It is a real pleasure getting to know – from the inside and with their own voices – so many truly diverse, colourful, brave, funny and talented individuals who are making so many important – and often overlooked - contributions to our society in fields ranging from art to sport, politics to music, activism to theatre.
Through their stories, the reader travels on the roller coaster of each individual journey, learning about each person’s personal, professional, political and everyday triumphs… but also (often with horror) the many obstacles and prejudices which each has had to endure and overcome to achieve these goals.
As we travel these journeys, we gradually also build up a picture of the ground-breaking individuals and organisations that are revolutionising the way that people with learning disabilities are treated, respected and supported to achieve – as for all of us – their full potential. It shows us that, despite so much injustice, cover-ups and cruelty in even very recent history, there is a clear and positive pathway to a better future.
A really great read on every level, which leaves you wanting to know more… and do more. Highly recommended to any reader!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and inspiring book. It should be read by everyone but especially those working in health and social care roles.

[Richard Propes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edited by social affairs journalist Saba Salman, "Made Possible" is the latest release to come from the groundbreaking U.K. crowdfunding publisher Unbound.

The book features eight stories, testimonies really, of individuals living life with learning disabilities while having extraordinary success. It's worth noting that this U.K.-based title defines learning disability somewhat more differently than how it's defined in the U.S. as within this book learning disability includes such diagnoses as Down Syndrome and Hydrocephalus (among others) and generally indicates a major impairment in intellectual disability (an IQ of 69 or less), major impairment in adaptive functioning areas such as self-care, safety or relationships, and is generally regarded as having had a childhood onset. While at one point in the book it seemed the U.S. definition of "intellectual disability" would match, this was obviously not always the case. Thus, being aware of some differences in definition and perception is important.

"Made Possible" illuminates the possibilities for those whom society often uses the word "impossible," shattering preconceptions while also offering a glimpse inside British culture, the NHS, and how essential it is for everyone to be afforded an equitable opportunity at a quality life beginning at an early age.

The stories that unfold in "Made Possible" include:

Gavin Harding - the first learning-disabled person to be elected a mayor in the U.K and the first person with a learning disability to be employed by NHS England (where he works as a learning disability supervisor). He is a passionate opponent of institutional care, himself having experienced several years in a series of secure hospital units after having mental health difficulties in his early twenties. He was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to people with learning disabilities in 2014.

Matthew Hellett is an award-winning filmmaker, performer, and a drag artist from Brighton. He is the head programmer of the Oska Bright Film Festival and in 2017 introduced a groundbreaking queer strand to the festival. He is one of the first two people with a learning disability to have been accepted on to the UK film industry mentoring program called Guiding Lights. Thus far, he has made five films having been shown at festivals nationally and internationally.

Laura Broughton became the first woman with a learning disability to win a place at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition in 2016 and is an artist-in-residence at South Bank University and has a BA in Fine Art Painting and a postgraduate diploma from the Royal Drawing School. She also has a career in social care as a consultant and trainer.

Dan Pepper is a former Paralympian and multi-award-winning elite swimmer who was appointed as a high-performance athlete ambassador for the national campaign "My Sport, My Voice!" run by the UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability. He runs his own personal training business and still regularly takes part in outdoor endurance events around the UK.

Lizzie Emeh made history in 2009 as the first solo artist with a learning disability to release an album of her own songs to the public, "Loud and Proud." She performed at the London Paralympic Games and continues releasing new music.

Gary Bourlet is a veteran civil rights campaigner who founded Learning Disability England in 2016. Back in 1984, he launched the international disability civil rights movement People First in the U.K and over the last 30 years has set up campaign groups all over the country training people with learning disabilities in leadership roles and encouraging them to speak up for themselves. In 2018, he was awarded a lifetime fellowship at the City Literary Institute in London.

Sarah Gordy became the first woman with Down Syndrome to be awarded an MBE for services to the arts and people with disabilities. She is known for her work in BBC dramas "Upstairs, Downstairs," "Call the Midwife," and "The Silkworm." She has made appearances in ITV's "Peak Practice" and BBC's "Holby City" and "Doctors." She played the lead role in Ben Weatherill's critically acclaimed play "Jellyfish" and starred as a character without a disability in Lee Mattinson's play "Crocodiles."

Shaun Webster is a father, grandfather, and human rights campaigner who was awarded an MBE in 2015 for services to people with learning disabilities and their families. He works all over the UK and overseas as a speaker/trainer for the human rights charity CHANGE. He is the co-author of "Leaving Institutions, Voices for Change." He is also a trustee of the housing support charity KeyRing.

These people are remarkable. These people have remarkable stories that are told in first-person, their stories brought vividly to life through their own language and through Saba Salman's collaborative spirit and editorial expertise. At times, the testimonies focus almost exclusively on the fields in which they have found success. Other times, the testimonies have a greater focus on their learning disability and its impact on their lives and their paths.

The beauty of "Made Possible" is that the people themselves tell their own stories and they do so with refreshing honesty. There are frequent references to school segregation or, for those who didn't experience segregation, instances of everything from mild discrimination to outright bullying.

The NHS, or National Health Service, is referenced often in both tremendously favorably and downright awful ways. If you've ever lived with a disability, or loved someone who does, you know that budget cuts can cause havoc on needed supports and services, though nearly every person in this collection is quick to be grateful, stunningly grateful, for those who've made a difference in their life and for those organizations and institutions that have treated them well. Institutional abuses are called out unflinchingly, while recent progresses are noted with more diverse services and, of course, the NHS also hiring those with learning disabilities.

"Made Possible" is filled with inspiration and it's filled with the perspiration of those with disabilities who've fought for change and for those who've allied with them. It's an informative book, quite entertaining and alive with the power of the human spirit.

It's obvious that Salman has made an effort to showcase diverse life experiences to keep "Made Possible" feeling fresh, though certain common ground is inevitable and the overwhelming sense that many of these individuals have endured varying degrees of discrimination and even abuse is undeniable.

The film's opening essay, "Untold Success," is by Salman herself. Setting the tone for what is to come by introducing Salman's inspiration for the project, her sister Ranaa, and laying the groundwork for learning disability in the UK, this essay is informative yet one can't help but wish it had woven into its tapestry more of Ranaa's voice to remain consistent with the rest of the book. This section explains that the essays in the book focus mainly on career-related accomplishments "because professional recognition is, in general, society's most common way of measuring people's achievements." As is true for at least a couple of the other essays, the book laments recent austerity efforts negatively impacting services on the local level including those for her sister.

While the groundwork laid is quite beneficial and informative, the essay itself is simply too long and waxes too eloquently and, at times, too broadly and lacks the first-person narrative that makes the rest of the book such a work of wonder. It's a minor concern, really, but I experienced notable surprise as I headed into the essays that followed and felt an entirely different feeling and relaxed into the remainder of the book's warm, deeply personal literary vibe.

Due to be released by Unbound on May 28th, "Made Possible" will be treasured by individuals with and advocates for people with disabilities and for anyone concerned about ensuring a more equitable society where individual gifts are celebrated and empowered.

[Roger Fielding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have my copy and it’s a testimony to those society sees as ‘different’. In reality we are all ‘different’. Neurodiversity is on the frontiers of inclusion. And who can say what ‘success’ should be? We are all trying our best ‘between cradle and grave’ to make the most of our lives... and this book introduces us to those who are ‘learning-disabled’ and shows us just what they can achieve. It’s important on a number of levels... How do we value life? How do we include everyone ‘in’? What really is ‘success’? To what extent do we credit ourselves with our achievements, when our achievements are not entirely down to us, and when others face so many more challenges than we might? Oliver and Max, my own ‘learning-disabled’ children, have created so much value and legacy for me without even knowing it. As a society, without inclusion, we will be diminished, as Saba so powerfully writes. “Made Possible’ is an important anthology. Whether you have involvement with ‘learning-disabled’ people or not, read it and be enriched.

[Karen Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book and one that everyone should read. Each chapter focuses on the life of a person with a learning disability who has achieved success, be it politics, music, arts, film or drama and is written from their perspective so really tells it like it was. This makes it a more interesting read as you really feel like you are sitting next to them listening to their life experiences. I do know a lot of people whose lives are shared here but others I have only heard of via social media or at conferences and I am sure they will have all wanted to include much more about their lives than there was space for. This did leave me with a lot of questions I wanted to ask about their experiences so perhaps having their stories brought to life in this book will encourage them to publish their own biography.

[Manni Coe · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Made Possible" opens up a path of possibility for people with Learning Disabilities.

Thank you Saba for taking the time to form this important book. It gives a stage to people who didn´t have one. The fact that the whole project is one of collaboration and crowdfunding highlights the hulk of support that upholds this kind of inclusive endeavour. People like Raana, show us another path through life, one that may be slower and a little more complicated but if we miss that path, we´re denying ourselves perhaps the best views of them all! Puck Off to "inflexible and negative attitudes" and let´s explore avenues of possibility rather than back alleys of limitation. THANK YOU SABA and RAANA! x

[Andy Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one day. It’s inspiring to see the difference that having the right support systems can make. I’m now going to share it with my parents and families at the disability charity I work with. It’s a great call to action, moving, humorous and so important to read the voices of disabled people in books! It’s really made me want to use my skills to push for a better system. Such a good introduction to people who haven’t had experience of learning disabilities as well.

[Simon Jarrett]

Saba Salman’s excellent anthology is a genuinely uplifting, challenging and ground-breaking work. We live in a society in which people with learning disabilities are often written off, from a very early age, as people who cannot achieve and who cannot even cope with the sort of ordinary lives most of us live. This book smashes that myth. A beautifully balanced collection of stories from high-achieving people with learning disabilities, ranging from professional singers and actors to film makers and politicians. We hear also from campaigners, a high-performance swimmer, and a successful artist. Reading these accounts, sometimes utterly jaw-dropping, and often laced with humour and insight, you learn how each of these highly talented people has had to work twice as hard as anyone else to get to where they are. But work they have – each is a terrific fighter, and has forced the world to see and acknowledge their talent, even when the odds seem completely stacked against them. Each person tells their own story, in a series of riveting short essays. I am full of admiration for this wonderful book, and I hope it has the impact it deserves.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. It’s wonderful to hear what can be achieved by people when given the opportunities to succeed. The stories are well written and you get a true understanding of the barriers that people with learning disabilities have to overcome in order to live the lives they want.
As a social worker it’s really made me reflect on how as a profession we need to bring down the barriers for the people we work with.
This is a must read for anyone working with people who have learning disabilities.

[James Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made Possible – an anthology of personal success stories written by people with learning disabilities – is, by turns, inspirational, educational and moving. Each individual account challenges society’s preconceptions and prejudices about learning disability with wry humour and charm. These are human stories, and it’s often the everyday achievements and small victories that resonate the most. Made Possible is a vital addition to the literature of awareness and acceptance of people with learning disabilities. Everyone should read it.

[Justin Rehal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book. I'm so thankful that this has given me a unique opportunity to see the world through the eyes of people I never would have otherwise. It's not often that a book has changed the way I see the world in such a profound way. By giving a voice to people so often marginalised in society it forced me to think about my own life, actions and preconceptions. Can't recommend highly enough.

[Eppie Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words cannot describe how much this book means. It has injected hope into our lives, just like that! Thanks you to Saba Salman and the rest of the brilliant essay writers who have poured energy into this book to promote the professionalism that the learning disabled community have given and will continue to give with the opportunity. EVERYONE can learn something from this book and it's about time we all did. Thank you!

[S K · Rating 5 out of 5]

We chose this book for our non-fiction book club. The insights it provided sparked rich discussion for a group who mostly have limited experience in the area of learning disability. Saba Salman does a brilliant job of facilitating some inspirational people to tell us their stories, in an accessible and enjoyable way.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lived experience of people with a learning disability- as described in Saba’s wonderfully edited book Made Possible - is diverse, with challenges but also success and fulfilment. An important read to challenge stereotypes about what it means to live with a disability but not defined by it.

[Andrew Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

More books like this are needed! It was refreshing to read a book which highlights and celebrates the achievements of cognitively challenged people. The authors of each chapter provide positive role models for all of us(disabled and non-disabled).

[Claire Milne · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many people in society whose voices are not heard. People with learning disabilities are one of the many. This book shows what people can achieve and should be in everyone's to read list as we need to become a more inclusive and understanding society.

[Jonathan Bridger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many inspiring stories, well paced and well written

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and uplifting read. The individual stories all highlight the importance of understanding, support and perseverance. A must read for all, to gain a better understanding of the prejudices and challenges faced by these amazing people.