Book Review of Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child

Book Cover. Background is ombre turquoise. Tex reads: Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports by Kelley Coleman.

By Charon Knob

In her latest book, Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports, Kelley Coleman provides an insightful and honest look into the challenges and experiences of raising a disabled child. Kelley shares her personal journey, revealing the emotional, logistical, and societal obstacles she faced, and offering advice and encouragement to other parents in similar situations. In this book, Kelley Coleman details her family's journey with a disabled child, emphasizing the unexpected challenges and the profound joys that come with it. She discusses the emotional toll on parents, the importance of finding a support network, and the necessity of advocating for your child in various systems like healthcare and education. The narrative underscores the resilience and strength required to navigate this path, while also highlighting moments of triumph and deep love.

Some key points Kelley touches upon in her book are the emotional rollercoaster parents face, from grief and frustration to feelings of acceptance, hope, resilience, joy, and pride. Kelley recommends building a strong and reliable support network, including family, friends, and professional caregivers. She also recommends seeking out a community to join other parents raising disabled children for support and sharing experiences.

Kelley highlights the need for parents to become strong advocates for their children in healthcare and education settings, so any obstacles can be persistently and systemically overcome. Also included are some practical daily tips for streamlining caregiving responsibilities and tips for medical appointments. She reminds us how self care is also important for parents so they handle the demands of caregiving.

Coleman’s story is a candid and heartfelt exploration of parenting a disabled child, aiming to provide support and solidarity to others in similar situations. Ultimately, it's a testament to the unyielding love and dedication parents have for their children and Kelley’s self reflection on her own personal growth story. One of deeper understanding of what it means to love, be strong, and be resilient while raising your disabled child to be the same.

To learn more about Kelley Coleman’s journey as a parent of a disabled child, read her Diversability Member Spotlight or visit her website www.kelleycoleman.com.

Charon Knob is a guest writer on the Diversability Blog and a member of the Diversability Leadership Collective.