Erin and the Mouse : Read, write and play

Erin - a young girl with cerebral palsy who cannot walk, talk or use her hands - helps Mouse to read, write, make magic and play music. In real life Erin's tenacity, ability and sense of fun spurred Clare Latham to write these stories. Her proceeds as author go to SpecialEffect, a charity that gives disabled people the technology to communicate.

Just as the heroine in these stories, in real life Erin is a young girl who cannot walk, talk or use her hands. She has cerebral palsy. Within are subtle messages for her and many others* such as 'never give up', 'I am able just as I am', 'reading gives one so much' and 'accept me as me'... Clare Latham was asked by SpecialEffect founder Dr Mick Donegan if she could build a communication system with Erin, which she did together with her Mum and personal assistant. Erin's tenacity, ability and sense of fun then spurred Clare to write these stories from their shared experiences and, as it were, keep her going... * There are 17 million around the world living with cerebral palsy (US National Institute of Health)... SpecialEffect: The charity is dedicated to giving disabled people the technology to access video games and the internet, thus promoting fun and inclusion. Dr Donegan was awarded an MBE for his service to disability.