Natasha: A True Story of Disability, Caring and Politics

In 1985, Seamus and Nenette Cowman welcomed the birth of their first child, Natasha, who was shortly afterwards diagnosed with profound intellectual and physical disability. Seamus and Nenette found themselves thrown into the role of carers for Natasha for the next nineteen years, until her death in Temple Street Hospital.

Natasha, as the subtitle states, is A True Story of Disability, Caring and Politics. It unfolds the challenges of caring for a disabled child. Many family home carers will read Natasha’s story and say, ‘that’s my story too.’ The pressures of being a carer is compounded by the scarcity of support services, with inadequate recognition from the State. Natasha presents the plight of carers in Irish society, highlighting decades of underfunding and political malaise towards disability, compounded by the absence of rights-based services for people with intellectual disability.

Natasha is presented through the eyes of Natasha’s family: the highs and lows of their lives; sickness; protesting and lobbying for services; and the many encounters with the political system. The story powerfully reveals how the parents of a small group of children, in response to a government cut in disability funding, coupled with a lack of rights, led a battle with the State.

Natasha is essential reading for anyone with an interest in disability rights, political activism, the impact of policy on the most vulnerable in society, or health and social care.

All proceeds from this book will go to Avista Foundation, and will enhance a sensory garden for children with disability at Avista’s St. Vincent’s Centre on the Navan Road.