International Day of People with a Disability Storytime

Celebrate International Day of People with Disability with a special children’s Storytime featuring author Michelle Worthington.

Michelle will share her picture book Mama’s Chickens , which explores early-onset dementia through a child’s eyes, along with other stories. Children can also enjoy a Mama’s Chickens -themed craft activity after the Storytime.

About the author

Michelle Worthington is an international award-winning children's author. Two-time winner of the International Book Award, longlisted three times for the Children's Book Council of Australia's Picture Book of the Year award and finalist in the USA Best Book Awards, Michelle also received a Gellett Burgess Award and a Silver Moonbeam Award for her contribution to celebrating diversity in children’s literature.

Michelle has lived experience of chronic illness and dementia, as well as experience caring for children with disability.

Dementia doesn’t only affect the elderly. Like the parent in the story, people with early-onset dementia may have memory loss, difficulty thinking, trouble recognising people or confusion, or begin acting unlike themselves.

Michelle Worthington has had personal experience of all of these symptoms since her diagnosis with Progressive Nonfluent Aphasia (a form of dementia) and hopes her book will help children understand what dementia can look like.

About International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)

IDPwD is a United Nations day held on 3 December each year. It aims to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. There are 5.5 million people with disability in Australia, that’s 1 in 5 people. By raising awareness of disability, we can promote inclusion in our community.