A Life Like Anybody Else: How a Man with an Intellectual Disability Fulfilled His American Dream

A book told in the voice of an individual with disabilities is a rarity. This book -- so rich and full so vivid and moving so free of cliché so bursting with hope -- is a marvel. -- Rachel Simon New York Times bestselling author of Riding the Bus with My Sister and The Story of Beautiful GirlWonderful ... Informative and inspirational ... A different perspective. -- Barbara E. Bromley Ph.D. California State Polytechnic University PomonaMichael Long tells the truth in this book. And truth about what it means to be a human being is hard to come by. -- Nancy R. Thaler Deputy Secretary for the Office of Developmental Programs Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaMichael S. Long is a dreamer and this candid memoir brings you into those dreams and into the reality of life with a disability.Born with an intellectual disability and cerebral palsy Michael takes you right along with him as he recounts his youth and teen years -- when he was mocked ridiculed and branded a retard -- through his young adult life when he learned to truly believe in himself and in the power of his potential.Michael will win you over with his plainspoken style as he shares how he fulfilled his dreams -- to have a home of his own a career and someone to love -- and offers the inspiration to go after your own hearts fondest desires no matter what.CRITICAL PRAISEEvery page is full of breathtaking honesty hard-won insights love for others so deep you feel it in your own bones clarity about the rights of people with disabilities and enthusiasm for all life has to offer from education to employment to civic involvement to romance to living the American Dream. His journey from child to man is populated by many naysayers who put him down and tell him what he cannot do but also caring parents good friends and one teacher who made a huge difference. As I read on watching Michael come to believe in himself move into an independent life and strive to make his mark on the world my emotions rose and fell and rose again -- until he becomes a prominent and influential self-advocate and public speaker and then my heart soared. -- Rachel Simon New York Times bestselling author of Riding the Bus with My Sister and The Story of Beautiful GirlMichael has made presentations in my Mainstreaming and Special Education classes for a number of years. I cannot praise Michaels contributions enough ... He is an example of the results for which we all strive. -- Patricia M. Phipps Ph.D. Professor / Special Education California State University ChicoMichael Long has been a visionary pioneer forging dreams of a future where people with disabilities are living working learning and playing in communities that recognize the value of all people. He is an outspoken courageous leader and hero in the self-advocacy movement. ... I have personally witnessed the transformation in others when they have been touched by Michael -- he is a unique and generous human being. -- Laura Larson Executive Director State Council of California Developmental Disabilities Board