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Becoming a person : the biography of Robert Martin / John McRae.

By: McRae, John [author.].
Publisher: Nelson, New Zealand : Craig Potton Publishing 2014Description: 167 pages, 14 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (chiefly colour), portraits ; 24 cm.Content type: text Media type: unmediated Carrier type: volumeISBN: 9781927213193.Other title: Biography of Robert Martin.Subject(s): Martin, Robert, 1957- | INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY | BIOGRAPHY | DEINSTITUTIONALISATION | CIVIL RIGHTS | SUPPORT SERVICES | INCLUSION | SELF ADVOCACY | NEW ZEALANDSummary: "The uplifting and challenging story of how an intellectually disabled New Zealander helped change the world. Brain-damaged at birth, Robert Martin was locked away as a child in places for the 'mentally deficient' where he suffered neglect, abuse and violence. He came to understand that he and his friends were 'nothing people; worthless and valueless, without opinions or rights'. Robert became a runaway, a thief, a scrapper and an activist. But he also stole books and educated himself, and began a civil rights campaign in small town New Zealand that helped grow an international movement. He travelled the world, saw horror in giant institutions and pleaded with politicians and bureaucrats for a better life for his friends. In 2003 he stood alone in a crowded hall to address the United Nations: 'My name is Robert Martin, and I have an intellectual disability.' Becoming a Person is an often painful, but ultimately uplifting account of a journey from nothingness to celebrity. It challenges us to re-examine our notions of what it is to be human"--Publisher's description.Review: This is a book that was a long time in the making because the telling of his story was so painful to Robert. McRae spent a lot of time with Robert Martin, travelling with him to visit significant places in Robert’s life. Together they tell a story of heart break and of triumph, of suffering and joy. It is a confronting story with a lot of it told in Robert’s own words; words which tell of his pain and anger and his commitment to making things better, not just for himself, but for all people with disabilities. A story told with honesty and some humour it concludes with these words: “So, yes, it’s been a journey. It’s been a long journey. A hard one. But it’s taken me from being a nothing, a nobody, to becoming a person.” A very satisfying conclusion to a well written book.
List(s) this item appears in: When things change. Nov 19. CM
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Star ratings
    Average rating: 4.8 (6 votes)
Holdings
Item type Current library Collection Call number Copy number Status Date due Barcode Item holds
Book IHC Library Main Collection 810 MCR (Browse shelf(Opens below)) 1 Available W003325
Book IHC Library Main Collection 810 MCR (Browse shelf(Opens below)) 2 Withdrawn Damaged W003326
Book IHC Library Main Collection 810 MCR (Browse shelf(Opens below)) 3 Checked out 15/04/2024 W003425
Total holds: 0

"How an intellectually disabled New Zealander helped change the world"--Cover.

"The uplifting and challenging story of how an intellectually disabled New Zealander helped change the world. Brain-damaged at birth, Robert Martin was locked away as a child in places for the 'mentally deficient' where he suffered neglect, abuse and violence. He came to understand that he and his friends were 'nothing people; worthless and valueless, without opinions or rights'. Robert became a runaway, a thief, a scrapper and an activist. But he also stole books and educated himself, and began a civil rights campaign in small town New Zealand that helped grow an international movement. He travelled the world, saw horror in giant institutions and pleaded with politicians and bureaucrats for a better life for his friends. In 2003 he stood alone in a crowded hall to address the United Nations: 'My name is Robert Martin, and I have an intellectual disability.' Becoming a Person is an often painful, but ultimately uplifting account of a journey from nothingness to celebrity. It challenges us to re-examine our notions of what it is to be human"--Publisher's description.

This is a book that was a long time in the making because the telling of his story was so painful to Robert. McRae spent a lot of time with Robert Martin, travelling with him to visit significant places in Robert’s life. Together they tell a story of heart break and of triumph, of suffering and joy. It is a confronting story with a lot of it told in Robert’s own words; words which tell of his pain and anger and his commitment to making things better, not just for himself, but for all people with disabilities.
A story told with honesty and some humour it concludes with these words: “So, yes, it’s been a journey. It’s been a long journey. A hard one. But it’s taken me from being a nothing, a nobody, to becoming a person.”
A very satisfying conclusion to a well written book.

Patron comment on 04/08/2016

This should be recommended reading for all staff- provides an overview and history of care, shows how one person can develop if supported well and the strength of the human spirit. A star in New Zealand! I loved it.

Patron comment on 19/04/2016

I hope this is in all libraries in New Zealand. It's a must read. Disturbing, shocking, sad but ultimately uplifting. Very highly recommended.

Patron comment on 11/03/2016

A fantastic book, beautifully written- all the more poignant because the "characters" are real people. Moving me to tears in parts, laughing my head off in other parts. Well done all who were involved in getting this book out there.

Patron comment on 21/01/2016

This book is a must read for anyone employed in the field of intellectual disability.

Patron comment on 15/04/2015

Everyone who wants to be an advocate should read this book. Thanks so much Robert for sharing your story.

Patron comment on 15/04/2015

Thank you. It proved to be a lovely read.

Patron comment on

Brilliant. One of the most inspiring people I now know of. Deeply moving. Makes me proud to be a support person and deeply inspired by the potential of my clients. Every support worker should read this book.

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