Pretty for a Crippled Girl

Pretty for a Crippled Girl is an uncensored, honest, at times painfully raw and yet, funny and entertaining memoir by Teri Siri who has cerebral palsy (CP). The doctors advised Teri’s parents to institutionalize her as a baby because she would most likely be a “vegetable.” Instead, she has led a full and wild life!Teri Siri grew up with her twin, Traci, and her older sister Tami, and went on to live a full active life as an independent woman of independent means.She has achieved financial independence through challenging work, owned several homes as investments, and has skydived, bungee jumped, sailed, and successfully tried just about anything she was told she couldn’t do because of her physical challenges.Teri doesn’t tell her stories as a victim or a whiner, but rather someone who wants the world to understand the constant barrage of demeaning and dismissive treatment toward people with physical disabilities.One of Teri’s favorite words is “fuck.” She embraces this word in all its grammatical forms, finding it to be the most appropriate expression in trying situations.

Teri writes about:

The tremendous prejudice she faces as a disabled person and the constant oblivious comments, jokes, questions, and actions are daily fare. Many times she’s heard people say “pretty for a crippled girl” behind her back and directly to her.
Facing pay inequity in her work life, a major barrier for the disabled.
An inaccessible world that makes finding a bathroom a game changer.
The failed promises of the American Disabilities Act.
Finding good sex and love, then marriage and divorce, and then love again.
International travel, seeking adventure, and long motorcycle trips with her partner.
Do’s and Don’ts for the “Normals”

Teri’s memoir is an excellent read for anyone facing the challenges of a disability, whether physical or otherwise. Nationwide, about 14 percent of the population deals with disabilities, and worldwide about 1.3 billion face disabilities, according to a 2024 World Health Organization report. If you face physical or emotional challenges, you will find camaraderie and kinship with someone who knows this life. An important read for family members, medical professionals, and the world at large.

Author Biography

Teri Siri and her twin sister were born in September 1964 in Portland, Oregon. After a few months doctors determined Teri had cerebral palsy, which affected her legs and feet, restricting her mobility. Experts recommended institutionalizing Teri, predicting she would be a “vegetable.” Instead, Teri stayed with her family and grew up to lead a full, independent, and meaningful life.

She speaks honestly about her experiences as a disabled person and barriers she faces daily, from pay inequity to hurtful comments to finding an accessible bathroom. Her memoir advocates for greater understanding of the prejudices and barriers more than 60 million people in the United States face daily. Worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 1.3 billion have disabilities, both physical and mental. This book is for people with disabilities as well as for families, medical care providers, and the public at large looking for the real deal about living in this world with a disability.

Teri Siri currently lives in the larger San Diego area.