Biography
Joseph "Joey" Deacon was born with severe cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that left him with a muscular "spastic pattern" that particularly afflicted his arms and legs. Deacon's condition resulted in a tendency for muscular Tonus in the form of flexion of arms and extension of legs. This prevented fine motor control in hand and arm movements. Although Deacon could walk with assistance, he mostly used a wheelchair. Deacon's speech was also unintelligible to most people.
Deacon was institutionalised as a child and later made shoes in sheltered accommodation. As he was unable to communicate freely, he was perceived to be "mentally subnormal" by some peers. However, with the help of his friends, Ernie Roberts, Tom Blackburn and Michael Sangster, Deacon was able to write an autobiography, entitled Tongue Tied, that was published by Mencap as part of their Subnormality in the Seventies series. The book provided insight into the lives of people with disabilities. With royalties raised from book sales and donations, Deacon and his friends purchased a home that they would reside in.
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