A Glasgow teenager has received a national accolade after she used her writing skills to highlight disability issues.
Melissa Cassidy, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, started a blog when she was 14 and found that writing provided her with an outlet to express herself.
While attending a mainstream school in the city the teen began to feel extremely isolated. Melissa decided that she would write a a children’s story, which included diverse characters and celebrated communities that often face oppression, to raise awareness of the difficulties that people with disabilities face.
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The determined 17-year-old spent months trying to get the book published, however, no one took a chance on her. Instead of giving up, Melissa created her own publishing company called Alder Books and made her precious story into a real children’s book called ‘Doodle the Poodle’s Big Day Out’.
Her school, Hillpark Secondary, held a book launch in celebration. They also successfully nominated the teen for a Diana Award, which was set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales and her belief that young people have the power to change the world.
Melissa told Glasgow Live: "I'm honoured and privileged to be given this award.
"Writing allows people to understand me and it also lets me put my message across.
"I think it is really important for people to see what I am doing because there isn't enough representation for people with disabilities. I'm hoping to write some more in the future but it won't just be children's books.
"When I leave school I want to continue writing and become a screen writer."
Delighted mum Jennifer added: "I am always proud of my daughter.
"This achievement is really amazing. We weren't very familiar with the award.
"When the school phoned to say she won, we forgot they had put her forward for it. I'm really delighted for her.
"She works really hard and she isn't always recognised for her efforts, so it is really nice and really special that she has been recognised now."
To purchase the Children's book click here
