Author Rachel Simon's memoir about her relationship with her sister Beth, a spirited woman who lives intensely and often joyfully. Beth, who has an intellectual disability, spends her days riding the buses in her Pennsylvania city. At the time, Rachel asked Beth what she'd like for her upcoming birthday, Beth asks Rachel to ride the buses with her for a whole year, and reluctantly, Rachel agreed. This wonderful book - Riding The Bus With My Sister - chronicles that year, during which Rachel befriends the bus drivers, Jesse, and Olivia, and learns about such key civil rights issues as self-determination and People-first language.
The story in the present alternates with the story of the sisters' tumultuous family history, which also presents the struggles and pleasures of siblings of people with disabilities.
Rachel Simon is also a nationally-recognized (USA) public speaker on issues related to diversity and disability.
Rachel's work has been adapted for theater, NPR, the Lifetime Channel, and Hallmark Hall of Fame, whose adaptation of Riding The Bus With My Sister starred Rosie O' Donnell and Andie McDowell, directed by Anjelica Huston in 2005 Get ready, Cool Beth just might change your life too!