Joey Deacon

Joseph John "Joey" Deacon (24 May 1920 – 3 December 1981) was a British author and television personality.

Biography

Joseph "Joey" Deacon was born with severe cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that left him with a neuromuscular "spastic pattern" that particularly afflicted his arms and legs. Deacon's condition resulted in significant muscular tonus, a tendency for muscular flexion of arms and extension of legs. This virtually prevented fine motor control in his hands, arms and legs. Although Deacon could walk with assistance, he mostly used a wheelchair. Deacon's speech was also unintelligible to most, bar his closest friends.

Deacon was institutionalised as a child and later made shoes in sheltered accommodation. As he was unable to communicate freely, he was mistakenly 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, which was published by the charity Mencap as part of their Subnormality in the Seventies series. The book provided insight into the lives of those with physical disabilities. With royalties raised from book sales and donations, Deacon and his friends purchased a home that they would be able to reside in.