Hello! I’m Terrie Lynn Birney
Children’s books featuring children with Cerebral Palsy — written by a woman with Cerebral Palsy.
I'm a children’s picture book author who writes stories filled with heart, hope, and imagination. I was born with Cerebral Palsy, and when I entered the world, doctors told my mother I would always be a “vegetable”. To those doctors I say, “Ha—take this!”
My disability has never stopped me from chasing my dreams. In fact, it’s given me a unique way to see the world and the courage to share my story. I communicate using sign language and believe that words—spoken, written, or signed—have the power to connect us and inspire kindness.
I’ve always loved writing. It’s been my favorite way to express my feelings and turn challenges into something beautiful. I graduated from college with an associate degree in Computer Science, but my heart eventually led me to writing children’s books that celebrate inclusion, friendship, and believing in yourself. My stories feature children with Cerebral Palsy, because I want every child to see themselves in the pages of a book and know they are valued and capable of amazing things.
My faith as a Christian gives me strength every day. I believe God has guided me through every obstacle and opened doors I never thought possible. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful husband of more than thirty years and a loving family who have supported me through every chapter of my journey.
Through my books, I hope to inspire young readers to dream big, be kind, and embrace what makes them unique. Everyone has a story worth sharing—and mine is just one of many that prove with faith, love, and perseverance, anything is possible.
I hope you enjoy my site and books. Please feel free to contact me anytime at any media platform below.
My Purpose for Writing
I have loved writing for as long as I can remember. I believe stories can be a gentle and meaningful way to help children understand one another. My work focuses on children’s books featuring children with Cerebral Palsy, written by a woman with Cerebral Palsy, created to both reflect lived experiences and help all children see that kids with Cerebral Palsy are just like everyone else. Growing up, I never saw a book that reflected someone like me, so I always dreamed of writing stories for children who could finally see themselves in the pages.
If you know a child with Cerebral Palsy, I hope you’ll share these stories with them and enjoy the adventure together. Teachers can also use them as a classroom tool to help students understand that children with Cerebral Palsy—or any disability—have the same hopes, dreams, and desires as their peers.
As a woman with Cerebral Palsy, I feel called to share my voice and raise awareness, reminding others that we all have the same feelings, thoughts, wants, and needs.
