Author Teri Siri to Give Book Talk of her Memoir ‘Pretty for a Crippled Girl,’ 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 16 at Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St., Santa Barbara.

Siri has heard the words in the book title, and numerous other awful comments, countless times. She has written an uncensored, honest, at times painfully raw and yet, entertaining memoir about her life with a disability, Chaucer’s said.

Her story defies people’s perceptions and prejudices about those with physical challenges. She rejects stereotypical thinking: “What can people with disabilities do?” Teri asks in her memoir.

“Read on, I’ll tell you what I can do,” she writes.

More than 70 million people in the U.S. live with some kind of functional or intellectual/developmental disability. Each of these individuals faces discrimination, inequality, and barriers to a fuller life from a world built for able-bodied people.

Siri’s voice is a crucial addition to the growing chorus in the disability community demanding fair treatment, Chaucer’s said.

“For those who want to understand what living with a disability might look like, Teri’s story is enlightening. And for people with disabilities who feel unseen and unheard, hopefully, Teri’s memoir will speak to you loudly and clearly,” event organizers said.

Siri and her twin sister were born prematurely in Portland, Oregon in September 1964. Teri has cerebral palsy, a physical condition that affects her legs and muscle stiffness.

Despite medical experts’ dire predictions that Teri would most likely be a “vegetable” and should be institutionalized, she grew up with her family, and has lived a full, independent, and adventurous life, and continues to do so, Chaucer’s said.