Educator plans book signing Sept. 23 in Oxford

OXFORD, Miss. - Quadriplegic cerebral palsy dealt Maxine Harper a devastating blow that robbed her of most of her physical abilities but not her spirit and keen intellect. A faculty member at the University of Mississippi since 2000, Harper uses a computer, with a key guard and word prediction software program, to type around 10 words a minute.

Aside from her work as clinical assistant professor of education and interim director of the Center for Educational Research and Evaluation at UM, Harper has penned - one key at a time - an inspirational book, "Maxine Harper's Journey of Hope."

In the heart-tugging story, she shares her dreams, struggles, triumphs and faith, showing how she has faced life confined to a wheelchair, unable to speak clearly and with limited use of her hands.

"It isn't easy to open up your life story to the world," she said, adding that she hopes it will inspire parents, teachers and others to help children with disabilities live up to their fullest potential.

Harper is scheduled to sign copies of her book at Off Square Books in Oxford at 5 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 23). The book was published by Lantern Publishing Co., Harper's self-created business.

Harper's presence on the Ole Miss campus has inspired many, including education Dean Tom Burnham.

"Maxine is a brilliant, amazing lady," Burnham said. "She is an inspiration to all of our students, faculty and myself. I have tremendous respect for her. She is both a fantastic educator and role model."

As a young child growing up in Greenwood during the early 1960s - long before the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act - Harper had no legal grounds on which to enroll in public school. A principal even told her that she would never be able to attend.

"I wanted so desperately to go to school with my sister, and many tears were shed over that principal's decision," Harper recalls. "I looked at that school as though it was a candy store whose door was locked to me. I could only see through the windows at something I could not have."

Despite the setback, Harper began attending a half-day school for children with disabilities. Then a new public school principal arrived in town, and with the collaboration of her teacher and parents, she started public school in the sixth grade. That same year, she earned top honors in English and literature.

Winning more honors along the way, she graduated as valedictorian of her class. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in special education and doctorate in curriculum and supervision, both from Delta State University, as well as a master's degree in special education from Mississippi State University.

Over time, cerebral palsy took a severe toll on Harper's joints, and doctors implanted a pain pump near her spine to help ease the suffering. That device broke in half in 2005.

"That crisis nearly took my life," Harper said. "I had the device repaired but was told it could break again at any time."

Facing the news, Harper began to wonder about her legacy. She had taught an online course at Ole Miss for several years, but she yearned to leave behind something of more value. So she embarked on an innovative effort with a colleague to teach in the classroom. She wanted to show UM students that people with special needs can succeed.

"I love the interaction with the students," Harper said.

Harper teamed with Diane Lowry, UM coordinator of special education curriculum and instruction, to co-teach EDSP 308, Introduction to Special Education. Demand for the course has grown so that Harper teaches a section by herself.

"Not only are we teaching this information, we're modeling it," Lowry said. "Students get to see what we teach about in practice."

Harper's legacy continues to expand as her memoir reaches more people. Robert Hughes, president and CEO of the National Institute for School Leadership in Washington, D.C., commended her achievements. (Hughes lost a brother to cerebral palsy).

"Maxine's story is a powerful force as a case study within our institute on students with disabilities," Hughes said. "Her impact is wide and deep across the nation."

For more information, visit http://maxineharper.com.