Disabilities Books

I recently attended the Autism Society of America conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. I had the pleasure of attending workshops presented by the authors, Maureen Morrell and Ann Palmer. This book received the national award from the Autism Society of America for "Literary Work of the Year". This book is a must have!! It will make you laugh and cry while providing you with a wealth of knowledge and information. This book is great for both parents of young children and adult children with autism spectrum disorder.

These two authors have opened up their hearts and shared their lives and their wisdom with us. How heartbreaking and bittersweet are the stories that supplement the practical guidance. You will laugh out loud, you will cry with heartbreak, you will wonder at these two mothers' strengths and you will say "I wish I had thought of that". The personal stories are riveting and intense but the abundant practical advice is invaluable and extremely helpful. The authors have earned my gratitude for sharing generously their unexpected lessons.

This outstanding book (and its authors!) have just been recognized by the Autism Society of America for making a "significant contribution to autism awareness, education, and advocacy in the last 5 years." The authors are two very experienced mothers whose sons (now adults) are on the opposite ends of the autism spectrum, and through this remarkable book they offer guidance, hope, and valuable personal insight to all parents of children with ASD. This is a poignant, intelligent, and honest work that has quickly become a classic in the autism literature. The personal experiences and knowledge that the authors share will benefit parents and professionals alike, and the book is highly recommended for anyone who lives or works with individuals on the autism spectrum.

If you would like a signed copy of this book (signed by both authors), please visit our website.

This is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to know more about autism. An added treat is that it is well written and well thought out. The authors Maureen F. Morrell and Ann Palmer are moms who raised autistic boys at opposite ends of the severity scale, offering sometimes painfully honest accounts of daily life, disappointments and triumphs. I believe this book could be enormously comforting to parents grandparents, friends and teachers of autistic children--the advice and insights are based on experiences spanning babyhood and diagnosis to adulthood and leaving home. What's it like to be told your child has autism? How can you survive day to day? Will you love an autistic child the same way you love their siblings? What happens when autistic kids grow up? For each mom, the answers were slightly different, and yet the same. I found much of what I wanted to know, including one shocking statistic about the march of this affliction--one in 5,000 children in the 1980s to just one in 166 in 2005! The one thing I wish the book had included was a paragraph or two of opinion and analysis. I wanted to know what two moms in the trenches believe is happening to our kids. How scared should we be? Is there promising news on the horizon? Perhaps they felt that analysis is irrelevant in the reality of day-to-day living with autism. However, they do review a couple of dozen additional publications. I recommend this informitive, sad, funny book to anyone, whether they've been personally touched by autism or not.

This is a fabulous book that shares with the reader two different ends of the Autism Spectrum. Ann Palmer and Maureen Morrell have managed to share an incredible range of emotions seamlessly. As a parent of a child with ASD I truly felt I was not alone and that there is survival in raising a child with such a baffling disorder. This is a must read for any parent who is going down the ASD road and needs the honest and raw support these two writers offer. I hope all professionals and support people in the ASD area will recommend this book to those they work with. Thanks Ann and Maureen for opening your hearts and sharing your lives with us all.

A disabled person suffers from an information asymmetry when dealing with the insurance company the doctor and Social Security when on claim. The people they deal with know all about disability and they know nothing. This book teaches much of what you need to know. Tells you what files to keep, what clauses mean and how to minimize problems when dealing with your disability.

I reluctantly purchased this book at the suggestion of a disability claims examiner on a web forum. The last thing in the world I wanted to do after becoming disabled was to read a book about it. However I am very glad that I did just that. The book is written by a woman who herself became disabled and discovered the hard way - as most do - just how much of your privacy and rights you give up when you are disabled and submit a related insurance claim. No one is there to stand up for you when you need it the most. Quite the contrary; almost every organization that is involved in your disability claim seems to have rejecting your claim at the top of their list. This book explains in great detail just what steps you need to take, along with the documentation you must gather, and how to best protect your own interests if and when you become disabled. This book jump-started me out of what was most likely a depression-induced inertia and got me working to protect my own best interests. Because no one else will, believe me!

"This is much more than a how-to or do-it-yourself book. It is a plain English road map through the thicket of the entire disability process. It is so well written, accurate, and thorough, attorneys and judges will use it as an important desk reference. All organizations, agencies, and individuals involved in the disability benefits decision process, take note: This book now levels the playing field for the newly disabled." - Thomas P. Dovidio, Esquire

This is an excellent resource for my patients that have become disabled from a medical condition. It is a useful tool as 'Persistence is Power' prepares patients to organize medical visits, workplace modifcations, restrictions, and daily life with actual worksheets and guideposts (websites and other resources), so that they can learn how to manage their new role in life.
I find that most patients who have not had a previous work-related injury do not know what to expect or know who to contact when they have different medical, finacncial, or work-related issues. This book allows a peek into those expectations and gives guidance for newly injured workers.
An easy read, and a useful one.

Julie A. Muche', MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabiliation Physician

Having been employed for 30 years by the same aerospace firm, I have personally found that employee benefits has been out-sourced which leaves very little information & assistance to those in need. Sometimes the idea of filing a lawsuit doesn't help TODAY's needs. I have read Jeanne's book and wish I had known many of those resources and how to go about getting results. I surely would not have had to go down so many dead-end streets. I highly recommend this informative book to anyone who needs to know what, how, and where to go in getting the medical assistance that just seems to be no longer there.

This was a very heartwarming story. Reading this book gave me insight to Denise. It's truly amazing everything her and Neil went through to adopt David. I thought it would be an "OK" book, but I was wrong. It was fantastic. I couldn't put it down. I reccomend this book for everyone, as everyone will find something in it to relate too.

I think this is one of the best books I have ever read. The author does a great job of taking you into her world. This is a must read for anyone with a disability who has ever been told they cannot do something. Also a must read for those without disabilities to see that the abilities of people with disabilities are limitless. I look forward to future books by this talented author.

Denise made me both laugh and cry - somethimes at the same time. This is a WONDERFUL book about determination, ingenuity and grit all combined with a non-stop sense of humor. Denise shows us how it is possible for people with severe disabilities to thrive dispite society's limiting attitudes. I loved the book.

The Question of David should be required reading for all adoptive and prospective adoptive parents. Their disabilities notwithstanding, the Jacobsons took on a huge responsibility with unlimited risk by adopting a child thought to have disabilities of his own. I laughed and cried and ached all through the story. As an adoptive parent of a child with ADHD, I found Denise's struggle with day-to-day issues an inspiration. How does she do it? Cheers to the Jacobson's and to David!

This book is a touching look at motherhood and all of its challenges. As a first time mother, I related to the same feelings of inadequacy, doubt, hope and elation that Denise so poignantly describes. My hat goes off to the Jacobsons who share their aspirations and who serve as an inspiration for all parents and parents to be whether they are disabled or not.

In my 18 years in eyecare, I've never come across a better book on monocularity (having only one seeing eye). I've recommended this book to several patients, with wonderful results. My best advice to any person with only one useful eye is two-fold: always wear safety glasses, and get this book! It is full of practical advice that I've passed along to patients, even those who have two good eyes but must wear an eye patch on one for a while. This is grass-roots stuff to help you where you live...driving, dining out, even shaking hands. As an author and editor of eyecare material myself, I'm very particular and picky. But this book is a winner any way you look at it.

Do not be gouged by the used book sellers. The newest edition of the book is available from the book's website for a reasonable price. Put the name of the book into a search engine and you will find its website.

I was born with a Cataract in 1971 which wasn't removed until I was 7 years old in an out of town hospital (due to the fact that the doctors in my area who were not educated in Cataract surgery in infants.) From birth, I did not have vision in my right eye.

I was introduced to this book by my Ocularist when I received my scleral shell for my eye in 1996. (Yes, yet another doctor in my area that had no idea what he was doing. I lost my during a procedure he performed that was unnecessary.)

This book was helpful to me in understanding how and why I do certain things with one eye. Also, it explains how to compensate for the lack of depth-perception or peripheral vision. It gives a list of famous personalities with monocular vision so don't feel so alone. These people did great things in life with only one eye, for example Theodore Roosevelt, Sandy Duncan, Peter Falk, Guglielmo Marconi, John Milton, Horatio Nelson, and Hilaire Germain Edgar Degas are just a few.

I recommend this book to anyone who knows someone or is a person with one eye. Some may have lost their eye years ago or recently. Either way, it is a help to all.

I lost sight of one eye in 1988. It did not hurt, but I did not know what to expect, and how I would adapt to monocular vision. No-one seemed to be able to advise me - until I came across "A Singular View".
This book explains it in 129 large print pages, using ordinary English, not in medispeak. It explains how most people see, the process of adjusting to the use of just one eye, and tips to adapt in a wide range of day to day situations.
If you have lost, or are losing, the sight of one eye, are you close to someone in this situation, this book is a MUST.>

My 7 year old son lost vision in one eye through a accident. My sister found this book in the public library and it was very helpful to us as parents and for my son. It helped us deal with some of the every day difficulties in the first few months. It also helped us realize that he could continue doing alot of the same activities, with extra precautions of course. I have passed on the name of the book to all the eye specialist we have seen. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has lost vision in one eye or any one dealing directly with a friend or relative who has lost vision in one eye.

Caring for an Alzheimer's caregiver carries with it a plentitude of difficulties, particularly if the caregiver is a spouse. As the nation witnessed with the Reagan's, one of the most tragic consequences was that of a couple with a rich past, but the inability to share those precious memories into old age. And, too often, the caregiver is forgotten as the spotlight is turned on the person with Alzheimer's. This book puts a human face on those caregivers.

The authors capture stories of actual caregivers as they face each successive stage of the illness. In addition, the book is filled with coping strategies for those caregivers. If you know an Alzheimer's caregiver (or any caregiver), buy them a copy of this book - - not only will it be helpful, it will touch them deeply as they realize the conflicting emotions they're experiencing are shared by many.

Two thumbs up, five stars.

As a long time caregiver, I wanted to thank you so much for the gift of your wonderful book. It's a continuous support group for Alzheimer's caregivers. There were so many stories and situations I related to, since I experienced some of the same events over time. Having participated in a support group for caregivers for 15 years, I found the book to show great understanding and empathy of caregivers, and to be a real acknowledgement of all the caregivers I have known and learned with over the past 15 years. It's a great resource and will be a wonderful help to all who read it!!

Yvonne - a caregiver for 15 years.

In the family crisis of Alzheimer's, often it is the caregiver who is forgotten. This sensitively-written and compassionate book helps those in this situation cope with things - from the micro to the macro. I highly recommend it, for professionals who are helping the patients and their families, and for the families themselves. Two thumbs up to the authors for a fine piece of work.

The collaboration of licensed therapist and Alzheimer caregiving expert Sandy Braff and Mary Rose Olenik (Staff Research Associate in the Department of Psychiatry, University of California - San Diego and a participant in an N.I.H. grant studying the effects of stress on the immune system of Alzheimer's caregivers), Staying Connected While Letting Go: The Paradox Of Alzheimer's Caregiving is a "reader friendly" guide to Alzheimer's debilitating effects on the mind, the stress of handling both the physical demands and the emotional turmoil of caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's. Providing expert advice for avoiding the trap of neglecting one's own health; counsel for dealing with sensitive issues such as inappropriate public behavior in one's patient; and much, much more fill the pages of this very highly recommended guide for all Alzheimer's caregivers. If you have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's, then give a careful reading to Staying Connected While Letting Go.

Over the four years during which my brother and sister and I arranged for, and provided, care for our mother, I experienced the soul numbing range of horrors that Alzheimer's disease visits on both its victims and their caregivers.

* The disbelief that my mother could possibly forget that she had asked me the same question three times in 10 minutes, followed by the self-hatred at my anger and lack of understanding.
* The feelings of helplessness and confusion that accompanied our struggles to figure out what would be best for her, and the absence of definitive answers from the medical community.
* The deluded belief at each particular phase of her illness that things couldn't possibly get any worse, only to watch the next descent destroy more of who she was.
* The heartbreaking relief when she smiled at me in recognition when I arrived to visit.
* The innumerable times that I had to pull my car to the curb as I returned home because I was sobbing so deeply that I could no longer see the road.
* And, most of all, the overwhelmingly empty feeling of isolation and solitude.

Now, I watch from a distance as my cousins endure the same horrors in caring for my mother's brother. But they have a reaffirming guide that was unavailable to us. I sent them a copy of Staying Connected While Letting Go.

In our high tech world, we often forget the importance of the individual human story in passing along culture, history, knowledge, and simple wisdom. But to me, the highest value of the human story is to trigger in the listener, or reader, a sense of shared humanity. Recognizing one's own experiences in the story of another person shatters one's sense of isolation. This is the genius of Staying Connected While Letting Go.

Ms. Olenik and Ms. Braff have structured their book around the stories of caregivers, who describe their experiences with their loved ones at successive phases of the illness. Neither the caregivers nor the authors try to sanitize what is frequently the unpleasant reality of facing and reacting to the confusing and disturbing behaviors that can accompany Alzheimer's. As a result, the book has a credibility that will strengthen its appeal to caregivers, while sharing the coping mechanisms of the caregiving community to which they belong.

It's extraordinarily rare to find a book that has such enormous potential to help people who desperately need a sense of community. The authors deserve our thanks!

This book, written for the elementary grades, offers a glimpse of what autistic children face and feel. It would be a good book for teachers to use for disability awareness or to read to classes during autism month (April). As autistic children participate more in classroom activities, it is important for other students (and their parents) to understand how they think and react.

Another book worth reading after this book is "The Boy Who Ate Stars" by Sarah Adams (recommended for ages 9-14).

This book is an ideal teaching tool for young readers about autism. The drawings are especially delightful and I just love the grid the young author makes of herself and Matthew. She applies several adjectives to Matthew with a corresponding drawing with the last one being "Matthew is autistic." She emphasizes other aspects of Matthew and his personality; autism is a part of identity. It is not his ENTIRE identity.

I like the way questions for young readers are included, e.g. "when was the last time you helped somebody?" This delightful book focuses more on commonalities than differences; Jeanette and Matthew will certainly teach you a lot regardless of age. This is the ideal companion book to ALL ABOUT MY BROTHER by Peralta.

Sundays with Matthew is a wonderful, whimsical book emphasizing "how to be a good person", and focusing on areas that autistic kids sometimes have problems with. By drawing out abstract concepts, visual kids can understand these ideas more fully. There is a great section of sketchbook tips at the end that encourage others to find their own sketchbook buddy, and use drawing as a form of communication.

Not only is this book full of delightfully entertaining drawings, it's also bursting with gems of wisdom about relationships and life in general. The perspective of an autistic child adds a poignant message about what truly matters in life. The Sketchbook Tips at the end of the book can be used by anyone who wants to start drawing but isn't sure how. "Sundays with Matthew" is a wonderful read for kids and adults of any age. It should be required reading in any school that has autistic students. I highly recommend it!

As an educator I have worked with several autistic students over the years and this book is a perfect model for what can be accomplished by these talented children with a little guidance. The book is an inspiration for all those working the field of education as it helps us imagine the possibilties for success that all exceptional learners possess. I read this book to my class and we came up with the idea of "response journaling" through art and text as a classroom project to issues we face daily and throughout the year. This book has given my class the motivation to create similar products. The book is well done and would be a welcome addition to any classroom library, especially if the class includes an autistic student. This book will help the other students in class more clearly understand autism and some issues that surround it. Great read-aloud.

I am very happy!!! I got an additional $12.00 savings by the time the book arrived. My university wanted $98.00 for the book & that is not including tax. I was able to save $38.00, NOT TO MENTION THE TAX i SAVED.
Thank you Amazon & nward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )

Great book, great shipper. Came fast and I am happy with the whole purchase.

I had to buy this textbook last year, as I was getting my teaching endorsement in Special Education. It is a good text, although mostly only useful if you are studying this for ceritification (I haven't used since I've been teaching).

This book is an excellent resource for all special education teachers. I especially recomment it for new teachers because it basically covers, in depth, the information that a first year teacher needs to organize their classroom, implement programs for facilitating teaching (e.g. peer tutoring,setting up reading and math programs, etc.).
It is a very challenging because of the amount of information covered. It teaches approaches to language arts and math (e.g. a concrete, representational, abstract approach to teaching math). It encourages and discusses ways to make teaching a more hands on approach to learning. I love it!

I have always used Cecil's book in my own research in developing materials. It is written clearly, is regularly updated, and presents sound thinking for special educators. If you work with students with learning and/or behavioral problems, this book is essential.

Great sci-fi book (even for those who aren't normally into sci-fi). I stayed up all night to finish the book. Cannot wait to read the next installment!!

Loved it. 5 stars!!!

I recommend to everyone. A fantasy novel that keeps the attention of those who are not fans of the fantasy genre. Like me!

Just wanted to say that this is one of the most unique sci-fi/fantasy books I've read in a while...totally worth checking out!

I found this book fascinating and exciting! I couldn't put it down! I highly recommend this e-book to everyone who is interested in either fantasy, sci-fi or a really good love story. You really should read this one. It's a taker homer!!!!

Wade of Aquitaine will satisfy any Fantasy reader. Through time and space Wade's adventure transports him into history. Fantasy twines through history, while scientific lore adds interest to this wonderful story that gives the reader everything they could want.
Characters are colourful, feel authentic and are beautifully sculpted with historic relevance. The landscape of ancient Europe is used skilfully. While remaining true to Fantasy, the factual side of the story is riveting and just adds another element to a great yarn. The writing flows, the tension mounts and every page must be turned until the last.
I highly recommend this book to all Fantasy readers.

Wendy Richardson needs to find a larger audience for her work - the information is invaluable. This is one of my favorite books of all time. I have bought extra copies to give away to people in the field that need to understand the link between biology and addiction. 6 stars... BRAVO!!!!

I see the devastating effects of AD/HD and addiction every day in my private psychotherapy practice. The GREAT NEWS is: THERE IS HOPE! Wendy Richardson presents crucial information about the connections between AD/HD and addictive behaviors (not just drugs and alcohol) in an easy read that is both enlightening and encouraging. This book presents the perfect balance between scientific facts and gentle words of encouragement. Ms. Richardson is very clear in making certain that the reader is not left with just information about the connection between AD/HD and addictive behaviors. She also provides the reader with valuable, "ready to use today," suggestions of what can be done right now to start the healing process. "When Too Much Is Not Enough" is the book to read - for individuals struggling with addiction, their family members, and everyone in the helping professions.
Jonathan Scott Halverstadt, MS, LMFT

Wendy Richardson once again writes an imformative and helpful book about AD/HD and addiction. This book delves deep into addictive behaviors that many adults with AD/HD face. This book isn't just about well known addictions like drugs and gambling. It discusses every day things like shopping, food, and the internet. Wendy also provides helpful ways to deal with AD/HD and addictive behaviors.

I read through this book in about an afternoon. The author does a fabulous job of telling you what parts you need to read and which you don't, depending on what type of AD/HD you have and what possible addictions you may also have. In addition she presents the information very clearly and includes a lot of information not discussed in detail elsewhere.

This book answers all the of questions I had about my close friend. It is a great source of knowledge and gives inspiration to getting the help you need.

Able! is a revolutionary book that has made a tremendous impact on the way many of us approach people with disabilities. This eye opening book is a revealing account told form the prospective of an incredible CEO who had the courage to buck the system and hire people previously overlooked and unconsidered for employment. Then had the fortitude to challenge the status quo and give equal pay and benefits to his "challenged" workers - all the while out-producing his competitors and opening his doors for all to see. Included are stories by the individuals - from the staff, family members, care takers, and those who have seen first hand what true inclusion really means. The examples set by Habitat International should be shared with anyone whose life has been touched by someone with a disability to show there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There are people Like David Morris and companies like Habitat International and Walgreens with open doors willing and able to provide them with the opportunities and support they need. If you get the chance pick it up and share this book with families or friends in need reassurance and examples of people with severe disabilities who "make it" to lives of productivity and satisfaction. Able! is a gift and a true story of what it takes to make your own way no matter the odds.

As an educator I found this book to be a "must read" for students of all
ages. The reader gains a better understanding of what positive business
gains can be made when hiring within the disabled community. Further, the
author writes the book in a manner that allows you to know the "heroes"
within the company and gain a personal appreciation for what each one brings
to the work place, ultimately allowing a better understanding of the talents
a truly diverse workforce brings to enhancing the business and the lives of
each individual.

I hope this is only the beginning of Nancy Henderson Wurst's career in book
writing. Her ability to help the reader know and understand the lives of
the people she writes about is a true gift to the reader. This book is for
everyone willing to learn.

This book inspires people of all abilities to appreciate one another's differences. There are many interesting stories related throughout the book. It's a must read for all organizations.

I am lucky enough to know David Morris personally, he is an inspiration in my life. Nancy Henderson Wurst captures in this book what David brings to the world, and we all need to know that compassion CAN live in the successful business world. I've also been lucky enough to meet some of those who David hired, persons who were "unhirable" by traditional standards. Wow, what a thing it is to see ABLE where others see "disabled". Just imagine what that does for that person. David brings compassion, harmony and ease into the bigtime corporate world and into the lives of everyone around him. Seeing David live his life, run his business and accept others is a major catalyst for the creation of a new business venture I am bringing to the world. Just last night I figured out how to also involve ABLED persons into the mix! It took 2 months of brainstorming but now I get to also try to make a little difference in the world, and I feel great ..thanks to David! No kidding, if you are a business person who has a yearning to also contribute to the world AS you do business then you should read this little book, I bet you WILL find some possibilities in there that will bring beauty to your life ..and to others. Have a good day.

This book should be read by every C.E.O. who cares about his employees and wants to improve his company profitability; and should be required reading in every H. R. Department and business School. Mr. Morris has shown great courage and vision. He and Ms. Henderson-Wurst deserve to be given as much prime time publicity as possible to showcase the people in their book. I am 53 years old, born with Cerebral Palsy, trained as an Attorney, in London. I have never met an employer, with the vision of Mr Morris.