Disabilities Books

The brain is the most important organ of the human body, and dealing with damage to it is a feat in itself. "Brain Injury Survival Kit: 365 Tips, Tools, & Tricks to Deal with Cognitive Function Loss" is a guide for those who are afflicted and those who are family to them. Touching on the many sorts of brain injury and the effects of each, it tackles subjects such as communication, struggling with memory, medication, and dealing with day to day life when it's an epic challenge to do so. "Brain Injury Survival Kit" is a must to have on hand when you or a family member is faced with this unfortunate injury.

There are few injuries more traumatic than brain injuries. Not to be able to find just the right word at just the right time can be...devastating.

This book will teach you tricks for how to cope. Much of it consists in learning to plan, to take notes, and to organize, organize, and organize again so you can regain your life.

I would like to point out also that this book would be of extreme value to any caregivers. Sometimes it can be difficult to persuade someone with brain injuries to read a book like this. Even so, this book will show you how to help your loved one.

This book is a great road map for people with brain injury and for families of people with brain injury. What this book does not do: It does not delve on the reasons how or why there is brain damage, or to the degree or extent of brain damage. It does not compare severe vs. mild brain damage. It does tell of all kinds of symptoms, many more than I personally have. Dr. Sullivan showed ways to get around them or ways to deal with them. But most importantly she showed me that one can learn to accept and live with brain damage. My life changed and I had no direction from the medical field. The doctors fixed the physical, but then left me adrift. I read several books once my reading comprehension returned and not one of the books offered any solutions to fix or help. Dr. Sullivan's book is a no nonsense book with honest to goodness answers for ways to deal with every day issues, not only to help the person with a brain injury, but will also help the family of the brain injured understand what is happening and how to help. She also offers resources for all kinds of additional help that is available. This book is easy to read and will be used time & time again.

Many people do not understand the wide spectrum of results from brain injury...from the severe and most obvious to those who live day to day with moderate disabilities and their consequences. Many of the survival techniques in this book are directed to those who suffer from the subtle changes that are a disaster to the sufferer but hardly noticed by those surrounding them. Dr. Sullivan speaks to those of us who can function--just not as well as most of the population. She extends a helping hand to those of us who need her--those of us who keep our moderate symptoms a secret but still need help. It would also be a great tool kit for those suffering "normal" memory loss in the aging process. My sincere thanks for this survival kit.

I've read quite a few books about special needs parenting, but this one is the perfect balance between positive messages & affirming the difficult feelings. After reading this book, I felt more at peace with my role in life. Not extatic, not depressed. Just a wonderful sense of calm. Both authors have daughters with special needs, & I think that makes the difference. I've dog-eared & underlined some great thoughts from this book that I know I'll be coming back to for a long, long time.

I just finished this book last night and it was excellent. The personal comments by the authors were both beautiful and insightful. I can only imagine how powerful they are in face-to-face workshops!

This book touches on an area where parents don't get near the support they need....how to help themselves and their families move past a diagnosis and create the joyful life we all want for ourselves and our families. The authors start by describing their own deep need for this material and then go on to offer 200 pages of practical tips and exercises to help any parent create a more joyful life that fits their unique situation.

I am very glad I read this book. It has helped me become more self-aware, especially when I'm feeling worried or afraid. I love that it's written for and by parents. I kept reading the stories in it and feeling: I am among friends. I especially appreciate the book's technique of "reframing", which is a strategy for working with a range of thoughts and feelings. I realize that I have more control over my life than I thought I did. Most of this sense of change has been internal. But that affects everything else - my kids, our whole family, our school.

This book is helpful for moms with any child, and especially for a mom with a child who has special needs. I love how the author talks about not finding a book that "fit" them. Thankyou for writing a book that fits all. I am doing a book club with another mom because of this awesome book.

I am very interested in children with cerebral palsy in Korea.
Because of easiler explaination basic concepts, y book I am very impressed this book.
This book is helped in teaching introduced children with cerebral palsy in Korea.

Wow! After almost five years of parenting a child with CP, I've discovered a book that answers all my questions! This book goes into detail on everything you want to know--the medical aspects of high tone/low tone, when various surgeries are necessary and what results you can expect, the different types of AFO's and equipment, lots of other stuff. If you have a child with CP, you'll want this book. I only wish they had come out with a second edition by now. (Sept. 2003) Also includes an extensive encyclopedia. If you've been craving detailed information and answers, this is what you've been looking for.

Co-authored by medical doctors Freeman Miller and Steven Bachrach, Cerebral Palsy: A Complete Guide For Caregiving, 2nd Edition is a `must' for any family struggling with CP care: it provides parents with answers ranging form understanding areas of involvement and basic care issues to understanding medical terminology commonly used. An A-Z encyclopedia helps define these terms, diagnoses and procedures, while discussions delve into regulations, assessments of condition, and the latest research. The wealth of details are organized logically and parents will find it easy to navigate, making it an item of choice above others.

Dr. Miller and Dr. Bachrach have written a wonderful book. Dr. Miller was actually my daugther's ortho doctor until he took time off to help write this book. Dr. Bachrach is currently treating my daughter. I love the fact that they have made this book easy to understand and that it answers questions that you might never think to ask while you are in the clinic with your child.

This book is phenominal. Many of the questions that I have had as a parent of a child with Bipolar Disorder are outlined and answered in an easy-to-read fashion. This will be a must-have for parents and therapists alike.

"As a licensed mental health therapist working with the chronically mentally ill for over 13 years, I have seen
first-hand the destruction and anguish caused by ignoring or putting off a diagnosis and/or treatment. People
end up suffering for years and often turn to drugs/alcohol to self-medicate, or even worse, some take their
own lives. That being said, I am also the parent of a 7 year old who has been recently diagnosed with Early
Onset Bipolar Disorder. Working in the field and having a detailed knowledge of the disease made the
diagnosis no less devastating. This book is an invaluable resource; the authors have provided the reader
with a wealth of important information in a format that is easy to read and understand. It is not only helpful for
recognizing symptoms, but also helps to identify possible solutions. I feel the knowledge gained by reading
this book has helped pave the way for me to learn about and accept my child's illness while simultaneously
providing hope for the future."

Lisa R. Steller MA, LPC

This book, like all of the others written by Tracy Anglada is a must have for your bookshelf if your child is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder or any mood disorder. She answers questions clearly and simply. The book is divided into categories to make looking up information you need easy to do without a lot of research. After reading this book, you will feeling very informed and confident to help your child receive the best of care.

"Hands down this book gets 5 stars! Having the opportunity to review this book prior to its release, the authors do a phenomenal job conveying to their readers everything there is to know about childhood bipolar disorder in an easy to read question/answer format. This layout allows the reader to navigate directly to areas of particular interest, with information invaluable to not only the newly diagnosed but the seasoned parent as well. This book is an essential resource for all!"
Annette Seelig
NAMI-Contra Costa,Ca

My daughter and I have read tons and tons of books. This one is going on the "great list". BTW, not many go on that list. The story is absolutley perfect for Christmastime or anytime. Written in a diary format starting Dec. 21 through Christmas Day, a young girl, in 1845, tells of her life and wonderful small community and a Christmas miracle. Absolutely wonderful character names include Fliberty Jibbert, Valentine McGinty and Aunt Heddy Peggler. If you are trying to keep plenty of innocent and great literature around for your children to read, this is one to keep around. You CAN judge a children's book by its cover.

I am a 9-year-old boy (mom is typing) and I thought this book was excellent. It's about a little girl who meets a guy named Fritz Klingle, who is looking for his dog named jingle. It's a very good Christmas book.

A great granddaughter discovers a family diary from 1845. The story of a special Christmas in Cobtown unfolds. Art is a cartoon-like character with excellent illustrations in lively colors. A great read - includes receipes for dog soup! I highly recommend this family type, holiday book for students from K through 5 grades.

The Van Nutts bring us instantly back to a lost era full of magic. Somehow they have mastered the art of historical accuracy without boredom or cheesiness- something so few artists can do. The drawings have all the skill of Van Allsburg but more warmth and depth for their genuineness, while the text makes you long to search through your grandmother's closet in search of hidden treasures. It's an instant classic and a must-have for someone who takes kid's books seriously.

Colt is a disabled boy who suffers from spina bifida that makes him unable to get around without a wheelchair most of the time. He also suffers (in his opinion) from getting a new father after his biological dad left him and his mom when the disability was revealed by the doctors.

Overall the story was well done; it made you relate to the main character without feeling sorry for him and really showed that horses and kids can accomplish just about anything together. I recommend this book to any person assisting at a disabled riding stable.

Recommended reading age: 8-12 yrs.

Colt is a great book for horselovers and the handicapped horselovers. This book is about a boy that's handicapped that got a horse for Christmas.

This is a great and moving book about what a person can do if he or she really puts there heart into it.

Hundreds of horse books exist for children and teens, but this book addresses a unique aspect -- horseback riding programs for those with disabilities. Colt has spina bifida and is terrified of the idea of being on a horse, but once he begins riding, he discovers that it opens new doors for him. Horseback riding soon means a great deal to him. This is a well-written, solid book. Based on my experience volunteering with a similar program, it is also accurate. Plus it contains enough action to hold readers' attention.

This was assigned reading for an Intro to Disability Studies class that I've taken. It's encouraging for a person with a disability like myself to see that there are people who genuinely care about the individual without allowing the individual's disability to be an obstacle for current and future interactions. This compilation of essays shows how some professionals in the disability services actually have a learning attitude and are able to step back from their position of 'authority' (after all, they're supposed to be 'the expert'). From the perspective a person with a disability, it is an eye opener and I'm eager to read more of Mr. Schwartz's literature and that of some of his colleagues. Not only is this a must-read for professionals and parents of people with disabilities, I believe it is important for people with disabilities to read this book as well. Education, that tests the limits of the individual, is one of the keys to better integrating a person with a disability into his or her community.

Mattel does a great job designing this Barbie. The skin tone, eye color and body pose are splendid. I have yet to open the box to know if the doll is posable (bendable at the knee.) I would have liked this information to have been communicated on the box. None-the-less, the doll is beautiful and a true representation of the African-American Barbie. Your child will have great adventures with this very special doll.

This book is a "must read" for policy makers, families of people with disabilities, and service providers. Unlike most writers in the field, Schwartz expands his discussion of disability policy and practice to the larger realm of community and the world we all live in at any given moment. This book stimulates us to examine our own assumptions, our world view, our own life trajectory, and the very purpose of our own individual lives.

Martha Ziegler
Founder, Federation for Children with Special Needs

Although David Schwartz's book is several years old now, it is still THE best look at the complexities of the community rebuilding process that is the aftermath of deinstitutionalization. This book is a must for all service providers, family members, friends and everyone who is interested in crossing the river to that place where everyone is welcome and everyone is included.

My 8 year old granddaughter who is very bright and has no problems at school, loved this book and thought it was very funny. She also read it aloud to her younger brother who loved it.

We live in Texas and the elementary schools have the "Accelerated
Reading Program" and these books by Henry Winkler qualify for points in the program. Finding books for my granddaughter to read and keep her interested has been difficult but she loves this series.

It was a GEART book. You don't what to put it down. It supires you though the whole book.

Who would have thought the "Fonz" would have such talent writing children's books?? This series is a wonderful way to encourage children to read! The story is fun with the "world's greatest underachiever". Great for the fourth grade student!

This is a wonderful story about a grandfather, grandson relationship and the faith one young boy had in a disadvantaged donkey. Being familiar with the Cripple Creek area and the donkeys, you did a fantastic job Lyn. I am thrilled to share this with my grandchildren.

Daisy The Cripple Creek Donkey is author Lyn Bezek's debut children's book and introduces young readers to a young boy who learns that a local donkey suffers from a similar handicap to his own - both have weak legs that prevent them from moving quickly, under most circumstances. But the boy is determined to show people just what his new friend can do, entering her in "Donky Derby Days", a special kind of race that no one else thinks they have a shot at winning. A whimsical and touching story, brief in length yet complex enough to challenge the reading skills of young children who are ready to move on from picture books to more involved tales.

This is a beautiful book about a boy's determination to overcome not only his handicap but that of a donkey. Children need and benefit from books like this which require thought and tells a message of "I know I can..." There's magic in knowing, "We can be different and succeed." I am sharing this book with my grandchildren. Great job Lyn!

A well written story of a young boy's faith and determination. It will hold the interest of young children and affirm their feelings of 'I think I can...'. Additionally, Ms. Bezek's descriptions of Cripple Creek conjured up magical visions of earlier times I spent in the area and made me a bit nostalgic. Thank you, Lyn! I loved this book and will be sharing it with all of my young friends.

This book is a top-notch history of where we have been as a society dealing with children with special needs. It lays the groundwork for many of the programs and ideas we have today. Definitely worthwhile reading.

It is difficult to believe that I would be the first to sing the praise of Ms. Featherstone's book on Amazon. This is a MUST READ for professionals going into the field of individuals with intellectual disabilities and the families who love them. As a sibling of a man with Down Syndrome I couldn't have written a better book myself. And as a Adult Sibling Selfhelp Support Group Facilitator I couldn't recommed a better book to my fellow siblings.

Although I have been aware of my daughter's disability for years, I found Ms. Featherstone's book to be a source of support and understanding which I couldn't find elsewhere. This book covers a wide range of disabilities from physical, to mental, to emotional handicaps and gives first-hand accounts from people who have various relationships with the disabled. I recommend this book to anyone who is searching for a niche in the world as a relative to a someone with a disability.

I discovered this book shortly after my daughter was born with a severe orthopedic birth defect, and it helped me a great deal to cope during those early months. Just reading other families' stories--and seeing that there are many ways for children to develop and be loved--was a genuine inspiration. The author's special vantagepoint, as both the mother of a disabled child and a specialist in child development, lends both sensitivity and objectivity to the writing. If you "don't know what to say" to a friend or relative who is facing this crisis, let this book do the communicating...