Disabilities Books

The idea of a blind figure skater and visionary writer combining
forces to produce an inspirational guide to moving through life
seemed to be one that would be difficult to carry off . . . but
I was pleasantly surprised to see that Stash Serafin and Ruth
Anne Wood succeeded doing just that in their book, YOU CAN'T
GET IT 'CAUSE YOU'VE ALREADY GOT IT!

In reading it, I felt that I got to know both authors . . . and what
made them tick.

I also learned about skating, writing and life . . . for example,
there was this idea contributed by Serafin:

* With a new piece of footwork, there is nothing to see. Then all of a sudden
the invisible movements of my skates which were done so slowly become
recognizable as I am told I move with such ease, precision and confidence. I'm
often asked; "How can you do such little movements and get such profound
results?" I have practiced two inch jumps done with tiny movements that soon
(observers would tell) got suddenly higher without any effort on my part. I used
to think that all skilled jumpers were able to move with this same level of ease.

And I also learned from Wood how writing certain thoughts down
can help in many ways, including this one:

* We call this the "Aha!" moment which comes when we realize
we already have what we want and can easily ask for more of what we
enjoy receiving or having. And Scripting for Success is a great way
to clarify what you want by writing it down in a story or a success headline.
Reading your script every time you want to feel good, is an excellent way
to stay focused on what you want.

Lastly, Wood got me thinking about how learning can take place
even when you don't plan on it taking place--such as when
she talked about the inspiration she got for naming her characters:

* I would get an idea for a character and then let it simmer for awhile.
Then one day, I would open a book, or surf the Internet, and I would find
that the qualities and descriptions I gave to my key characters
echoed common cultural archetypes through the ages. In essence,
I was getting an honorary degree in anthropology, just by investigating
my own multi-layered characters. They were far wiser and more embedded
in the culture's psyche than I could have consciously devised.

Do read this informative book by Serafin and Wood if you're in the
mood for something a bit different . . . and that will make you think.

This is the best of the "Self Help" books that I have read.
It shows it can be done with much faith and lots of love.

Disclaimer: This is my wife's book, but I'm trying to make this review as objective as possible.

Ruth Anne and Stash separately dreamed of writing a book and were wondering when and how to do it. Stash, an acquaintance at the time, sent Ruth an unformatted manuscript of a book he had written 10 years ago. Stash does not let things get in the way of his success and figured Ruth could help him with his book. He has been blind since he was an infant, but his passion for life, skating, and coaching is an inspiration for all and he wanted to share this through his book. Once they started talking about the book the powerful dynamic that occurred was nothing short of amazing.

Their combined will and excited conversation turned into this book.
They fully embraced the goal of taking their conversation and moving it to written form. This passion to create something wonderful comes out in full force in this book. I hope that you are as inspired by these two as much as I am.

You Can't Get It 'Cause You've Already Got It! is a compelling reading experience. The authors convincingly reveal their own stories of courage, commitment and trust. The remarkable examples from their own lives speak of overcoming obstacles and the strength of the human spirit. You Can't Get It 'Cause You've Already Got It!

I'm an attorney but don't practice social security disability law. However, I helped a good friend who has cancer get disability benefits last year and wish I had this book then! If navigating through the social security process is difficult for an experienced lawyer such as myself (20+ years), I can only imagine how difficult it is for a non-lawyer.

Mr. Kraft's book is an easy read (an average reader can easily get through it in less than 2 hours) even though it is packed full of excellent information. But there are three important points that you should know if you think this book will allow you to avoid hiring a lawyer to help with your claim:

First (and most important), by law, your lawyer's fee will be paid by the Social Security Adminstration only out of past due benefits owed to you and the fee cannot exceed 25% of the benefits or $5300, whichever is less [with certain rare exceptions such as if additional hearings are required]. So think about it: I can hire a lawyer to process my claim properly at no upfront cost to me and if the lawyer is unsuccessful, I owe him/her nothing; if successful, I know the fee is capped and will be paid only out of my past due benefits. Or I can do it myself and hope I get it right (and if I make a mistake that costs me more than $5,300 in benefits, then I'm in worse shape than if I had hired the lawyer).

Second, the SSA employees are overwhelmed with heavy case loads so having the claim done properly the first time will help you immensely.

Third, it is not a do-it-yourself book because it would be foolish for you to DIY when you can have a lawyer do it for you without having to take a dime out of your pocket. But, it is an excellent guide to make sure that you understand the process and do the right things when you are first confronted with a disability (before you hire a lawyer); and it is an invaluable guide to helping you make sure that the lawyer you hire is experienced with these types of claims.

Bottom line: For less than $20, you can learn a lot about the process and avoid a lot of mistakes. I would do the same for you but charge a lot more! That's another nice thing about this book -- Mr. Kraft really makes an effort to impart very valuable advice with no strings attached. You get the advice whether you hire him [or any other lawyer] or not.

Dallas, Texas Social Security Disability lawyer Robert A. Kraft does not fit the mold of the typical lawyer, apparently. For one thing, in this guide book, he "gives away" a wealth of useful information, accessible to the general public as well as to his competitors. He appears genuinely concerned about the rights and interests of the disabled members of our society, and not just because he represents them in Texas (note: according to the introduction to the book, it can be made available at no charge to Texas residents by contacting the author directly; however, it is useful for all Americans). Reading the introduction to his book will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling that you never thought you could have about a lawyer....

Kraft's several decades of legal and human experience shine through on each page of this book. He knows what works in each situation, and what doesn't. In his own words, the guiding question for him throughout his writing of this book was, "If my best friend became disabled and filed for Social Security disability benefits, and I couldn't be there to help, what are the most important things I would want him to know?"

This "Consumer Guide" defines terms in understandable language; it explains which medical conditions (such as arthritis, psychological diseases, epilepsy, MS, etc.) and other factors are relevant in determining whether a person qualifies for disability benefits; it walks you through the disability determination process; it busts myths about Social Security Disability; it warns about potential pitfalls in the claims process; and it analyzes nine different specific potential "fatal mistakes" for you to avoid. I urge anyone who is facing disability, either personally or for a loved one or friend, to obtain this extremely practical "cookbook"-style guide to navigating your way through the confusing maze of disability claims, and to read it as soon as possible, before making any "fatal mistakes."

By the way, I am a business disputes lawyer, and I regularly write and publish articles on various legally-related topics. I hope that mine are as well-written and useful to readers as this information-packed 90-page guidebook.

This is a great book. Mr. Kraft explains the process and how someone can avoid making common mistakes. This is some of the best, clearest, most concise advice I have seen. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a claim with Social Security.

I felt as if Jude Welton had told me something really really important - winning doesn't always mean success. To be a good sport, in other words! Of course, you get discouraged if you lose. However, nobody's perfect; someone has to lose and you have to accept it. If you ask me, it is crucial to be humble even if you win and to stop losing your temper even if you lose. Since Adam was surrounded by nice people who showed real understanding on Asperger Syndrome(AS), he could learn from his mistakes such as being upset and mean at Josie, his best friend about her better score than his in the math test. Bad sports become easily ornery or jealous when they lose or they feel others are better than them. On the other hand, bad sports tend to put losers down when they win. For more details, how about reading p.108 of Parenting a Child with Asperger Syndrome - 200 Tips and Strategy written by Brenda Boyd?
Anyway, I would be a lot happier if I had been diagnosed with AS earlier and had more people who understand a lot about AS. That was why I found this book quite heart-warming. I'd like to recommend this splendid book especially to Aspies who has been struggling with this harsh reality!

This book is the first of the Aspergers Adventures to spark my son's interest. He is nine and really related to Adam. It doesn't hurt that my son's middle name is Adam. He thought Adam was just like him. I have to say that a lot of Adams characteristics were very similar to my son's. We loved the riddles and the alternative endings. We have read the story with each ending and I know this will be a book that we read multiple times. Hats of to Jude Welton!

Adam, 9 has Asperger's Syndrome and is not ashamed to admit it. His good friend Josie understands that Adam's social blunders are more often than not part of the Asperger's Experience. Adam has a very astute teacher who also understands Asperger's very well and does everything possible to keep Adam up to speed socially and make sure that he is fully included in all classroom activities.

Every year, the school has Sports Day. Adam dreads this because he is nonathletic and has no interest in sports. Other kids make him the butt of their jokes, which intensifies his aversion for Sports Day. The boy's teacher comes up with a wonderful idea - Alternative Sports Day! Alternative Sports Day focuses on cognitive activities instead of physical prowess and the students are divided into small groups. Adam has a turn at bat, so to speak because at last he is given a chance to shine!

This is truly an outstanding book. I like the way the cognitive activities are included so readers can also test their mental mettle. A wonderful, very interesting story that will not only get one's mental juices flowing, but will remain in the minds of readers long after turning the last page.

I wrote this book, as I am disable, but working. It's been 14 years since the accident, and my life changed forever

I wrote this short story, as I am disable, but working. It's been 14 years since the accident, and my life changed forever. Without words to match the feelings, words are the tool's of thought's and believing that I can do it.

This is the first (and only, so far) book that gives the perspectives of everyone involved when someone has a debilitating stroke. It is a surprisingly well-organized collection of essays from individual doctors, medical prsonnel, caregivers --through to the stroke patient, himself. Perhaps the best essay is is saved for the end of the book. It is written by the editor, Dr. Wallace Sife. He explains the two sides to healing: medical and spiritual. Nobody had ever written about that, and it is so important that it be addressed. Dr. Sife has given enlightenment and hope to his all his readers. This book is especially helpful for the stroke patient and his loved ones. They are scared, and need this kind of practical explanation, which is put into easily understandable, non-medical terms.

Alandra's mother makes a compelling narrator for this story about raising a deaf child. Her words will make important reading for any hearing parent who has just been told that their child is deaf, and it examines some of the issues that have to be considered, including the decision to learn sign language or wait for the child to learn to speak. This last is a decision that will have consequences for the entire life of the child, and will affect the relationship between parent and child for the rest of their lives.

A great read for everyone interested in the challenges facing hearing parents of deaf children. Alandra's Lilacs was engaging to read and I did not put the book down until I was finished. This book really demonstrated that deafness only creates a new way to communicate and is not a disability. EXCELLENT!!!!

This book is a beautiful insight into the real life trials and choices that are faced when raising a successful deaf child. A must read for all hearing parents of deaf children as well as all deaf educators.

I have two boys with ADHD. I am very involved in their educations, and in educating their teachers as to the special needs of children with ADHD. This is the second time I am buying this book because their teachers at their last school never returned it to me. The book was recommended to be by a GTLD teacher, and I would recommend it to both teachers and parents.

This is a very practical and easy-to-read book. It's divided into many short sections that give all of the detailed information needed to help a teacher understand and engage a child with ADHD. Lots of charts, boxes, and practical tips, and very up-to-date and focused on the classroom. Great gift to a child's teacher!

This book is a great guide for any teacher who has ADHD students in her class. It provides many simple, easily adapted ways to teach the child in a regular ed. classroom. The ideas it offers are good for all students, not just ones with ADHD. I highly recommend this book.

Written and photographed by Ellen B. Senisi, All Kinds of Friends, Even Green! is an adventurous picture book for beginning readers about a real-life pet iguana. Expertly taken color photographs of a boy and his beloved reptile companion, along with whimsical text, make All Kinds Of Friends, Even Green! unique, distinctive, and highly recommended.

"All Kinds of Friends, Even Green!" is written and photographed by Ellen B. Senisi. The text and photos tell a story about Moses, a disabled boy who gets around in his wheelchair. At school, his class is given an assignment to write about friends. Moses is inspired to write about a very special friend: Zaki, an iguana. Zaki is also disabled, having lost her back toes after a mite infection; Moses has a special affection with her.

This is a wonderful portrait of a multiethnic school environment that includes disabled youngsters. The acknowledgement section of the book thanks the participants at Zoller School in Schenectady, New York. After the main text there are three interesting supplemental articles: about disabilities, about young Moses, and about iguanas. The colorful, lively photos are enjoyable to look at. This book effectively reminds us that disability is an issue that affects both human and non-human beings. Moses and Zaki are likeable and admirable "characters," and the book movingly celebrates the special love a child has for a cherished pet.

I really liked this book, and so did my 6 year old son. I have a boy with special needs who is 5, and this author captured the curiousity and excitement of a small child so well, and then revealed the disability of the boy in the book in a very positive manner. My son had fun reading it, and I know that the ideas that were in the background are what I want my son to "get". I would definetely recommend this book.

It's nice to have a book that displays how individuals can be very different, but at the same time, live very similar lifestyles. This story helps one to understand and accept these differences.

I can't wait for more books like this!

Finally an author that realizes all children are special! You can look high and low for a children's book that represents children with disablilities. The only one you will find is this one. We need more books that show special need kids in everyday situations that all children can relate to. They can participate in track, gymnastics, swimming and any other sport that they wish to participate in. I hope this is the beginning of a trend. I will certainly be looking out for future books from this author.
Note to author: Keep doing what you are doing!

It is refreshing to have such an inspirational story written for children with disabilities. This story encourages children with disabilities to dream BIG and outside of the "norms" that our society places on us.

After searching high and low for books specifically for children with disabilities I came up with nothing, until I came across The All Star Wheelers. What a find!

The All Star Wheelers gets 5 STARS *****

I can't wait until she releases her next book!

Adam and Jeremy Krasner are brothers who share a common love for baseball. Adam, the younger brother has concerns about Jeremy. Jeremy is one year older than Adam and is partially mainstreamed in the local school the boys attend. Jeremy's social development is quite delayed and his behavior is described as having autistic overtones. He is also behind his peers academically.

Adam sometimes finds Jeremy's behavior embarrassing, such as when Jeremy pitched a fit in a restaurant after Adam did well in a baseball game. One can feel Adam's justifiable resentment and shame and also Jeremy's anguish at not being able to fit in with his peers.

One child accepts Jeremy. Tommy, a 3rd-grader in the neighborhood, looks up to Jeremy and the pair enjoy imaginative role playing (not a behavior readily found on the autism spectrum); joking and sharing a love for gardening. Jeremy is also a Beatles' fan, which I think speaks to excellent taste and cultural appreciation.

Tommy sounded like he was good for Jeremy and I was really disgusted with Jeremy's mother for threatening to punish him for playing with a younger child. Tommy was the one person who accepted Jeremy and enjoyed him, so I think it would have been beneficial to all to allow those boys to enjoy their friendship. I thought it was a good thing that Jeremy did not obey this draconian edict and continued his friendship with Tommy.

Adam is having problems with a boy on his team. Eddie, a rather rough boy takes his anger out on his peers. Unable to confront his abusive father, Eddie makes baseball a blood sport. Eddie also creates other havoc and it is up to Adam to go to bat for Jeremy when Jeremy is being charged with vandalism.

In the end, fraternal love proves strong and will leave readers cheering and rooting for the Krasner Brothers, the baseball fan and the Beatle fan.

The Krasners moved a few months ago to the town of Glen Haven, an hour drive from where they previously lived. Although it is not mentioned why this move took place, I assumed it was related to the father's employment. Adam's older brother is Jeremy, in the seventh grade and attending the junior high school. Jeremy is neurologically impaired and needs tutors in the home plus takes special classes in school. After playing baseball at the neighborhood field Adam caught the attention of a seventh grader named Eddie Gordon. Adam is flattered that someone wants to be friends with him since his brother's outbursts usually cause others to bypass him.

Mr. Gordon is the coach for the Little League team where Adam and Eddie are both pitchers. Adam's Mother encourages him to have his brother involved in the same things, so Jeremy ends up on the Little League team, even though he hates it, but his Mother wants him to be around his peers. Eddie has been picking on Jeremy since they moved into town, but Adam is not really aware of this due to being at different schools, so he ignores his brother's constant complaining of how Eddie calls him a retard on the bus and looks at him with mean eyes.

Throughout And Don't Bring Jeremy are many conversations with Adam, Jeremy and their parents at the kitchen table. It is quite funny to read how the author was able to convey just what a sixth and seventh grader feel and how they describe certain aspects of their parents in detailed observations. When Adam remarks how when his Mother makes a certain noise with her nose when she is exasperated I chuckled and tried to imagine such a noise! It is clear that his Mother has the last word all the time, but on the other hand she tends to push Jeremy off onto Adam and that seems unreasonable at times. I felt as a parent there was a lack of parental involvement on her part as she was always busy fixing and decorating the new house.

Jeremy likes to take his bike and ride around the block and this worries Adam, but as Jeremy says he is older and can do it too. But there is a third grader down the street that Jeremy stops and plays with to the discord of his Mother. She has repeatedly warned Jeremy to not go there and try to make friends with kids his own age.

Adam has described his brother as walking funny, eating gross and dressing sloppy with frequent outbursts that always caught him off guard and waiting for the next one to happen. He could feel when they were in stores and shopping that people were looking at them as the family with that boy.
And Don't Bring Jeremy is a quick and easy read for an Adult and geared to those who are between the ages of nine and twelve, especially anyone in the sixth and/or seventh grades. This would help those that have a child that is different in preparing for what is ahead once the child is at this age or grade level. The author has really captured the feelings of Adam and what he goes through on a daily basis because his brother is different.

Much of the story centers on the baseball game and how they make it to the All-Star Game as well as the friction between Eddie and Adam over pitching and the fact that Jeremy is jealous of his brother. Adam is cautious around Mr. Gordon as well because he is Eddies' Father and thinks he looks like a Sergeant.

I was very pleased to read And Don't Bring Jeremy, highly recommending this for anyone who has a child in this age range to teach about compassion and understanding of those who are challenged and different. I loved the way the boys transformed through the pages and really got a sense of being there with them in the town of Glen Haven. This would make a wonderful summer read to introduce a young reader to the trials and tribulations of living with a sibling that has a disability

I am the author of JEREMY GRABOWSKI'S CRAZY SUMMER IN STORMVILLE!, a children's book. In "And Don't Bring Jeremy," Adam Krasner has the burden of having to deal with his older brother Jeremy who is neurologically impaired. I highly recommend this book. I decided to read "And Don't Bring Jeremy," because my older brother Kevin has a brain disorder called autism. A number of the situations in the book between a "normal" kid and his handicapped brother I can relate to. The characters are well developed and are realistic. The story is not predictable and I didn't lose interest, as I wanted to find out how things turned out. Young readers, with or without handicapped siblings, would find "And Don't Bring Jeremy" a good book. Those without a handicapped brother or sister might have a better idea of what life would be like with one. Great book Marilyn!

I purchased this book as a donation to a book collection drive for young children. Along with their engaging story lines, one of the things that I love about the Ezra Jack Keats books is the artwork. That is probably what attracts most people to the books. The vivid, beautiful colors and stylish designs always catch the eye of both children and adults. Then, they fall in love with the charming stories of children's adventures in life. Apt. 3 does not disappoint. I definitely appreciate the fact that the main characters are black children because it is not easy to find storybooks that include them or feature them prominently and positively.

This book is a wonderful read aloud to share with any grade in school as it can be adapted to suit different age groups & their comprehension abilities. Along with Keats' other books, it has an urban theme & great to use as a mentor text or author study.

I first read this book to my daughter when she was 4-years-old. The New York tenement setting was such a foreign world in contrast to her suburban Dallas upbringing that she was immediately enthralled with the fact that so many families of diverse ethnic backgrounds would all live in one building. Keats paints such a vivid word picture that a child as young as she could easily be drawn into the story line. The characters and events became real to her, to the extent that she could literally hear the harmonica playing. My daughter begged to revisit this story and consequently every trip to the library for the next year included Apartment 3. To this day, at age 29 and expecting her first child, she still recalls this book and wants a copy of her own.