Disabilities Books

I liked this book and will be using it this coming school year with my 5th grade students. It is an excellent book that focuses on self esteem, persistence, and acceptance of others with handicaps. However, it appears to be confusing for the fifth grade reading level. The advanced vocabulary and lack of flow because of the use of letters within the text makes me believe the reading level is probably at about eighth grade (12-14 years old). For younger students, it could be used with the teacher reading it to the students.

"Bug Off!" is a very practical handbook - specific...down to earth... with suggestions to parents in helping with the development of their retarded child in reaching his full potential on a pre-school mental level (regardless of age), that he may grow to take his place as an accepted person in the community. It is also a useful resource for teachers and other workers of week-day programs as well as Sunday Church Schools serving any pre-school child.

Included in the book are many activities with direction - finger-plays, action songs, recipes, directions for making and using play equipment, resources for further reading and special areas such as communication and behavior.

The importance of helping the child develop self-help skills is emphasized.
--- from book's back cover

This irreverent collection of short columns and poems contains something for just about everyone interested in the Deaf community. Some entries are downright hilarious, like his bit on how to beat the Deaf rumor mill or on the similarities between baldness and deafness (Bald = being bald with attitude). There are also entertaining rants against paternalistic administrators of schools for deaf students and hearing parents of deaf children who don't bother to learn sign. Heuer apparently once told an editor that his goal is to "piss off" someone in each column, and this shows (he's clearly fed up with a poor deaf ed system and with excessive Deaf identity politics). He also is thoughtful, such as in a poignant account of his deaf brother who never learned to sign and got a cochlear implant. Not all of the entries are equally successful, but taken together they offer a revealing window into the Deaf community, especially since they were originally composed for Deaf readers. Recommended for Deaf and deaf, Bald and bald, cat lovers, parents, ASL students, curious nonsigners, and their friends.

This is a great book for parents and professionals alike. Chapters are includedspecifically for parents and for teachers. Other chapters present fun activitiesto do with preschool-age blind children. Resources are listed at the end of each chapter. The book is written in both English and Spanish.

This book is a great introductory book for Speech-Language Pathology students and SLPs beginning to work with individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication. The book outlines in each chapter how to obtain communication goals with the person using AAC. The chapters become a bit repetitive in their teaching tactics, but this does help the reader remember the strategies used. It does focus on individuals with cognitive skills who are able to make choices regarding their communication systems. The material, however, can be applied to individuals who are in the severe to profound range of mental retardation.

This book entered my life during my 2nd year of college, and it opened my eyes in so many profound ways. Dr. Peter Cranford details keen aspects of life in the World's Largest Insane Asylum (in central Georgia), and offers you a tantalizing glimpse into a disturbing world not often discussed in mainstream forums. You'll hear amongst his fascinating diary, tales of mad experiments and desperate crimes, top secret asylum procedures, twisted statistics, and MANY shocking tidbits of hysteria. If you're interested in asylum histories and data, or human psychosis then this is the book for you. You'll certainly have a hard time putting it down! :D

I got this book as a present when I was twelve or so. It was a little dated even then (ie, it's set in the early 70s and the characters talk about singers and movies from that era) but I loved it and still remember it well, 20 years later. It's a wonderful book to give a young teenage girl. The protagonist is mildly mentally challenged; on top of her struggle with "differentness" she faces the usual adolescent woes: sibling rivalry, schoolyard humiliation, clueless mother. She comes through it all with grace and style, and the ending is nicely upbeat.

Do you remember how much fun camp was as a kid? I especially loved those evenings when we'd gather around the campfire and sing songs (all the goofy annoying ones we couldn't forget if we tried!), s'mores and late night whispering from our sleeping bags. During the day there were all kinds of games and you'd make new friends that were from different parts of the state or even the country. Remember counting your mosquito bites?

As a parent of three children with autism spectrum disorder I've been sad that my kids miss out on so many of the experiences I took almost for granted as a child, and that their peers are enjoying. Frankly, local camps are not properly trained or equipped to take care of my children's needs, my kids just would not be okay under those conditions. I've heard of a few camps for children like mine, but they are rare, far away and expensive. I sort of wrote off camp as yet another thing my kids would miss out on. But reading this book has changed my mind, it has made me feel optimistic and inspired! It lays out in detail everything that someone would need to create a camp for kids with autism spectrum disorders.This author understands what those needs ARE, which are very different from their neurotypical peers. It covers every aspect, things I never would have even thought of, which is so reassuring because it is obviously well thought out and the author has practical experience. I can imagine very clearly how my kids would fit in to the camp environment and how much FUN they'd have. Also, I realize that these places DO exist. Yes, there should be more of them, and I hope that this book will get into the right hands and will light a fire (a campfire!) under someone who can fulfill this dream for children like mine. BUY THIS BOOK and spread the word, let's create more opportunities for kids like ours.


Kristi Sakai parent of 3 children with Asperger Syndrome and author of
Finding Our Way: Practical Solutions for Creating a Supportive Home and Community for the Asperger Syndrome Family

I never realized how much (and how little) our state parks have to offer those of us who have mobility limitations. The Mitchell's have taken the time to visit every park in their book - and it shows. I was especially impressed with the detailed descriptions of trails and points of interest. Now I have a very good idea of whether I will be able to enjoy each park. Most importantly, I know which parks I do not want to miss. Thanks for your efforts and awareness of the needs of wheelchair users and others with limitations.

A timeless resource for all the ages. When one wants loads of correct and invaluable information go right to the source---Bruce D. Beck.
Not available in any store.