Disability-and-Health Books

This was a well-written book. It offers many insights into our society today and how people with "disabilities" are treated. I think everyone should read this book. It is real. I laughed and cried. I was shocked by some of the things this family had to go through. I was also pleasantly surprised by some of their encounters with people in various walks of life.

This is very informative, and thought-provoking, and fulfills the intent of it's title. As a nurse and a parent, I realize the ambivalency felt by those who are involved with a baby needing intensive care. It will help those who have never been there understand just what a baby experiences in the Intensive-Care Nursery. Keep in mind though that this book was published in 1993, and it's statistics are not up-to-date.

This book is a very valuable read for all pregnant women who are considering accepting tests for abnormalities in their babies- tests that are now routine with most carers.

The real-life stories in this book give important and heartful perspectives that balance the usual medical advice to terminate any pregnancy where the baby has an abnormality. Families tell of supposedly severely affected babies who were not aborted and who were in fact normal at birth, and also babies who died soon after birth, as predicted, but whose time was precious.

Several also recount the joy and love they have experienced with their "abnormal" babies, including children with Down syndrome and achondroplasia ("dwarfism"). The book also has inspiring stories told by parents with their own significant illnesses and disabilities, including cerebral palsy.

Many write of the pressure, and even blame, from family, friends and professionals, to choose termination, justified as saving their children from suffering. This perspective is challenged by words of those with disabilities. Abortion is also justified to save the community from future costs, which is the fundamental (and profoundly concerning) reason for prenatal testing for abnormalities.

The stories also challenge the idea that allowing a baby with a fatal abnormality to survive to birth will be intolerably traumatic for the family. As mother Teresa Streckfuss poignantly writes about her son, who died 24 hours after birth from anencephaly: "Someone asked us after Benedict died, was it worth it? Oh yes! For the chance to hold him and see him and to love him before letting him go. For the chance for our children to see that we would never stop loving them, regardless of their imperfections. Children are always a blessing, even if they don't stay very long."

Highly recommended for parents, professionals involved with prenatal testing, and all who are interested in the ethics and future of pregnancy.

For those who care for persons with developmental disabilities this is THE first book to read concerning dementia. Contributors to the book are the recognized leaders in their respective fields of expertise in dementia care. It provides information concerning the biological aspects of dementia causing disorders as well as suggestions for social policy and best practices in the field. At first one can be disappointed with the chapters on available services, until one realizes the disappointment is less with the contributions of the authors than with the lack of available services for this population. Dr. Janicki is to be commended for his dedication to providing the information caregivers need to provide the highest quality of life throughout a lifetime for persons with cognitive disabilities.

Let me say first that I am not a member of a Catholic church, being born and raised in protestant congregations. But when it comes to finding ways to include and worship congregants with developmental disabilities, the Catholic Church is way ahead of other denominations. This book is an amazing work of grace for people like my son, who may never understand the sacraments on the same level as those without DD. The authors lead us through a very healing study of why we need to include these souls BECAUSE of--and not simply "in spite of"--their differences. Any member of any congregation who is considering how to include people with cognitive issues would do well (and be blessed) by a reading of this work.

I was a bit concerned about the less than inspired title, and thought it might be too dry and "discertation-like" a read, but found it to be readable, moving, and life-changing. I only hope I can encourage enough others to read it, that it will make a difference in my congregation. It's a shame that this book was written in 1994, and the people of God don't seem to be any further along in learning how to love and include persons with disabilities.

I highly recommend this book. I know it can be hard to come by, and might cost a fair premium, but believe that it is worth every penny.

I came across this book a few years back and found that it had a strong influence on how I thought about and conceptualized learning disorders. Pennington does a nice job of integrating research with case studies. The NVLD chapter especially had an effect upon how I conceptualized assessment data and presented it to parents and professionals. A good survey of the neuropsychological underpinnings of various learning disorders. The material in each chapter has been covered in greater depth in other writings, but this provides a good overview and catalyst for changing the way one thinks about learning disorders. May be a bit technical for nonprofessionals, but Pennington's writing style is generally readable.

Disabilities Sourcebook provides a reference to major disabilities, causes, and disabled people, from adaptive aids and equipment to medical information about the condition. Disabilities Sourcebook goes beyond most coverages of specific disabilities to treat disabilities as a general field, covering both physical and psychiatric disabilities and including causes of disability. An involving, invaluable handbook.

Published in 1995 this collection was on the edge of the disability studies movement. Though later text may have surpassed this early edition it is invaluable for it's "medical anthropology" approach to viewing aspects of disability. It contributes to the growing body of literature that examines disability as a socio-political construction rather than just a medical condition.

Outside of the death of a child, the most heart wrenching experience a parent can face is having a disabled child. "Heart wrenching"? Perhaps a word too strong? Yes, Marshak, Seligman and Prezant make this clear in their book. In some cases, the disabled child changes the configuration of the family into something unexpectedly positive. Within this book, we see writing that is refreshing because the authors offer an uncommon perspective on disability and the family.

DISABILITY AND THE FAMILY LIFE CYCLE is the most comprehensive and up-to-date source book I have been able to find and read. In addition to being helpful for professionals who work with families with disabled children, I think that some parents will find the book emotionally rewarding.

This is an excellent piece of thoughtful scholarship. I highly recommend it.

The book has useful information about the realities of disability, the prevailing attitudes, the causes of disability, family issues, and special services for special students. The idea of project-based inclusion is new and exciting. It will actually work in any school. Each chapter has an set of photocards that introduce a student with disability. As the cards are viewed by teachers and students they will know the student with a disability as a person, their joys and sorrows. An excellent book that is a joy to read.