Why do some spinal cord injury survivors succeed after injury and others spiral into inactivity and depression? Richard Holicky, himself a survivor, profiles 53 people and comes up with answers.

We have all been there: not feeling good about ourselves and not feeling whole. But at some point you must accept what has happened to you and move on. But how do you accept what you think may be unacceptable?

"Laugh or Cry: Finding the Lighter Side of disabilities" will hopefully, put a smile on your face and laughter in your heart. It was written with all readers in mind because my associate and I both have disabilities, and if we are able to find humor in our circumstances, perhaps we can help others also find some acceptance and relief in difficult times. We have put together some essays and anecdotes that hopefully will show all readers that humor IS the best medicine. After all, sooner or later we will all face some disability.

So, whether you have a disability or not, this book was written for you. If you do, we show how humor has helped us overcome our hardships and frustrations, and for the temporarily able-bodied, we want to show you how you too can find humor in your situation; whatever it may be or become.

The development and promotion of appropriate services for students with disabilities has been an integral part of the academic library since the 1990s. There remains, however, a dearth of literature-in marketing, library and information science, and other disciplines-that applies quality assessment instruments to existing programs. With this in mind, Hernon and Calvert present two versions of a data collection instrument, designed to compare the expectations of special students with their perceptions of how well a given service met their needs. Descriptions of successful initiatives at a variety of academic libraries are also included. Adaptive technologies. Anti-discrimination laws. Equity and compliance issues. In-house policies (and politics). All of these support, in one form or another, the development and promotion of appropriate services for students with physical, learning, or, increasingly, psychological disabilities. But what of service quality? To date, there is a dearth of literature-in marketing, library and information science, and other disciplines-that applies quality assessment instruments to programs for special student populations. Not until now has anyone compared the expectations of such students with their perceptions of how well a given service meets their needs. Peter Hernon, Philip Calvert, and their colleagues-Kathleen Rogers, Todd K. Herriott, and Ava Gibson-discuss the circumstances affecting services for the disabled, and provide two versions of a data collection instrument, loosely based on SERVQUAL, that individual institutions can modify to reflect their particular needs and situations. International in scope, it incorporates the perspective of university attorneys and compliance officers, as well as descriptions of successful initiatives by senior library administrators in the U.S. (Larry Hardesty, Rush G. Miller, Sarah Hamrick, and Jennifer Lann) and New Zealand (Helen Renwick, Philip Jane, and John Redmayne.) Improving the Quality of Library Services for Students with Disabilities will assist libraries and other service components of academic institutions to adopt a proactive position, as well as challenge staff assumptions of service expectations and information needs.

Inside this book are reflections on the nature of vision and blindness. Further, there are explorations of interpretive research, and presentations of some seminal and contemporary publications in the field of blindness. The other major fodder for conversation with you the reader is an elaborated example of empirical research entitled Blind Online Learners. Each element of this inquiry is explicitly reflected upon as an example of interpretive research. This book is intended for four intersecting groups of readers. If you are a philosopher, closet or sanctioned, then you cannot ponder the nature of being without due consideration for vision, and cannot contemplate the role of seeing in our lives without listening to the stories of those who are blind. The tales within this text are particularly contemporaneous because they are contextualized by the cyber-phenomena of online learning. This segues to the second group of readers, as the described empirical research was originally intended to bring greater depth and breadth of understanding to the field of educational technology, particularly as it intersects with disability studies. There is a paucity of published literature that has inquired into disabled online learners, and this research study responds to that call. Third, this book may be used as a textbook on approaches to interpretive empirical research. It is as close as one may come to a recipe, walking students through a specific example. Because it is situated in actual empirical research, the intention was that it avoid the trap of being prescriptive or formulaic. Finally, the text is intended for readers interested in the field of blindness. The text reviews some of the seminal and contemporary research on blindness, and then presents an elaborated example of what we can and should expect to emerge in the knowledge production industry, changing what it means to be blind.

A practical handbook for adults suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder combines insights from others with the condition with helpful suggestions and advice that explain how to identify one's individual strengths and weaknesses, find the right career path, improve communication, follow through and complete projects, and track appointments, time,

This New Zealand book was written by Max Crarer of Wairoa while in his mid-70's. It tells the true story of how several years earlier he accidentally healed his Glaucoma (of 12 years standing) by the use of minerals and vitamins. Max was well known to listeners of Radio Pacific and shared his story with them before writing this book. There appears to be no other book like this in the world. Max Crarer's combination of herbs, vitamins and minerals have helped thousands. Following his healing, Max researched eye healings by studying the findings of eye researchers from all around the world. Since then, through his own experience and the numerous personal experiences of others and his Radio Pacific listeners, he has discovered a combination of herbs, minerals and vitamins that have helped thousands of NZ sufferers of various eye complaints. He calls this natural course of treatment 'Triple Therapy' as it combines the three effects of herbs, minerals and vitamins. This book reveals the full Triple Therapy treatment.

Baffled by your new inability to hear? Know someone who is? Then "I've Lost My WHAT: A Practical Guide to Life After Deafness" is for you. It talks about assistive devices, the psychology of adult-onset deafness, communication, relationships, cochlear implants, hearing aids, the Americans with Disabilities Act, telephone use, and daily life for people who've gone deaf post-lingually.

"This book should be required reading for anyone who's lost their hearing or works with late-deafened individuals. "I've Lost My WHAT" could very well be the late-deafened adult's Bible."--Michele Bornert, Late-deafened freelance writer

"A top-notch reference for those who become deaf."--Mary Clark, former executive director, Hearing Loss Link

"Shawn learned all this stuff the hard way. Now he's making sure you won't have to do it too."--Cheryl Heppner, Exec. Dir. Northern Virginia Resource, Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons

This book is about enduring the many challenges of life with a handicap. The challenge is choosing to go on and live your life in spite of. Even though you may not like the tasks or understand them fully that are before you, you will learn to endure them. You will read many times I did not like what I was enduring, but I went through them and it has worked for my good. This book will help you recognize the "Goodness of God" in the midst of and after your challenges. This book will help you to know that inspite of a disability you can still have strength to accomplish your goals in life if you have Christ because the scripture says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4: 13

This personal account details the pioneering attempt to train miniature ponies to guide the blind. Training tiny ponies to ride escalators, safely guide the blind through urban traffic, and tolerate flight in the passenger cabin of a commercial airliner are among the challenges discussed with humor and drama. This work tells the compelling story of how animal and human cooperation has provided a new assistance alternative for the blind.

This book was written primarily for vocational rehabilitation counselors. It is expected that it will assist them in planning better rehabilitation programs. The need for awareness of the psychological adjustment mechanisms of the physically disabled is not confined to the counselor, however, and it is hoped that physicians, social workers, psychologists, and placement specialists may profit from the contents of this publication. The cooperation and coordination of the various specialties is the most important element today in providing rehabilitation services for the disabled whereby they may take their rightful place as contributing members of society.

Written by nationally known leaders in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, Core Curriculum contains easy-to-read, comprehensive information on health concerns for persons of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Designed for classroom use and self-study, the text is presented in a straightforward outline format, with extensive resources and references throughout. The authors address the most important health issues affecting this population, and the subsequent management of these issues.

This work contains two smaller related works. In the Lost Senses: Deafness, the author, having become deaf at the age of twelve, pens this book as a record of his experience. It is not his intention to refer to the events or studies of his life, but to use them to bring out the points and peculiarities of the deaf condition. He selects only those events which arise from, which illustrate, or which are in any remarkable way connected with his deafness. Also found in this volume is the Lost Senses: Blindness. In this book, Mr. Kitto compares deafness to blindness. He includes some notable deaf and blind persons, discussing how they have overcome the loss of their sight and hearing. Also found within are several famous musicians, poets, divines, philosophers and travelers, all of which are incredible blind figures in our history.

Offers parents of children with disabilities inspiration and advice from those whove been there

Reflections from a Different Journey presents 40 stories by successful adults who grew up with disabilities. They provide insights into what it is like to persevere in the face of community prejudices, and what it takes for families and children with disabilities to work together toward fulfillment.

While there are many books for parents on raising a child with a disability, this is the first to help them learn from people with disabilities, and to help children face the unique challenges and rewards of growing up with a disability. Reflections from a Different Journey will also encourage and inspire older children and adults with disabilities, other family members, and education and health care professionals who serve these families.

The most common complex birth defect, spina bifida affects approximately one out of every 1,000 children born in the United States. In this comprehensive guide, Dr. Adrian Sandler offers a wealth of useful information on the medical, developmental, and psychological aspects of this condition. Accurate, accessible, and up-to-date, "Living with Spina Bifida" is written especially for families and professionals who care for children, adolescents, and adults with spina bifida. This edition contains a new preface by the author, addressing recent developments in spina bifida research and treatment, as well as an updated list of spina bifida associations.

"This book will be very useful for hearing aid users and their families. It helps demystify many of the uncertainties surrounding the purchase of hearing aids, and is written in a highly readable style." --David Fabry, past president, American Academy of Audiology Approximately 10 percent of Americans (nearly one-third of people age seventy and older) have some degree of hearing loss that, if left untreated, causes frustration, isolation, and depression. A hearing aid is a simple tool to improve careers, relationships, and self-esteem, and to provide independence and security. Yet of the nearly thirty million people with hearing impairment, only about 20 percent choose to use one. This is true despite the fact that technological advances have enabled hearing aids to address a greater range of hearing losses, while making them smaller, better designed, and easier to use than those of the past. Overcoming Hearing Aid Fears can help readers take that first step to a better life. Audiologist John M. Burkey addresses common fears, concerns, and misconceptions about this topic. He provides practical information about hearing aid styles, options, and costs. His experience in caring for more than 50,000 patients will help people with hearing loss address their concerns. The book also helps family and friends understand why a loved one migh resist getting a hearing aid, and offers tips on counseling. Audiologists will find this text an important educational tool in advising their own patients. John M. Burkey is the director of audiology and speech at the Lippy Group for Ear, Nose, and Throat in Warren, Ohio. He is coauthor with his colleagues at the Lippy Group of Hearing Better: Understanding Your Hearing and Ear Care Options.

This guide provides an overview of the approaches and strategies to improve job opportunities for disabled jobseekers. It is intended for vocational guidance and placement personnel in mainstream and specialist employment services in governmental and non-governmental organizations. It is a useful resource for personnel experienced in providing such services to disabled people and for those new to the task as well as policy-makers in labour administration.

This book is a story of how a family copes with a son and a brother who has been afflicted with cerebral palsy. It also suggests some ideas for seeking help for any child with this frustrating disease.

I have worked extensively with Dr. Silver educating people on how to win the battle over osteoarthritis. His book will be of tremendous value to the people trying to combat this disease.
--Joe Namath

Expert advice from the arthritis specialist who keeps athletes in the game and at their best

For every active person sidelined by the pain of arthritis, whether a would-be weekend softball champion or potential marathon runner, rheumatologist Dr. David Silver offers a game plan for getting back in the action.

Dr. Silver is the clinical chief of rheumatology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and consultant to a roster of celebrities and athletes. Dr. Silver has developed a pain reduction program specifically designed for active people.

In Playing Through Arthritis, he shares his plan for maintaining an athletic lifestyle by combining exercise, nutrition, the latest medications, and the best alternative therapies.

Key features include:

• Unique focus on those among the 43 million arthritis sufferers who are physically active
  
• Targeted exercises to dramatically lessen pain and stiffness in specific joints
  
• Expert medical advice on nutrition, medications, and alternative therapies
  

The patient is an ascetically pretty 15½-year-old white female. She is intelligent, fearful, extremely anxious, and depressed. Her rage is poorly controlled and inappropriately expressed.
Diagnostic Impression: Program for social recovery in a supportive and structured environment appears favorable.

Life Inside

In 1967, three months before her sixteenth birthday, Mindy Lewis was sent to a state psychiatric hospital by court order. She had been skipping school, smoking pot, and listening to too much Dylan. Her mother, at a loss for what else to do, decided that Mindy remain in state custody until she turned eighteen and became a legal, law-abiding, "healthy" adult.

Life Inside is Mindy's story about her coming-of-age during those tumultuous years. In honest, unflinching prose, she paints a richly textured portrait of her stay on a psychiatric ward -- the close bonds and rivalries among adolescent patients, the politics and routines of institutional life, the extensive use of medication, and the prevalence of life-altering misdiagnoses. But this memoir also takes readers on a journey of recovery as Lewis describes her emergence into adulthood and her struggle to transcend the stigma of institutionalization. Bracingly told, and often terrifying in its truths, Life Inside is a life-affirming memoir that informs as it inspires.

Eyes. They are two of our most precious assets. And everybody wants them to work perfectly. I know I do. When they don't, life becomes proportionally more difficult to the degree that they don't work. Thanks to modern technology, though, much can be done to help the weaker and diseased eye. But is modern technology the end-all of eye treatment? I hardly think so. People have been dealing with eye problems since the earliest days of his creation, and eyeglasses, contacts, and laser surgery are all relatively new. Now, don't get me wrong. Many of the latest advances in eye treatment are absolutely marvelous and we'll be discussing some of those in this report. Because if you don't have a particular eye problem now, there's a good chance you probably will somewhere down the road. If you decided to wait until you have the problem, it may be too late. And a little prevention goes a long way. Our eyesight will deteriorate with age: Decreased visual acuity and the need for glasses, cataracts, and eventually macular degeneration are an inevitable part of the aging process in most people. That isn't a pleasant thought, but it is reality. I've included in this book information about how the eye works, brief descriptions of various common eye conditions, traditional remedies to eye problems, and a few simple suggestions that may help you maintain your eyesight for years to come. - William Campbell Douglass II, MD

"Disability: a Life Course Approach" provides students and teachers with easy access to many of the most important current disability issues and debates. It provides a clearly focused account, and bridges some important gaps in the existing disability literature by including issues relevant to disabled people of all ages. If offers a unique approach to understanding disabling societies in a systematic way, using a novel life course approach.

This book examines how contemporary societies organise and control generational boundaries and progression through the life course for disabled people. There are specific chapters on birthrights and eugenics, childhood, youth transitions, interdependence and adulthood, old age and death and dying. The emphasis is on contemporary policy and politics (located within a broader sociological and cultural context) including the claims and struggles of the disabled people's movement. The discussion is framed within a social model approach and draws extensively on contemporary international debates about the citizenship and human rights of disabled people.

The book functions both as a resource guide and as a tool for learning. The various chapters include reviews of existing literature and theoretical debates, alongside specific examples of disabling policies and practices in different countries. There are also case studies illustrating key issues, together with relevant discussion and teaching points, and suggestions for further research and reading.

The book addresses an international readership and will be of particular interest to students and teachers of disability studies, sociology, human development, social policy;to professionals and students within rehabilitation and social work; and to disabled people and lay readers with an interest in contemporary disability issues and debates.

If you know and love a child with autism, this book will warm your heart! R. Wayne Gilpin, founder of Future Horizons, Inc., compiled a book of anecdotes revealing his son Alex's wisdom and wit (Alex's sense of humor is legendary, and has been known to cause huge outbreaks of smiles!). Together with uplifting stories from other parents of children with autism, they comprise ""Much More Laughing and Loving with Autism"". Be sure to also check out the two companion books: ""Laughing and Loving with Autism"", and ""More Laughing and Loving with Autism"".