Extraordinary People With Disabilities (Extraordinary People)

Extraordinary People with Disabilities by Kent and Quinlan (Grolier Publishing 1996) This excellent book tells the stories of over 50 outstanding individuals who overcame their disabilities. It is written so that one can choose to read short segments. However, when I picked it up, I felt energized and needed to read it cover-to-cover. The people profiled are from a variety of racial and economic backgrounds. Many of these individuals had physical disabilities but some of the stories profile people with learning or emotional disabilities. Through these stories, the book takes an activist stance. It tells of many who not only overcame their own disabilities, but went on to help other disabled people. The stories make it easier to understand the points of view of disability rights activists. The final chapter gives an overview of important new technological aids for the disabled. It explains why some of these aids are controversial among the disabled community. A glossary gives succinct definitions of many of the terms used in the book. An appendix at the back of the book list many of the major organizations that advocate for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. There is also a section listing related books and journals. I would recommend this book to high school students and adults. Carol E Watkins, M.D. Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

This book is a good book to read if you want to know more about disabilities. I liked the wide range of people it told about. They are put in order from the year of the persons birth. The downside is that the book can get boring at places telling about organizations for disabled people.