Living in a State of Stuck: How Technology Impacts the Lines of People with Disabilites

The narratives are fascinating and compelling while the analysis is lively. The book deals with the problems experienced by those with disabilities as they relate to technologies. Marcia Scherer manages to create a text containing both substantive analysis and interesting stories. This is a rare combination to find. I recommend this jewel for anyone interested in exploring issues surrounding technology, embodiment, disabilities, and society.

"Stuck" teaches people how to think about assistive technology from a holistic perspective. Although most people approach the use of any new technology with skepticism, if not outright fear, people with disabilities are expected to accept assistive technology with open arms. The approach has been: Professionals prescribe the equipment; therefore, people should accept it for "their own good." Scherer illustrates her points about matching people with technology through stories about real people, telling the success stories along with the nightmares. As a university professor, I have used this book as a text to teach current and future professionals in fields of special education, rehabilitation, and engineering. Students have been inspired by this book time and time again, and begin to understand how assistive technology can help people become "unstuck" and begin living quality lives in their communities.