Disabilities Sourcebook

Basic Consumer Health Information about Physical and Psychiatric Disabilities, Including Descriptions of Major Causes of Disability, Assistive and Adaptive Aids, Workplace Issues, and Accessibility Concerns

Along with Information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, a Glossary, and Resources for Additional Help and Information

Almost 50 million Americans have a disability, and nearly half of these people are impaired in their ability to participate in routine activities of daily living. Although there are many differences among the population of disabled people, recent improvements in medical care and technological advancements in adaptive and assistive aids are helping people with disabilities live fuller, more personally satisfying lives.

Disabilities Sourcebook contains descriptions of major disabilities, their causes, and people who are disabled. It provides information about assistive and adaptive aids and sports and recreation equipment that can improve life for disabled individuals. Also included is information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, employment and workplace issues, and other financial and legal issues. In addition, the book contains a glossary and lists of resources for further help and information.

The book's 58 chapters are arranged in six major parts:

• People with Disabilities - presents background and statistics on people with disabilities
• Major Causes of Disabilities - more than 15 different causes of disabilites are examined, from arthritis and chronic pain to deafness and visual impairments
• Assistive and Adaptive Aids - describes services and devices to aid individuals with disabilities
• Employment and Workplace Issues - provides information helpful to disabled individuals and their employers
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Other Legal and Financial Issues - answers questions about the ADA and other legal and financial issues
• Additional Help and Information - includes a glossary, a directory of organizations, information services, and other sources of help and information
• Completing the Sourcebook is a comprehensive index.

Material in this book has been collected from a wide range of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and periodicals.

What reviewers are saying . . .

"It is a must for libraries with a consumer health section." - American Reference Books Annual, 2002

"Recommended reference source." - Booklist, American Library Association, July 2000

"An excellent source book in easy-to-read format covering many current topics; highly recommended for all libraries." - Choice, Association of College and Research Libraries, January 2001

"A much needed addition to the Omnigraphics Health Reference Series. A current reference work to provide people with disabilities, their families, caregivers or those who work with them, a broad range of information in one volume, has not been available until now….It is recommended for all public and academic library reference collections." - E-Streams, May 2001