The following books on disability rights and community living have been reviewed for the Harried Parent's Book Club. They are sorted by Guide Rating, with five stars being best.
1. Breaking Bread, Nourishing Connections
Cover image courtesy of Brookes Publishing Co.
While describing how mealtimes for people with disabilities can be more meaningful than just shoveling in food on schedule, this upbeat book details the important emotional element of eating together. It's about being part of a family, part of a relationship, part of a community -- things that are as important to humans, and as sustaining, as the physical act of eating. 4 Stars
2. Forced Exit
Cover image courtesy of Random House
Those advocating euthanasia promote it as a way to help someone who no longer wishes to live find release -- but does that help ever come in the form of a push? Wesley Smith presents disturbing evidence that what may start out as a humanitarian impulse can quickly turn into survival of the fittest. 4 Stars
3. Next Chapter Book Club
Cover image courtesy of Woodbine House
Finding ways to learn and participate in the community after leaving school can be hard for adults with intellectual disabilities. Next Chapter Book Clubs offer a great opportunity to do both and have fun, and this book is a complete guide to understanding, starting, and facilitating these weekly get-togethers. It's a great idea, though one parents may have to find someone else to manage. 4 Stars
4. Count Us In: Growing Up With Down Syndrome
Cover image courtesy of Harcourt
The cover explains: "At ages 19 and 22, respectively, Jason Kingsley and Mitchell Levitz shared their innermost thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams, their lifelong friendship, and their experiences growing up with Down syndrome." The dialogues that make up this book took place from 1990-1993, and were originally published in 1994. The book has now been re-issued with an afterword updating readers on a dozen years of adulthood for its authors. They're enjoyable company, and have interesting insights into DS life, and life in general. 3.5 Stars
5. Person-Centered Planning Made Easy
Cover image courtesy of Brookes Publishing
Many parents have wondered what happens to our kids when they outgrow school and its attempts at mainstreaming and have to find a life in the adult world. "Person-centered planning" is like the real-world version of inclusion, looking to find placements for individuals in the wider community rather than gather them together in self-contained institutions. Reading the book is a little like being in an IEP meeting, but at least it's an upbeat one. 3.5 Stars
6. Including People With Disabilities in Faith Communities
Cover image courtesy of Brookes Publishing Co.
Although the subtitle -- "A Guide for Service Providers, Families, & Congregations" -- mentions "families," this book is much more strongly aimed at the movers and shakers in religious congregations, and those who provide services for adults with disabilities. And that's not bad; having battled for services and participation in other venues, I like the idea that my faith community gets to take the responsibility for welcoming my kids. But it means you'll want to give this book a quick skim and then pass it right on to those folks who can make it so. 3 Stars
