Enabling Romance: A Guide to Love, Sex, and Relationships for the Disabled.

Kroll K, Klein EL. Bethesda, MD 20817, Woodbine House, 1995, paperback, 211 pp, $15.95.

This is a highly personal book written by a couple who have lived the lessons they discuss. They are not academics or researchers, they are two people in love--one of whom has dystonia and uses a wheelchair. They provide information, perspective, and stories from many others in similar circumstances with candor, sensitivity, and detail. In the brief preface, they identify how they collected their information and made certain decisions on use of language. Chapter 1 addresses how they met and some of the thoughts, feelings, and questions they had about one another in the early days of their relationship. They try to debunk the myth that "cripples" are sexless.

The book is divided into two sections: "The Final Taboo: Sexual Satisfaction for People With Disabilities" and "Living and Loving With Specific Disabilities." Appendixes are included. The first section addresses sexual stereotypes, self-esteem in an unaccepting world, sexual variations and alternatives, reproduction and contraception, and attendants and sexual intimacy. Each chapter includes poignant examples drawn from a questionnaire sent to hundreds of people with disabilities.

The second section addresses several specific disabilities and provides helpful information about sexual function and ability through vignettes provided by respondents, who have conditions such as spinal cord injury, polio and post-polio syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and other neuromuscular disabilities, cerebral palsy, vision impairments, hearing impairments, and amputation. The stories are both heartwarming and saddening as they reflect the experiences of real people who have suffered humiliation at the hands of others in our society. Some have triumphed, some have not.

The four appendixes are on family planning, independent-living organizations, dating and friendship services, independent-living catalogues, and other media.

This little book would be a useful adjunct in any course for physical therapy students and other health professional students dealing with psychosocial aspects of illness and disability and human sexuality. It could also be used in an introductory course that covers attitudes toward people who are disabled and awareness of lifestyle issues. It would probably be more useful for faculty teaching courses in these areas and for mature students.

Dr Ramsden is an associate professor who teaches in the physical therapy Program. Her Primary research interests are in psychosocial aspects of illness and disability, interpersonal communication processes in health care, and professional ethics in health care.