Resources for People with Disabilities and Chronic Conditions.

This resource guide is intended to offer information to people with disabilities. It could also be useful for health care practitioners because of the extensive list of organizations, publications, and available tapes that it offers. There are 213 organizations listed, which are categorized by disability type and accompanied by brief explanations of services they offer. An appendix of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies is also included.

The book provides sections of specific disabilities, including communication disorders, diabetes, epilepsy, low back pain, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and visual impairment. Each section explores a particular disability and explains the types of treatment available. Psychological aspects are explored, as are environmental adaptations and modifications for everyday living.

Professional service providers and treatment are also suggested. In the section on multiple sclerosis, for example, definitions for a neurologist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, an orthotist, a rehabilitation nurse, and a social worker are provided. Suggested treatments for multiple sclerosis include medication for spasticity, optic neuritis, and nystagmus. Swimming, exercises, and orthoses are listed as suggested treatments for gait problems.

This book tries to offer a little bit of everything, and, consequently, the brief amount of information offered on each subject is certainly far from comprehensive. Presenting seven pages on spinal cord injury, for example, may be misleading. Short paragraphs covering bladder and bowel control, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, spasticity, and sexual function will probably leave readers with more questions than answers.

The information about disabilities could have been omitted from this book. The lists of resources are excellent, however, and will definitely enhance the library of the health care professional.