Edited by Stanley D. Klein, Ph.D. and John D. Kemp, Forward by Marlee Matlin, Academy Award winning actress, McGraw Hill, 2004

This book is a novel approach by people with disabilities, from countries all over the world, who speak to their parents about just that: parenting a child with disabilities. The collections of brief essays are divided into five themes: Love Me and Accept Me as I Am; Parents are the Most Important Experts; Parental Expectations; Sexuality; and Education About Disability. While the focus is parenting, anyone who is a health care professional, educator, relative, sibling, knows a person with a disability, or someone who just wants to see the world from another point of view, should read this book. It provides valuable insight and understanding of the obstacles persons with a disability must face every day, particularly growing up, and their personal roadmap to successful inclusion in society.

Each author, some of whom are now parents and grandparents themselves, finds a unique way to communicate his or her inner most thoughts and feelings, in both letters and in essays. However, each piece is certainly thought provoking.

While reading these works, common themes become evident - treat me as if I were not disabled, parents are advocates, disabled persons should be seen as advisors to parents and others, and having a disability is a different approach to expectations and standards. The commonality is the humanity of people with disabilities.

As with the theme of self, the personal needs of the authors are tied together with a common thread. The need for opportunity becomes increasingly clear as one reads through the book, and encouragement and support to explore the world with a sense of belonging are the thoughts and feelings overtly expressed.

The authors have shared their inner most thoughts in both an honest and insightful way. Wit, humor and introspection are entwined with each passing page. All who have contributed through the personal essays share their stories from the heart! I would highly recommend this book for your library or as a wonderful gift.

Claire A. Hoffman, MS, RNC, CDDN, CLNC
Hoffman Associates