I needed proof that God existed. I received this proof from the swing of a baseball bat.While walking home from work on November 10, 1996 I was assaulted. That initial blow resulted in a severe head injury, and when I awoke from a fifteen day coma, I was in essence a newborn. My Invisible Disability is the recollection I have of rehabilitation from head injury and the struggles I endured to gain back all that I lost. The book is based on journals I wrote during recovery so it reveals the power of the human mind, therefore body and spirit. Going through this adversity and surviving the way I did is the proof I needed that God does exist, and had His hand in my healing. It took suffering from My Invisible Disability to realize He is there, and always was, and always will be.
For those who live with a hidden disability, such as chronic pain, depression, or a range of other conditions often misunderstood, downplayed, or even dismissed by others, this book offers practical suggestions for surviving rough times, coping with negative reactions, and dealing with employment issues, as well as strategies to manage pain, find a helpful therapist, rebuild self-esteem, and strengthen the body, mind, and soul.
The STEM fields attract many students with autism and related disabilities who are highly intelligent, but who, upon entering higher education, may find that they struggle with independent living and a different way of learning. Full of practical advice, this is a useful handbook that students and parents can refer to throughout the college years.
This thoughtful collection addresses the issues faced by women with disabilities, examines the social construction of disability, and makes suggestions for the development and modification of culturally relevant therapy to meet the needs of disabled women. Written in an accessible style with a minimum of jargon, this book provides clinical material from the perspectives of psychotherapists, clients, personal assistants, and health administrators. Women with Visible and Invisible Disabilities also highlights the importance of considering age, ethnicity, and sexual orientation in its examination of feminist approaches to assessment, psychotherapy, disability management (coping), and discusses how the Americans with Disabilities Act impacts employment and education for women.
“Disability rights activist Alice Wong brings tough conversations to the forefront of society with this anthology. It sheds light on the experience of life as an individual with disabilities, as told by none other than authors with these life experiences. It's an eye-opening collection that readers will revisit time and time again.” —Chicago Tribune One in five people in the United States lives with a disability. Some disabilities are visible, others less apparent—but all are underrepresented in media and popular culture. Activist Alice Wong brings together this urgent, galvanizing collection of contemporary essays by disabled people, just in time for the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, From Harriet McBryde Johnson’s account of her debate with Peter Singer over her own personhood to original pieces by authors like Keah Brown and Haben Girma; from blog posts, manifestos, and eulogies to Congressional testimonies, and beyond: this anthology gives a glimpse into the rich complexity of the disabled experience, highlighting the passions, talents, and everyday lives of this community. It invites readers to question their own understandings. It celebrates and documents disability culture in the now. It looks to the future and the past with hope and love.
From the star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills comes an emotional and eye opening behind-the-scenes look at her descent into uncovering the mystery of chronic Lyme disease. In early 2011, Yolanda was struck by mysterious symptoms including brain fog, severe exhaustion, migraines and more. Over the months and years that followed, she went from being an outspoken, multi-tasking, hands-on mother of three, reality TV star, and social butterfly, to a woman who spent most of her time in bed. Yolanda was turned inside out by some of the country’s top hospitals and doctors, but due to the lack of definitive diagnostic testing, she landed in a dark maze of conflicting medical opinions, where many were quick to treat her symptoms but could never provide clear answers to their possible causes. In this moving, behind the scenes memoir, Yolanda Hadid opens up in a way she has never been able to in the media before. Suffering from late stage Lyme, a disease that is an undeniable epidemic and more debilitating than anyone realizes, Yolanda had to fight with everything she had to hold onto her life. While her struggle was lived publicly, it impacted her privately in every aspect of her existence, affecting her family, friends and professional prospects. Her perfect marriage became strained and led to divorce. It was the strong bond with her children, Gigi, Bella and Anwar, that provided her greatest motivation to fight through the darkest days of her life. Hers is an emotional narrative and all-important read for anyone unseated by an unexpected catastrophe. With candor, authenticity and an unwavering inner strength, Yolanda reveals intimate details of her journey crisscrossing the world to find answers for herself and two of her children who suffer from Lyme and shares her tireless research into eastern and western medicine. Believe Me is an inspiring lesson in the importance of having courage and hope, even in those moments when you think you can’t go on.
Few books on invisible illness are written by psychologists. Based on work by the Chronic Illness Research Team (CIRT) at the University of East London, this expert, accessible book encourages people actively to manage their illness using the techniques shown. • Based on 20 years of research • Helps those often 'written off' by the medical profession • Pioneering text on Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) • Authors specialist in chronic illness
This book contains 35 powerful essays from adults with autism, mental illnesses, fetal alchol spectrum disorders, OCD, ADHD, and other "invisible special needs" and those who love them. These poignant, funny, heartbreaking and honest stories let mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lovers, husbands, wives, children and individuals with neurobehavioral disabilities themselves know that they are not alone, and that they somehow stop being important to the world when they reach adulthood. Finding that common powerful bond in a world of judgement and cruelty from those who don't understand, magically transforms the journey and makes it easier to cope. Instead of putting on appearances for others, adults with challenges and their loved ones can choose to connect with who they really are and accept their lives. "Easy To Love But Hard To Live With" is filled with poignant stories that inspire and empower. A great read for those living with a misunderstood partner, sibling, parent, child or other loved one."
Dare to Dream discusses critical topics for young people with hidden disabilties, such as self-advocating, developing positive relationships with mentors, planning for college, successful working life, interpersonal skills, and satisfying relationships.
Personal essay meets pop-culture critique in this unflinchingly honest collection about chronic illness and misogyny in medicine, by Adelaide writer Kylie Maslen
