After Disability: A Guide to Getting On with Life

Abstract

In After Disability: A Guide to Getting On with Life, Lisa Bendall examines a wide range of issues related to living with a disability. Her intent was to create a handbook addressing topics of relevance to the everyday needs of Canadians with disabilities. In particular, this book is intended for those with newly acquired disabilities, who may not know where to start in terms of identifying the resources that are available to them or getting answers to the many questions they may have. However, the information it contains will likely be of interest to any individual with a disability, as well as to their families and caregivers. The book is accessible and well organized. It is written in a conversational and readable tone. The content focuses on practical issues of living with a disability. Selected topics address a broad spectrum of issues, including self-advocacy and the law, assistive devices, housing, finances, health care, employment, sexuality, transportation, recreation, and travel. Bendall does not attempt to provide a comprehensive treatment of any particular subject; rather, she offers an overview of each theme and identifies various resources relevant for further examination of the subject. In many cases she offers practical suggestions and strategies derived from the experience of others living with disabilities. A recurring theme throughout the book is that individuals with disabilities need to advocate for their rights and insist on respect and dignity as they interact with service providers, employers, and government officials. An important strength of this text is the many links that are provided to relevant organizations, publications, and Web sites. These links offer opportunities for those interested in finding more detailed information about a particular subject to further pursue their research. Bendall has also included numerous quotations from Canadians with disabilities. This feature gives the book a more personal feel, and the anecdotes provide a counterpoint to the “guidebook” style of the rest of the text. This book appears to be a unique resource. One of its most relevant features is the consistent Canadian focus of the material. Indeed, almost all the resources described in the book are Canadian. After Disability can help you find a lawyer specializing in disability-related tax issues, access information on grants for students with disabilities, or identify resources on parenting with a disability. The variety and relevance of these links are impressive. Bendall has been deliberate in describing resources from across the country and even surveys provincial and municipal differences on a number of issues. Physiotherapists will likely find this book a useful resource that they can recommend to patients. It may be especially relevant to individuals who are unaware of what is available in their community or who are having difficulty in accessing resources. Therapists may well learn of programmes and services that they were not previously aware of. Rehabilitation centres, in particular, should consider having this book available in their libraries and making it accessible to both staff and patients. After Disability is a well written and clearly organized handbook covering a wide range of topics related to living with a disability. This book represents an important contribution to the pool of available resources in this area, and it is worthwhile reading for anyone interested in disability issues in Canada.