This book tells the stories of nine disabled leaders who, by force of personality and concrete achievement, have made us think differently about disability. Whatever direction they have come from, they share a common will to change society so that disabled people get a fair deal. There are compelling biographies of: · Sir Bert Massie: public servant· Lord (Jack) Ashley: Labour politician· Rachel Hurst: activist and campaigner· Tom Shakespeare: academic· Phil Friend: entrepreneur and business consultant· Peter White: broadcaster· Mat Fraser: actor, musician and performer· Andrew Lee: activist and campaigner· Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson: Paralympic champion Defying Disability is based on extensive interviews with the subjects and the people who know them. It marks their similarities and differences, the forces that drove them to achieve, the impact they have had on policies and practice, and how the modern history of disability in the UK has been played out in their lives. Defying Disability is not just a good read; it will inform professionals in the field, students in disability studies, disabled people, their families and carers, and everyone interested in disability politics and policies.
Adults often believe that children are quick to overcome and forget loss, but there is evidence that children are affected by the memory and impact of loss throughout their lives, and especially during the years that they grow-up.In this sympathetic book, Tamar Granot explains the immediate and long-term effects of loss on children and adolescents. She describes how loss is experienced at different ages, explains the significant consequences it can have at each stage of the children's development and the effects it might have on the development of their personality. The author describes how the circumstances of the loss and its aftermath and the behavior of parents and other significant caregivers influence the child's reaction. She explores the special effects of different kinds of loss, including the suicide of a parent or sibling, murder, the loss of a parent through death and parental abandonment due to divorce, disease, substance abuse, etc. Tamar Granot emphasizes how important it is to stay attuned to the special needs of these children along their growing years and provides practical and sensitive explanations and advice on how best to support them. Adults who experienced loss in childhood will find the book insightful to retrospective understanding of the effects of the loss on their growth and adult life, especially on their emotional state and their functioning in intimate relationships and as parents. Drawing on theories of loss and child development in an accessible way, Without You provides valuable guidance for parents and carers of bereaved children, as well as for the professionals who support them.
The emotional trauma that families go through when they find out their child has an autism spectrum disorder can feel like being plunged into darkness. Francesca Bierens is here to show that there is also a light at the end of the tunnel. Over a period of fourteen years, Francesca Bierens interviewed ten families of children on the autism spectrum. This book records their answers: how they felt, how they coped, and what gave them strength and solace. Each family discusses how they reacted when they found out their child had autism, and their feelings leading up to diagnosis. They share their positive and negative experiences of professionals, and describe the support that they received, often from grandparents, respite care givers, support groups and other parents. Two of the original children, now in their 20s, also talk about the experience of growing up with autism, and describe how their lives are now. Above all, Bierens' message, and that of the families she interviews, is one of inspiration and hope, showing that there is light, love and laughter along the way. Their stories should be read by anyone who is affected by or working with autism.
Deeno's Dream Journeys in the Big Blue Bubble is a fun and easy-to-use guide to a special relaxation technique for children. Adapted from the system of Autogenics, the six-week programme uses positive affirmations and guided imagery to help children manage their emotions, let go of anxiety and feel calm and confident. Each week, the child is given a new set of 'magic words': a relaxation tool they can draw upon whenever they feel stressed or anxious. An illustrated story based around these words, where the child is asked to imagine they are going on an adventure in a big blue bubble with Deeno the Dinosaur, draws the child into a safe and magical world and guides their minds and bodies into a state of deep, calming relaxation. Suggestions for follow-up practice and creative activities based around that week's words accompany each session, and encourage children to tap into their own imaginations. Separate introductions for parents, teachers and other professionals provide advice on how best to use the technique, whether at home, at school, or elsewhere. There is also a children's introduction, which introduces Deeno and explains the technique in accessible terms. Accessible and engaging, Deeno's Dream Journeys in the Big Blue Bubble is an ideal tool for helping children develop effective relaxation skills in a fun and imaginative way.
Active Support is a proven model of care that enables and empowers people with intellectual disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of their lives. This evidence-based approach is particularly effective for working with people with more severe disabilities, and is of growing interest to those responsible for providing support and services. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of Active Support and how it can be used in practice, based on the theory and research underpinning the methods involved. They describe how to engage people with intellectual disabilities in meaningful activity as active participants, and look at the communication style needed to foster positive relationships between carers and the people they are supporting. Highlighting the main issues for those trying to put Active Support into practice, they explain what is needed on a day-to-day basis to support the implementation, improvement and maintenance of the approach, along with possible solutions for the difficulties they may encounter. Finally, they look at how to integrate Active Support with other person-centred approaches, drawing on examples from various organisations and individual case studies. The definitive text on Active Support, this book will be essential reading for anyone professionally concerned with the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities, including psychologists, behaviour specialists, social workers, care managers, occupational therapists and inspectors and regulators of services, as well as families.
Practising Taiji and Qigong is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life and a great way to stay healthy. Now caring professionals can help those with limited mobility to experience the benefits of Taiji and Qigong with this easy-to-follow guide. Covering everything caregivers need to know about Taiji and Qigong, this illustrated guide provides an explanatory introduction to these forms of exercises and shows how to build up a program from easy steps to more challenging ones. There are exercises to stimulate every part of the body, with variations to suit the patient's needs and preferences. All the movements are adapted from the same ancient principles guiding classic Taiji and Qigong and will help strengthen the body as well as provide contemplative relaxation. This book will show occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, activity directors, mental health practitioners, martial arts instructors, and anyone else working with people with physical disabilities and the elderly exactly how these simple techniques can make big improvements to a person's physical and mental wellbeing.
I Send a Voice is the gripping, first person account of what happens inside a Native American Sweat Lodge. Evelyn Eaton writes of her resolve to become worthy of participating in a Sweat Lodge healing ritual. She undergoes tests and ordeals inside and outside of the Lodge following the spiritual path to learn the shamanic secrets, and eventually daring to ask for a healing Pipe of her own. This classic book remains one of the definitive accounts of the training and work of a Pipe-carrier and provides a unique insight into Native American culture and their sacred and esoteric rites. It will be essential reading for everyone with an interest in Native American culture, shamanic rituals or holistic healing.
After achieving a level of recovery from an eating disorder, it is vital to ensure the right practical and emotional supports are in place to maintain that recovery indefinitely. In this important book, Naomi Feigenbaum confronts the often neglected subject of how to take the essential steps towards a healthy and happy life after recovering from an eating disorder. This inspirational companion offers a wide range of healthy coping skills that are supported by expert advice from treatment professionals. Issues explored range from the practical aspects of recovery such as how to confront triggers and work with a treatment team, to the emotional hurdles that include accepting one’s body, coping with trauma and sustaining meaningful relationships. A number of real people in recovery are introduced, proving that every experience is unique and the key to maintaining a healthy life is finding a path that works for the individual. This guide will help to signpost that path and inspire those in recovery with the confidence to take responsibility for their choices and ultimately their lives. Written with the aim of helping those in recovery discover their own unique insights and passions and awaken a desire to enjoy life to the fullest, this positive and life-affirming book will be an invaluable aid for anyone in recovery from an eating disorder, their family, friends, and the healthcare professionals who work with them.
Over a million people commit suicide worldwide every year. Taking an interdisciplinary approach that looks at the person at risk, the family and personal relationships they have and the communities in which they are embedded, this book will help anyone working with suicidal individuals to prevent this major cause of death. Backed up by research and clinical expertise the book clarifies the facts about suicide and debunks the many unfounded myths surrounding the subject. It covers the classifications and manifestations of suicide, as well as the major risk factors, at-risk groups and warning signs. Advice on effective communication and a repertoire of strategies for distress management are offered, not only for supporting at-risk individuals and those who have survived a suicide attempt, but also families coping with bereavement. A final chapter explores the impact of the internet and the digital age on both the propagation and prevention of suicide. This book will be essential reading for anybody working with people at risk of suicide, including clinicians, therapists, psychologists, social and healthcare workers and volunteers working in suicide prevention.
*Highly Commended in the Health and Social Care category at the 2012 British Medical Association Book Awards* Behaviours that challenge can significantly interfere with the quality of life of a person with dementia, as well as that of those who live with and care for them. Yet there is a great deal of confusion surrounding how such behaviours should be addressed. This book provides theory and practical guidance on the assessment and treatment of behaviours that challenge in dementia, with a particular emphasis on non-pharmacological approaches. The author describes the different categories and causes of challenging behaviour in people with dementia, and provides tried-and-tested models which will aid identification, assessment and treatment. A thorough evaluation of the use of psychotropic medication is provided, as well as of a wide range of psychological and biopsychosocial interventions. The book contains useful tools and protocol derived from the author's work at a specialist challenging behaviour unit, as well as case studies which demonstrate how the various models may be used in practice. This will be an invaluable resource for any professional involved in the assessment and treatment of behaviours that challenge in people with dementia, including psychiatrists, psychologists, community psychiatric nurses, GPs and occupational therapists. It will also be of interest to those involved in commissioning, providing and managing services.