Resource list for disabilities/handicaps

"If what you got don't work, work with what you've got!"

"Focus on what you do have and are able to do -- not on what you don't have or can't do!"

And most importantly: "Affect has a very real effect!"

There are a few (yes, only a few) fantastic children;s books on the market that deal responsibly, naturally, and inclusively with the topic of disability. I have been on a search for them for them for the last year, and I have come up with (and purchased) some incredible titles. These are books that you may use to read to your child, in your classroom, to a friend, or to yourself, to help you and others understand the goal of inclusion: our differences matter, but our common humanity matters more. (there are many more books on the subject but many come with negative outlooks overall, especially in many titles—use discernment)

'My Friend Isabelle'
'Looking After Louis'
'Russ and the Firehouse (Day With Russ)'
'We'll Paint the Octopus Red'
'Tobin Learns to Make Friends'

http://www.disabilityresources.org/

http://www.icdi.wvu.edu/Others.htm

http://www.thestrengthcoach.com/

http://www.makoa.org/index.htm

http://www.disabilityfilms.co.uk/  (this tells every film or show made about disabled people)

http://www.freedomswings.org/  (this is a really great site!)

http://www.passionworks.org/index.php  (awesome encouragement)

There are many very good books of interest of Parents, family members, and professionals of children and adults with disabilities.  Check you local book store, or go online http://www.disabilitiesbooks.com/  or other online book store. 

Chicken soup for the Recovering Soul, Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul, and Chicken soup for the Unsinkable Soul are all very good gifts…..there are many Chicken Soup for the Soul books—one for every kind of personality.   http://www.chickensoup.com/   for a list of all the books. 

The Bible is our greatest source, of course.  Every subject, every personality, is in there.  Read it daily.  Put a book mark in your bible, with your favorite verses for encouragement and focus for regular reference.