Teens with disabilities share their stories

December 28, 2007

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By Martell

High school is confusing and difficult for almost everyone. The

complications caused by physical disabilities could make it seem

almost impossible.

Madison author Thornton, in her new book " Physical

Disabilities: The Ultimate Teen Guide " (Scarecrow Press, hardcover

$42), goes to young people who've found their own paths through the

thickets of complications caused by their various disabilities, and

seeks their advice for others.

Among the people Thornton features: a young woman who was paralyzed

from the shoulders down in a diving accident at age 15, and is now

working on her Ph.D. in rehabilitation psychology; a 16-year-old

blind honor student who has helped form a foundation to make service

dogs available to other young people in the United States; a woman

born with severe hearing loss who is earning a degree in

rehabilitation counseling; a young woman who uses a wheelchair

because of cerebral palsy who became an independent world traveler

and is now helping others do the same; a young man with spina bifida

who lives in his own apartment and has a job; a young man born

without a right hand who paints icons; and a young woman pursuing a

career in music therapy who is totally blind.

Thornton organized the book into eight categories: school, tools and

technology, transportation, sports and recreation, self-expression,

relationships, independent living and advocacy. Each chapter

combines the experiences of young people in these areas, and offers

the latest information on some of the resources.

For information on buying the book go to www.scarecrowpress.com or

call 800-462-6420.

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