"Christopher Reeve said, 'There are struggles and there are resources within that we don't know anything about.' And sometimes we just need a little direction, and in this extraordinary gift to everyone facing mobility issues, Gary Karp juggles the information we need to know with a comprehensive guidance and his remarkable sense of humor. This invaluable tool will be used over and over again and is filled with exciting and important new discoveries!"--Peter T. Wilderotter, President and CEO, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
"If I had to pick one word to describe Life on Wheels, it would be 'empowering.' Gary Karp has a unique talent for making even the most mundane details about access specifications, adaptive equipment and ergonomic design not only seem interesting, but also entertaining. And the vital information he provides in this book empowers people to get out and live. It's a must-have for all wheelchair-users. I didn't think Gary could improve on his excellent first edition, but somehow he has."--Candy Harrington, author of Barrier-Free Travel, founder of Emerging Horizons
"Life on Wheels is an invaluable and comprehensive resource. Whether someone is facing a recent spinal cord injury or still trying to understand a chronic injury, I would highly recommend this book."--Jeffrey S. Johns, MD, SCI Program Medical Director, Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital
"A very informative A-Z road map in regards to not just living but thriving with a disability. The chapters on rehabilitation, health, and the disability experience were invaluable at creating an awareness for many of the barriers and resources available for individuals newly diagnosed with disabilities."--Eli Gelardin, Executive Director, Marin Center for Independent Living
"Life on Wheels is a must-read for all wheelchair users, as well as their friends and family."--Disaboom "
Reviewer: Anjum Sayyad, MD(Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago)
Description: A multitude of testimonials form the narrative of this book that speaks directly to its readers, newly disabled individuals, providing information that travels well in all aspects of their lives.
Purpose: The author intends to provide a map to his readers, outlining possibilities that may not be readily apparent in the protected environment of rehabilitation. This book is essential reading for the newly disabled.
Audience: It is clearly written for individuals who are newly disabled. However, as a physiatrist, I learned something beyond my formal training that will help me counsel my patients in the rehabilitation setting.
Features: The book outlines all things individuals might experience early in their care and follows through to other stages of their lives. In many instances, it addresses questions that may not be adequately addressed by their physicians or nurses, such as sexuality, accessibility laws, employment, sports participation, etc. The book would benefit from more illustrations that would help in understanding some of the material, in particular the chapter on wheelchair selection.
Assessment: As a physiatrist, I would make this book essential reading for a patient undergoing rehabilitation for the first time. It addresses many issues for the newly disabled and, at the same time, would initiate new conversations and discussions between patients and their healthcare providers.
Karp, a juggler and musician, became paraplegic due to an accident as a teenager, and has led a full life since, including a career in computers and ergonomics. Here he offers others in wheelchairs advice on medical issues, day-to-day living, and psychology and social issues to help them take charge of their own lives. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
