An Interdisciplinary Approach and Lifespan Framework

Lifespan Perspectives on

 the Family and Disability

Judy O. Berry, University of Tulsa

Michael L. Hardman, University of Utah

1998 288 pgs paperback ISBN: 0-205-19395-1

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This book is about people with disabilities and their families. The authors examine how families cope, adapt, and grow through the challenge of living with a child with a disability and how family members nurture and support the child's developmental journey to adulthood.  A "nested" focus of the child within the family and the family within the community is presented in a lifespan framework.

The first half of this book focuses on understanding families: from a historical perspective, in terms of the family system and the broader ecological system, in terms of the family system and the broader ecological system, in terms of stresses faced and coping responses, and through means of effective communication and collaboration between families and professionals.  The second half of the book addresses these issues at four life stages: infancy and early childhood, the school years, transition from school to adult life, and the adult years. The interdisciplinary approach and lifespan framework distinguishes this book from its competitors.

Features:

* Focus Reviews organize the content of each chapter

* Windows with personal stories provide the voices of professionals, family members and people with disabilities

* An ecological focus shows readers how the broad and complex social environment influences and is influenced by families

* A theoretical and demographic view of what constitutes stress, how families respond to stress, and how professionals can help families cope is included. 

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Table of Contents

Ch. 1    

Ch. 2   

Ch. 3

Ch. 4

Ch. 5

Ch. 6

Ch. 7

Ch. 8

Ch. 9

Ch. 10