John Bradford knows first-hand the struggles of the disabled. In the foreword to Resources for People with Disabilities: A National Directory, he describes in detail the difficulties he experienced when diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than 25 years ago. Forced to resign from his job as a correctional officer, Bradford faced discrimination as he was continually turned down for other jobs. He applied for government assistance, one of the only alternatives for the disabled at the time.

In 1980, with the Independent Living Movement taking shape, Bradford became active as a peer counselor and advocate for the disabled. Change finally accelerated in the '80s with the passage of mandatory laws, expansion of assistive technology, and advances in computerization. In concluding the foreword, Bradford laments that access to the information in Resources for People with Disabilities would have eased his experiences tremendously.

Opportunities for the disabled have improved other the years. However, this population group, which includes the physically, mentally, and learning disabled, still finds that their environment and the attitudes of others handicap them. The main purpose of Resources for People with Disabilities is to empower people with disabilities to become independent. This two-volume set, with more than 8,000 listings, is the most comprehensive reference work of its kind. It provides easy access to information about assistive technologies, funding to purchase those technologies, and organizations that can help the disabled become active and productive members of society. Readers can find out how to purchase assistive computer devices, participate in vocational rehabilitation, join an online support group, or seek legal aid. Its three indices —— by disability type, geographic location, and organization name make this book easy to navigate.

Resources for People with Disabilities is a unique and valuable book for people with disabilities, those who teach the disabled, or those who employ the disabled. It can also be instrumental in educating the non-disabled population about the special needs of the disabled. Access to the information compiled in this resource is a major step toward independence and empowerment for those within the disabled community.

For citations to additional materials on this topic, refer to Literature of the Nonprofit Sector Online, using the subject heading "Handicapped."