Living in the State of Stuck: How Assistive Technology Impacts the Lives of People with Disabilities

by Marcia J. Scherer

Book Overview

Assistive technology is transforming the lives of persons with disabilities. After setting the historical and social background for this transformation, Dr. Scherer discusses the implications of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1571290796
• ISBN13: 9781571290793
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Brookline Books
• Length: 212 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Powerful exposition of technology and disability.

The narratives are fascinating and compelling while the analysis is lively. The book deals with the problems experienced by those with disabilities as they relate to technologies. Marcia Scherer manages to create a text containing both substantive analysis and interesting stories. This is a rare combination to find. I recommend this jewel for anyone interested in exploring issues surrounding technology, embodiment, disabilities, and society.

More than a textbook--real stories of coming "unstuck"!

"Stuck" teaches people how to think about assistive technology from a holistic perspective. Although most people approach the use of any new technology with skepticism, if not outright fear, people with disabilities are expected to accept assistive technology with open arms. The approach has been: Professionals prescribe the equipment; therefore, people should accept it for "their own good." Scherer illustrates her points about matching people with technology through stories about real people, telling the success stories along with the nightmares. As a university professor, I have used this book as a text to teach current and future professionals in fields of special education, rehabilitation, and engineering. Students have been inspired by this book time and time again, and begin to understand how assistive technology can help people become "unstuck" and begin living quality lives in their communities.