The ARC Family Diaries [Paperback]

Lonye Rasch (Editor), Judy Elbaum (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 21, 2002

As volunteers in a preschool for children with developmental disabilities, we have come to see how the powerful combination of state-of-the-art help, an optimistic attitude, and a nurturing support network can make life beautiful for families whose children have developmental disabilities, despite the difficulties they encounter. These pages encompass the stories of families facing life’s challenges and crises with fortitude, dignity, and remarkable endurance; they relate the experiences of parents, family members, professionals, and volunteers expanding the boundaries of love and knowledge to help disabled children and adults reach their potential, and in so doing, discovering hidden strengths, enrichment, and transformation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I loved reading all the different stories written by parents....So, parents keep doing the wonderful job you are doing." -- Chris Burke, A young actor with Down's Syndrome who starred as "Corky" on the ABC hit series Life Goes On.

"If you have a developmentally disabled child in your family, this book belongs in your home." -- Joan Hamburg, WOR Radio, 710 a.m., America's Talk & Information Station, NY

"This heartwarming book will be an invaluable aide and guide." -- Rabbi Harold Kushner, Author of When Bad Things Happen To Good People

Product Details

• Paperback: 299 pages
• Publisher: ARC of Essex County (December 21, 2002)
• ISBN-10: 0972469532
• ISBN-13: 978-0972469531
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,016,840 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Special Parents, March 10, 2003

By 

Diana (San Jose , California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The ARC Family Diaries (Paperback)

I am the parent of a young man who has cerebral palsy. He has many challenges and as a result, his parents do also. I found the book outstanding for many reasons. I liked reading about other parents challenges and rewards found in parenting a special child. It is a lonely road to walk and it helps knowing other walk the same path. I found their accounts uplifting. It was especially good because you had included parents of every age child. You also included reviews written by siblings. I think this is a very important area to consider. When you parent a special child, the other children are affected in divers ways, both to the advantage and to the disadvantage. It helps for parents to read the sibling accounts and I think it would be great for siblings that are old enough, to read the book as well. I feel it is a "must read" for a "special family." The accounts of the caregivers in the end section were also excellent. I think they give aspects of what we as parents experience daily. It is an excellent book.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Special Parents, March 10, 2003

By 

Diana (San Jose , California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The ARC Family Diaries (Paperback)

I am the parent of a young man who has cerebral palsy. He has many challenges and as a result, his parents do also. I found the book outstanding for many reasons. I liked reading about other parents challenges and rewards found in parenting a special child. It is a lonely road to walk and it helps knowing other walk the same path. I found their accounts uplifting. It was especially good because you had included parents of every age child. You also included reviews written by siblings. I think this is a very important area to consider. When you parent a special child, the other children are affected in divers ways, both to the advantage and to the disadvantage. It helps for parents to read the sibling accounts and I think it would be great for siblings that are old enough, to read the book as well. I feel it is a "must read" for a "special family." The accounts of the caregivers in the end section were also excellent. I think they give aspects of what we as parents experience daily. It is an excellent book.