High Tech for the Handicapped: New Ways to Hear, See, Talk, and Walk

Describes how new materials, devices, and computerized systems are helping the physically handicapped to live more active lives.

Grade 6 Up-- A succinct overview of the new technologies that enable the physically challenged to become more self-sufficient. Kettelkamp includes information on replacing bones, joints, tissues, and organs. He describes and cites examples of devices to help the blind to read, the deaf to hear, and the many prostheses being developed, especially those to aid paraplegics. Most terms are defined within the text; there is no glossary of those that are not. Since so much information is included, and because some of it is confusing, readers might find the book hard to follow. The black-and-white photographs are not always in focus, and the black-line diagrams do little to extend or clarify the text. The book does update the Silversteins' The World of Bionics (Methuen, 1979; o.p.) and Margery Facklam's Spare Parts for People (HBJ, 1987), and is also more complete. While useful for reports on medical developments, it's not a title that students are likely to pick up and read. --Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.