Sports and the Physically Challenged: An Encyclopedia of People, Events, and Organizations

This encyclopedia is a great resource for those wishing to learn more about the history of the disability sport movement. Research shows that little has been written about disability sports and the people, events and organizations that created the movement. Sports and physical activity transcend many barriers―thus, a book about disability sport and the people and events involved is likely to eradicate some of the barriers people with disabilities themselves face, by creating a greater awareness and understanding of the abilities of people with disabilities.

This encyclopedia is a great resource for those wishing to learn more about the history of the disability sport movement. Research shows that little has been written about disability sports and the people, events and organizations that created the movement. Sports and physical activity transcend many barriers―thus, a book about disability sport and the people and events involved is likely to eradicate some of the barriers people with disabilities face, by creating a greater awareness and understanding of the abilities of people with disabilities.

Linda Mastandrea is an accomplished athlete, attorney, advocate and author. She won 15 gold and 5 silver medals in international wheelchair track competition, including gold and silver medals at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta before retiring to pursue a career in disability law, public speaking and writing. Widely recognized as an authority on disability related topics, she has lectured to audiences worldwide on disability sport and recreation, and to nationwide audiences on topics ranging from disability sport to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Donna Czubernat was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. Donna is no stranger to disability issues. She has two siblings and a son with disabilities. This exposure helped Donna become an advocate who is continually researching information to share with people living with a disability. An entirely different universe of disability opened to Donna when she traveled with her sister and co-author, Linda, as she competed in wheelchair track and road racing.

A self-proclaimed late bloomer, Donna returned to school after her children were grown, focusing on the social sciences and psychology. She has worked in the legal field for 18 years, and particularly enjoys researching case law as well as the administration and management of a small law practice. Donna is currently working on a written account of her mother's 15-year struggle with Alzheimer's disease. When Donna is not writing, she can often be found studying astronomy, astropsychology, reading, and traveling.