Hesperian Health Guides

People with Disabilities


This list includes organizations and resources for people with disabilities. You can find more resources in the References sections of our books Disabled Village Children, Helping Children Who Are Blind, and Helping Children Who Are Deaf. Many of the organizations we list are based in the United States, but there are others in many different countries. Many of the materials listed here are available online for free.

Jump to sections below: Disabled Village Children, Helping Children Who Are Blind, and Helping Children Who Are Deaf.

Jump to sections below: Vision Loss, Hearing Loss, Other Common Disabilities, Aids and Appliances, Women with Disabilities, Awareness Raising and Training.

Vision Loss


Blind Children's Center
This is an organization dedicated to serving children with vision loss 5 years of age and younger. They produce a lot of written materials for families of children with vision loss.

Blind Babies Foundation
Source of materials and publications, videos, and fact sheets for families with infants and young children with vision loss.

Christian Blind Mission
This organization operates eye units, mobile eye-care services, village health centers, schools, and training institutions in 94 countries.

Helen Keller International
Founded in 1915 by Helen Keller and George Kessler, Helen Keller International (HKI) is among the oldest international NGOs (non-governmental organizations) devoted to preventing vision loss and reducing malnutrition in the world. They currently work in 22 countries: 13 in Africa, 8 in Asia-Pacific, and the United States.

Perkins School for the Blind
Founded in 1832 as the ļ¬rst school for the blind in the US. Today they also provide technical assistance and support for the development of programs for multi-handicapped blind and deaf-blind children in developing countries.

PLAN International
Plan International is one of the oldest and largest children's development organizations in the world. They work directly with communities and families in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Sight Savers International
Works with local partners in 25 countries, providing eye care, cataract surgery, education, and training.

World Blind Union
The World Blind Union (WBU) unites people with visual disabilities in member organizations around the world. This organization has an international directory of organizations and programs for people with vision loss. Contact them to get the names and addresses of programs in your region.

Books about Vision Loss

Eye Diseases in Hot Climates by John Sandford-Smith, International Center for Eye Health
A valuable resource (in English and French) for health programs. It teaches how to identify, prevent, and provide basic care for the most common eye diseases found in the tropics.

Helping Children Who Are Blind: Family and community support for children with vision problems (2000, 192 pages)
by Sandy Niemann and Namita Jacob The simple activities in this book can help parents, caregivers, teachers, health workers, rehabilitation workers and others help children with vision loss develop their capabilities. It also has sections containing innovative charts on child development and easy-to-make, low-cost learning toys.

Hearing Loss


Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell)
AG Bell offers its members a wide range of programs and services about hearing loss, resources, and support and encouragement from people who know and understand deaf issues and needs. AG Bell publishes and distributes books, brochures, instructional materials, videos, CDs, and audiocassettes related to hearing loss.

Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech & Hearing Disabilities
A government institute in India that collects and shares information about hearing loss, offers training, and develops strategies for early identiļ¬cation, intervention, and rehabilitation services. Source for teaching aids, ļ¬lms, and audio visuals on vocational training, job placement, and other issues.

Christian Blind Mission
In addition to their work to prevent vision loss and support rehabilitation activities for people with disabilities, this organization also offers support to people with hearing loss.

Deaf Africa Fund (DAF)
Promotes educational opportunities for children with hearing loss in poor countries. This link is an email address.

Deaf Child Worldwide
Deaf Child Worldwide supports children and young people with hearing loss in developing countries to realize their rights to education, information, health, and economic opportunity.

Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women (DFDW)
Established in 1973 as a club for deaf women in Delhi, DFDW today is a Rehabilitation Center for all people with hearing loss in India.

Diglo (formerly Harris Communications)
This store specializes in products and publications that deal with hearing loss. Popular childrenā€™s books in sign language. Aids and equipment for people with hearing loss.

Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University is the only liberal arts university in the world designed exclusively for deaf and hard-of- hearing students. It is also an excellent source for ļ¬nding books, journals, and current research related to hearing loss.

Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID)
The RNID has many online publications and useful links, as well as a large library database with detailed information about resources for people with hearing loss.

World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)
One of the oldest international organizations of deaf people, WFD includes national organizations of deaf people in 120 countries. WFD works for human rights and equal opportunity for people with hearing loss, and the right of people with hearing loss to use sign language to get education and information. WFD initiated the annual Deaf Awareness Week to celebrate the culture, heritage, and language unique to deaf people of the world.

Books about Hearing Loss

The Deaf Child in the Family and at School: Essays in honor of Kathryn P. Meadows-Orlans
1999, 344 pages) by P.E. Spencer, C.J. Erting, and M. Marschark
This book explains the development of children with hearing loss in the context of family and school. It shows the role and effects of school environments on development. Each chapter deals with issues of culture and expectations.

Deaf Friendly Pre-Schools and Nurseries
(2003, 37 pages) by H. Sutherland and A. Hall
Practical guidebook from the National Deaf Childrenā€™s Society (UK) for those working with very young children on how to include children with hearing loss and understand their particular needs. Information for staff in pre-school settings who have a child with hearing loss attending. Covers activities including reading books, group and music time, playing games, and behavior and discipline. Free

Deaf Friendly Schools
(2004, 36 pages) by C. Ratcliffe
A guide from the National Deaf Childrenā€™s Society (UK) for staff in mainstream secondary or primary schools who have students with hearing loss. Information on teaching strategies, inclusion, communication, hearing loss, and technical support.

Deaf Like Me
(1985, 285 pages) by T.S. Spradley and J.P. Spradley
Deaf Like Me is an account of parents coming to terms with their baby girlā€™s significant hearing loss. It expresses the love, hope, and anxieties of many hearing parents of children with hearing loss. In the epilogue, Lynn Spradley as a teenager reļ¬‚ects upon being deaf, her education, her struggle to communicate, and the discovery that she was the focus of her fatherā€™s and uncleā€™s book.

The Deaf Peers' Education Manual (2007, 156 pages) by Sahaya International and G.R.A.C.E.
A training manual developed by the Kenyan Peer Education Network, with interactive-based activities for basic understanding of sexual health, HIV and AIDS.

Hearing Aids: Information for families (2020, 25 pages) by National Deaf Childrenā€™s Society
Information about different types of hearing aids, care and maintenance, and simple repairs. Provides a range of information on the different types of hearing aids available. This booklet is aimed at both parents and professionals.

Helping Children Who Are Deaf
Family and community support for children who do not hear well (2004, 250 pages) S. Neimann, D. Greenstein, and D. David
This book has activities for helping children with hearing loss communicate to the fullest of their ability, including learning a language. It helps parents make good decisions about the development of a child with hearing loss.

Kid-Friendly Parenting with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children (1995, 373 pages) by D. Medwid and D.C. Weston
This step-by-step guide presents hundreds of ideas and activities for use with children with hearing loss, ages 3 to 12. In addition to short, clear descriptions of parenting techniques, each chapter includes a commentary from deaf and hearing experts. Information is provided about special resources and support services.

Letā€™s Communicate: A handbook for people working with children with communication difficulties
(1997) by UNICEF, WHO Rehabilitation Unit, and Zimbabwe Ministry of Health Rehabilitation Unit
This is a series of booklets, one of which is about working with children with hearing loss.

The Parentsā€™ Guide to Cochlear Implants
(2002, 168 pages) by P.M. Chute and M.E. Nevins
Make informed decisions about cochlear implants with this easy-to-follow guide.

Quality Standards: Early years support for children with hearing loss 0 to 5 (England)
(2016, 13 pages) by National Deaf Childrenā€™s Society (NDCS)
Gives guidelines for good practices in the education of deaf children, covering the early years, working in partnership, and inclusion.

Raising and Educating a Deaf Child: A comprehensive guide to the choices, controversies, and decisions faced by parents and educators
(2017, 296 pages) by M. Marschark
Discusses the implications of raising and teaching a child with hearing loss, trying to educate parents so they can make knowledgeable decisions. Covers such topics as medical causes of early hearing loss, language acquisition, social and intellectual development, education, and environment. Includes a phone number and address section on information sources and organizations serving children with hearing loss.

The Silent Garden: A Parentā€™s Guide to Raising a Deaf Child
(2016, 344 pages) by P.W. Ogden
Ogden, who is himself profoundly deaf from birth, provides a foundation for parents to make the difļ¬cult decisions necessary to help their child with hearing loss reach full potential.

Speak to Me!
(1990, 154 pages) by M.C. Forecki
A down-to-earth account of how a single mother copes with accepting her 18-month-old sonā€™s hearing loss.

You and Your Deaf Child: A self-help guide for parents of deaf and hard of hearing children
(1997, 224 pages) by J. Adams
This down-to-earth book focuses on feelings about hearing loss, the importance of communication in the family, and effective behavior management. Many chapters contain practical activities and questions to help parents learn new skills. Appendices include references, general resources, checklists, and guidelines for evaluating educational programs.

Sign Language

ASL Dictionary Online A dictionary of short video clips showing how to sign over 7,500 words in American Sign Language.

Deafness: A guide for parents, teachers, and community workers
(2000, 27 pages) by P. Akach
This short and simply-written UNESCO publication explains many complex issues related to hearing loss, sign language, and the education of children with hearing loss. It is intended to raise awareness among parents, teachers, doctors, nurses, and social workers of the importance of sign language for children with hearing loss, particularly in the early years. It is accompanied by a video. Free.

The S.E.E. (Signing Exact English) Center
The S.E.E. Center offers resources and trainings for teaching and learning sign language.

Signing Exact English Dictionary
(1993, 479 pages) by G. Gustason, E. Zawolkow, D. Pfetzing, and L. Lopez
A very complete dictionary of sign language in English, very useful to anyone who wants to learn the North American system. Signing Exact English also offers many other publications and visual aids for teaching and learning sign language.

Other Common Disabilities


Arthritis

Arthritis Foundation
A great variety of written materials on the different aspects of several types of arthritis, including juvenile arthritis. Updated information on current research and medical treatment to function with and manage arthritis

Paralysis

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
Paralysis Resource Center The Paralysis Resource Center is a free, international source of information for people with paralysis and their caregivers. Where possible the country fact sheets are in the native language of that country.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy Foundation of America
An organization that offers a great collection of publications and videos on all the different aspects of epilepsy. These educational materials are designed for individuals with epilepsy, their families, teachers, and society in general.

International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE)
An international organization of laypersons and professionals that serves to develop, support and link national epilepsy organizations around the world.

Seizures and Epilepsy in Children: A Comprehensive Guide
(2022, 432 pages) by E.P.G. Vining and others
Clearly explains many aspects of epilepsy in children. A good resource for a child with epilepsy and their family.

Leprosy

AIFO (Associazione Italiana Amici di Raoul Follereau)
AIFO, an Italian NGO, provides support to projects in the global South. At present AIFO is involved in over 180 projects in 57 countries, supporting projects on leprosy and primary health care; rehabilitation of people with disabilities; and support for vulnerable children.

International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP)
ILEP publishes well-illustrated manuals for the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy and has member organizations in many countries.
These ILEP materials are available free online in English and French:

ILEP Learning Guide One: How to diagnose and treat leprosy (2019, 47 pages)
A well-illustrated publication suitable for the wide range of health professionals who need to recognize and treat leprosy.

ILEP Learning Guide Two: How to recognize and manage leprosy reactions (2002, 62 pages)
A comprehensive guide to identifying and managing leprosy reactions; includes details of how to safely prescribe corticosteroids.

ILEP Learning Guide Three: How to do a skin smear examination for leprosy (2003, 6 pages)
Basic guidelines for taking a skin smear by trained people for the diagnosis or classification of leprosy in new patients.

ILEP Learning Guide Four: How to Prevent Disability in Leprosy (2006, 72 pages)
A guide for caregivers on helping to care for the eyes, hands, and feet of people who have nerve injury due to leprosy.

Triple Jeopardy (2015, 8 pages)
A report on the discrimination facing women and girls with leprosy.

Guidelines on Stigma and Mental Wellbeing (2019) by ILEP and Neglected Tropical Disease NGO Network A 4-part series sharing information on how stigma develops, how it can be reduced, and recommendations on assessing the experience of stigma and mental wellbeing.

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc.
Lots of pamphlets on all the different types of muscular dystrophy. This association can be very helpful for children who live in the United States because they provide, and can help ļ¬nd, many services. (Their main focus is ļ¬nding a cure.)

Down Syndrome

National Down Syndrome Congress
Founded in 1973, the NDSC promotes the interests of people with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, public awareness, and information dissemination. On-line information covering all aspects of Down syndrome in English and Spanish, with links to Down syndrome organizations in Latin America.

Polio

Post-Polio Health Publishers of Post-Polio Health Newsletter, a quarterly report focused on long-term effects of polio, scientiļ¬c research, and the creation of a worldwide network of people with polio.

Spina Bifida

The International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF)
IF is the world-wide umbrella organization for Spina Biļ¬da and Hydrocephalus organizations, with regional and national organization contacts in over 50 countries.

SHINE: Spina bifida ā€¢ Hydrocephalus ā€¢ Information ā€¢ Networking ā€¢ Equality
Many publications on spina biļ¬da and hydrocephalus are available from SHINE. Some of their materials are excellent.

Spina Biļ¬da Association of America (SBA)
Basic information, especially useful for those who live in the USA and can access the care and services available. Contact SBA for a list of their materials.

Cerebral Palsy

Finnieā€™s Handling the Young Child with Cerebral Palsy at Home
(2009, 440 pages) edited by E. Bower
Excellent, complete and detailed information for home care. May be too much detail for some families, but a highly-recommended resource for a community program.

Treatment of Cerebral Palsy and Motor Delay
(2018, 464 pages) by S. Levitt
An advanced book, mostly on physiotherapy. Excellent information but difļ¬cult language and presentation. Many good pictures. The second edition (1982) can be viewed free online.

United Cerebral Palsy
UCP is a good resource for organizations who serve as global leaders in serving people with disabilities

Spinal Cord Injury

Living with Spinal Cord Injury: A Guide for the Newly Injured
(2011, 36 pages) by Hollister Continence Care
An informational booklet for people who have recently experienced spinal cord injuries, covering rehabilitation and aspects of everyday life. Also available in Spanish.

Tetraplegia and Paraplegia: A Guide for Physiotherapists' (2006, 428 pages) by I. Bromley
Useful information on exercises, transferring, and how to shift weight to prevent pressure sores. Some good illustrations. Very technical.

Community-based Rehabilitation in the Bolivian Amazon
T. Glass Connaker, see p. 642
The story of one villageā€™s experience creating a community-based rehabilitation program, and a reference for other communities interested in this process.

Aids and Appliances

Motivation
Designs, fabricates, and distributes a wide variety of wheelchairs, tricycles, and supportive seating aids that are all developed in collaboration with people with disabilities.

Mukti M.S. Dadha Foundation This group has found a way to make a good quality, low-cost, artificial leg called the Mukti Limb. They also provide free braces to people who have experienced paralysis due to polio.

Whirlwind Wheelchair International (WWI)
WWI developed the Whirlwind and RoughRider wheelchairs, lightweight, low-cost, sturdy wheelchairs designed for rough urban and rural conditions in developing countries. WWI works with an international network of wheelchair workshops to continually update its designs.

Books about Aids and Appliances

Extraordinary Play with Ordinary Things
(2006, 324 pages) by B. Sher
Play activities and games for children with varied disabilities. Designed to encourage thinking, movement, coordination and balance. It uses materials and objects available in most homes. 1994 edition available free online.

How to Make Basic Hospital Equipment
(1979, 88 pages) compiled by R. England
Simple tube metal wheelchairs and other designs from Africa. Well-illustrated and with useful comments. Fairly simple language.

Independence Through Mobility: A Guide through the Manufacture of the ATI-Hotchkiss Wheelchair (1985, 149 pages) by R. Hotchkiss
Gives designs and ideas for equipment that can be made locally in small workshops using alternative materials and fabrication methods.

Making Health-Care Equipment: Ideas for local design and production (1990, 88 pages) by A. Platt and N. Carter
Gives designs and Gives designs and ideas for equipment that can be made locally in small workshops using alternative materials and fabrication methods.

Pavlik Harness Fact Sheet (2020, 4 pages) by Seattle Childrenā€™s Hospital
A fact sheet for caregivers of a baby using a Pavlik Harness to treat dislocated hips. Includes diagrams, instructions for putting on the harness, and general care information in English and Spanish.

Women with Disabilities


ABILIS
ABILIS is part of the international Independent Living and Disability Rights Movement. They give grants for projects run by people with disabilities in developing countries that focus on human rights and women with disabilities.

Disabled Peoplesā€™ International (DPI)
Information on issues and concerns for persons with disabilities, including womenā€™s health care, human rights, independent living, and social justice. Special focus on grassroots development. Has local offices in many countries,

The Disabled Womanā€™s Guide to Pregnancy and Birth(2005, 532 pages) by J. Rogers
Pregnancy and childbirth information for women with disabilities, based on the experiences of 90 women with disabilities who chose to have children.

A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities (2007, 416 pages) by J. Maxwell, J.W. Belser, and D. David
Suggestions for women with disabilities and their caregivers on health care, sexuality, childbirth and other topics concerning womenā€™s health. Material available for free online.

Leonard Cheshire International (LCI)
The work of LCI includes projects in education, employment, economic empowerment, rehabilitation and day care services, short and longer-term residential care, and community programs. Their website lists resources and training materials.

Mainstreaming disability in development: lessons from gender mainstreaming
(2005, 60 pages) by C. Miller and B. Albert
Explains mainstreaming as a strategy of feminist advocacy in the context of development, and draws comparisons with the history of the disability movement. Includes recommendations for mainstreaming disability, and compares these with ā€œgood practicesā€ in gender mainstreaming.

Mobility International USA (MIUSA)
Works to empower people with disabilities through international exchange and development to achieve human rights. Hosts a program to train disabled women from around the world in leadership skills. Website has a comprehensive listing of international disability organizations.

Mobility International India
Promotes community-based rehabilitation and mobility for persons with disabilities, especially in rural areas. Trains women with disabilities to make artiļ¬cial limbs and provide rehabilitation services in their communities.

Volver a Vivir/Return to Life (1996, 56 pages) by S. Levine
A photographic report on the villager-run rehabilitation project, Project PROJIMO, in Mexico.

Disability Awareness Raising and Training


Action on Disability and Development (ADD)
ADD supports active networks of people with disabilities in several countries.

AIFO (Associazione Italiana Amici di Raoul Follereau)
AIFO, an Italian NGO, provides support to projects in the global South. At present AIFO is involved in over 180 projects in 57 countries, supporting projects on leprosy and primary health care; rehabilitation of people with disabilities; and support for vulnerable children.

Child to Child
This site houses the Child to Child Resource Centre, a source of materials for CHILD-to-Child activities described in many Hesperian resources.

College resources for students with disabilities
Prospective college students with disabilities will ļ¬nd that many campuses have ofļ¬ces and services that address accessibility, accommodation, and assistive technology, and that many work to create inclusive environments through specialized advocacy, support, and academic services. This site provides a helpful list of resources for a diverse range of needs.

Disability Awareness in Action
An organization dedicated to fostering the integration of people with disabilities and advocating respect for their rights. Excellent materials on how to organize and maintain an organization of people with disabilities.

Disability and Development Partners (formerly Jaipur Limb Campaign)
Disability and Development Partners (DDP) works with local partner organizations in developing countries to bring social and economic benefits to people with disabilitiesā€”especially to those who have lost limbs or the use of limbs through war, accidents, or preventable diseases.

Disability India Network
Disability India Network has a website with comprehensive information related to disability in India, and works for the empowerment of persons with disabilities and equal access to healthcare, education and employment.

Disabled Childrenā€™s Action Group (DICAG) South Africa
DICAG is a campaigning organization that helps to raise the level of awareness of disability and challenges stereotypes and perceptions of people with disabilities in South Africa. DICAG aims to ensure equal opportunities for children with disabilities, especially in education. This link is an email address.

Enabling Education Network (EENET)
This information-sharing network promotes inclusion of marginalized groups in education. They produce a regular newsletter which publishes case studies of exciting programs worldwide and includes contributions of parentsā€™ groups. They offer many useful English language publications, including resources related to vision and hearing loss.

Humanity & Inclusion (formerly Handicap International)
An independent international aid organization working alongside vulnerable people and people with disabilities in over 60 countries worldwide in situations of poverty and exclusion, conļ¬‚ict and disaster. Extensive online library on many social and health issues that affect disability.

Inclusion International
A global federation of family-based organizations advocating for the human rights of people with cognitive delay. II represents 200 member federations in 115 countries.

Lesotho: Preparing teachers for inclusive education
This video-based training course was created by the Ministry of Education of Lesotho and Save the Children to facilitate inclusion of children with disabilities in local schools. It provides information and examples of best practices for classroom teachers. Includes a trainerā€™s guide.

MyRight (formerly Swedish Organizations of Disabled Persons International Aid Association)
SHIA aims to strengthen the efforts of persons with disabilities to achieve equality and participation through development co-operation and partnerships between persons with disabilities in Sweden and elsewhere.

NIAD Art Center (formerly National Institute of Art and Disabilities)
An art center for people with disabilities. Website shows materials, equipment, aids, and instruction needed for many crafts and art forms.

Rehabilitation International
Founded in 1922, Rehabilitation International (RI) is a worldwide network of people with disabilities, service providers, government agencies, academics, researchers and advocates working to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. Member organizations in 100 countries and in all regions of the world.

Special Needs Project
A bookstore that offers a great selection of books on many different disabilities and rehabilitation.

Books about Disability Awareness Raising and Training

The Acorn People
(1996, 96 pages) by R. Jones
A good, very human story about children with disabilities and their need for freedom, adventure, and understanding. 1990 edition available free online.

Arts and Disabilities by (1990, 197 pages) by F. Ludins-Katz and E. Katz
A book documenting the creation of creative arts spaces for people with disabilities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Bitter Pillsā€”Medicines and the Third World Poor
(1987, 292 pages) by D. Melrose
Excellent discussion of how drug companies often exploit people and endanger their health.

Developing Personal Safety Skills in Children with Disabilities
(1995, 224 pages) by F. Briggs
Offers learning activities to develop self-esteem, assertiveness, and independence ā€” skills that children with disabilities need to safeguard themselves. It can be used to teach children to recognize dangerous situations, take action, handle approaches by strangers, communicate their feelings, and to recognize right and wrong ways of touching.

Family Action for Inclusion in Education
(2002, 120 pages) by S. Miles
A practical and inspirational handbook with stories of family-based advocacy organizations that have helped to transform educational systems in southern Africa, South Asia, Europe, and Australia. Useful for family and community members who want to form a support group or challenge exclusion. Provides valuable insights into the activities, thoughts, and feelings of parents involved in ļ¬ghting for the inclusion of their children with disabilities.

Listening to Children
(2006) by P. Wipļ¬‚er
A series of booklets and additional material that cover crying, fear, anger, special time, tantrums, and listening. A very new and revolutionary approach for dealing with feelings and behavior. Not written speciļ¬cally for children with disabilities, but the basic ideas work for everyone.

Louis Braille: The Boy Who Invented Books for the Blind
(1991, 80 pages) by M. Davidson
Excellent story for children about the accomplishments of a disabled child. Good reading for CHILD-to child activities. 1971 edition available free online.

The Ragged Edge
(formerly The Disability Rag & Resource)
The Ragged Edge, a magazine by people with disabilities, is no longer being published, but all its good articles and analysis are available to read online. Its publisher, The Advocado Press, also publishes excellent books on disability.

Special Education for Mentally Handicapped Childrenā€”A Teaching Manual
(1990, 283 pages) by C. Miles
Excellent adaptation of special education to a developing community. Clearly written. A few good illustrations. Perhaps the best special education text for community programs.

Teaching Children to Protect Themselves
(2000, 154 pages) by F. Briggs and M. McVeity
A handbook that offers guidance to teachers and counselors on how to protect young children from sexual abuse. It has many useful activities to help children learn about staying safe.

Toilet Training in Less Than a Day
(2019, 192 pages) by N. Azrin and R. Foxx
Good instructions for ā€œthe fast methodā€; oriented towards the USA and Europe. 1976 edition available free online.

Training in the Community for People with Disability (1989, 770 pages) by E. Helander and others
A manual published by the World Health Organization that describes the development of a community-based rehabilitation program in developing countries. Includes 4 guides and 30 training packages.

Volver a Vivir/Return to Life
(1996, 56 pages) by S. Levine
A photographic report on the villager-run rehabilitation project, Project PROJIMO, in Mexico.

Primary Health Care


Helping Health Workers Learn (2012, 632 pages) by D. Werner and B. Bower
An indispensable resource that shows how to make health education fun and effective. Emphasizing a people-centered approach to health care, it presents strategies for effective community involvement through participatory education

Where There Is No Dentist
(2021, 248 pages) by M. Dickson
How to care for teeth and gums at home, and in community and school settings. Detailed and illustrated information on dental equipment, placing fillings and pulling teeth, teaching hygiene and nutrition, and HIV and oral health

Where There Is No Doctor(2021, 506 pages) by D. Werner
Widely used handbook for village health workers and families on basic curative and preventive health care.

Where Women Have No Doctor
(2020, 600 pages) by A. A. Burns, R. Lovich, J. Maxwell and K. Shapiro.
Medical information combined with the ways poverty and discrimination affect womenā€™s health.