My Second Life Published by Brookline Books Written by Foster Andersen, Shared Adventures' Founder/President Available through Shared Adventures You can view this book inside by clicking on the link.

There is nothing permanent in our universe but change: life is a constant transmutation between positive and negative polarities such as success-failure, ugliness-beauty, pain-pleasure, and mobility-immobility. If we continue to challenge ourselves throughout our lives, consciously expanding our personal world, all changes can inspire our creativity and transformation. We grow - intellectually, psychologically, spiritually, physically. Joyful events seem to contain an inherent energizing stimulus that inspires personal evolvement and social interaction. But sad, tragic experiences have a tendency to constrict our world-view: we take refuge within ourselves and can temporarily succumb to grief, disillusionment, depression, or cynicism. If we despair and block the opportunity for creative growth in adverse circumstances, our spirit shrivels and dies.

Foster Andersen's life is a testimony to the boundless strength of the human spirit. Although he found himself a C5-6 quadriplegic after a motorcycle accident at seventeen years of age, Foster refused to be defeated by his initial depression, frustration, anger, cynicism, and hopelessness. With the support of family and friends, and most of all, through his tenacious will to survive and continue a creative and productive life, he began formulating new goals and transforming his situation into a "Second Life."

Foster has refused to accept the imposed limitations which society generally inflicts on the disabled. He has innovatively expanded his activities to include skiing, surfing, scuba diving, and bungee jumping. He has also completed an Engineering degree, invented implements for the disabled, and worked as a political activist. His story reflects a courageous, persistent character: it is a must for anyone (disabled or not) who wishes to move beyond personal tragedy and self-pity to re-embrace the gift of life with integrity and grace.

Living in the State of Stuck From Brookline Books

Assistive Technology is radically changing the lives of people with disabilities. Here, Dr. Scherer sets the background for this radical transformation and discusses the implications of assistive technology for the lives of those born disabled, or who become disabled later in life. In the author's words, "this book shows, how, paradoxically, the more technology became available and the more free from limitations individuals became, the more stuck they seemed."

A severe disability no longer need prevent a person from attaining the same educational, personal, and career goals as other adults. Scherer details assistive devices that enhance the quality of their lives, mobility, speech, and ability to work. But while these devices may enhance independence, Scherer explains how friends and relatives can better understand the personal issues and needs that arise from living with a disability and 'needing' these devices. This is a unique, well-researched account that will help anyone - disabled or not - deal with the physical and emotional aspects of adjusting to a life with assistive technology.

Living in the State of Stuck $32.95 + tax and $2.00 shipping.
My Second Life $10.00 + $2.00 shipping. Please make checks payable to Shared Adventures

Please send to:
Shared Adventures
PO BOX 396
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
831-459-7210