Chronic Illness or Disability: Who Hit the Down Button

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/04/19 - Updated: 2024/04/09
Publication Type: Literature / Review
Topic: Disability Publications - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Who Hit the Down Button is written by a person with a disability covering topics from a personal perspective. This book is suitable for support groups to use for discussion topics and also for individual introspection. The author, Phyllis Porter Dolislager, is a polio survivor. This is her seventh book in print.

Introduction

Who Hit the Down Button is written by a person with a disability. It covers 18 topics from a personal perspective, and each topic is followed by three questions. Topics include: We Are Survivors, Special People: Caregivers, Fatigue: the Life Robber, Less Stress = More Energy, The Glass is Half Full, Walking: The Magical Attraction, Shopping While Sitting, and Contentment.

Main Item

This book is suitable for support groups to use for discussion topics and also for individual introspection. The author, Phyllis Porter Dolislager, is a polio survivor. This is her seventh book in print.

Jean E. Holmes, Physical Therapist, says, "Life always has its ups and downs, but for those who struggle with physical handicaps, the downside is often daunting. Struggling with post-polio syndrome, the author of this encouraging book openly shares the challenges she has been forced to confront--facing them head-on. This is a useful book for anyone living with a chronic illness or disability."

Endorsements:

"While reading this short book I found myself wishing that this woman was a next door neighbor, an easily accessible friend to talk with and influence my life with her gentility and acceptance. I had polio too, and much of what she has written here about her life after polio parallels my own, especially her feelings of insecurity and aloneness. Phyllis has lived her life with grace; I've lived my life fighting the damn effects of the disease. Her attitude has been better, and I encourage you to read this book to find out why." - Robert Arnold, Polio Survivor.

"This book is an act of love. As a life-long dedicated communicator and teacher, Phyllis Dolislager shares her experiences of post-polio, along with those of her supporters, with heart-warming - sometimes heart-wrenching - anecdotes and lessons that instill hope and encourage conscious choice in patients and caregivers alike. Incorporating discussion questions and meditation topics for everyone with a chronic illness or physical disability, Phyllis's spirit and vitality shine through her writing. She inspires as she writes. She is a life example to us all." - Dr. Gail Powell, Massage Therapist, Chronic Illness.

"Phyllis Dolislager writes from a heart filled with a lifetime of struggling with a progressive physical condition. In the face of such a challenge, she raised a family, served on the mission field, and has written volumes that speak to the heart of other struggling people. Feeling uplifted is not an option for readers of this work; it will be automatic." - Dr. David R. Miller, Psychologist.

"Author and former college professor, Phyllis Dolislager is no stranger to the unexpected challenges faced by those who live with an on-going physical disability. As a polio survivor, Phyllis balanced her life as a wife, mother and working professional with a permanent physical limitation. In more recent years, the stress of this "balancing act" pushed her to a crisis point of exhaustion. Honest and homespun, this true account of a soul-searching transition offers something for anyone facing the panic of physical decline." - Tom VanderMolen, Paraplegic, Veteran Radio Broadcaster.

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, .

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Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2009, April 19 - Last revised: 2024, April 9). Chronic Illness or Disability: Who Hit the Down Button. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved April 25, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/publications/illness-disability.php

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