What do women with developmental disabilities experience as they age — and what can service providers and researchers learn from their stories?  That question is the focus of this exceptional book, which weaves informative research with the oral histories of more than 160 women in 18 countries.  The authors use their research and the personal stories they collected to explore contributing factors to healthy aging.  This book will make caregivers, policy makers and professionals think about how to help women with disabilities live lives of dignity, respect, and community participation. Readers will learn how women with disabilities around the world manage the everyday issues they face, including:

• economic factors such as employment, finances, and living arrangements
• personal issues such as grooming, mobility, and support systems
• health and nutrition
• recreation
• relationships with family members and friends
• overall well being and quality of life
• disability policies and programs that influence all these factors

  This book presents a cross cultural perspective that can guide research and policy to help ensure healthy aging for women with disabilities.