Scherer (U. of Rochester Medical Center) presents 16 contributions that provide an overview of the use and practice of providing assistive technologies (AT) to those with disabilities. The focus of the authors is within the current legal, economic, and societal context of medical care in the United States. After examining and describing that context, papers go on to look at the topic from the point of view of the consumer and then of the provider. Among the topics addressed are the psychological readiness to use AT, the influence and assessment of pain, ways of addressing quality of life issues, the role of telecommunication technologies, the education or providers, and a look at the future of AT. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)