An Introduction to Disability Studies

Description

Disability studies has become a legitimate area of academic study. It is multi-disciplinary in its critique of the oppressions that have historically "dumped" disabled people on the margins of society. This fully revised and updated edition not only explains disability studies as an academic field of inquiry, it also explores many of the current issues affecting the lives and circumstances of disabled people. The book explores and analyzes "quality of life" factors in the lives of disabled people in relation to the professional development of undergraduates and examines the emergence of "rights" for disabled people in the local area, the UK and abroad. The author indicates the strengths and weaknesses of organizations "of" and "for" disabled people, and provides examples of individual and institutional oppressions against disabled people and "success stories," exploring how these have been overcome in education and employment. The book suggests how disabled and non-disabled people can collaborate in the development of inclusive communities and neighborhoods. The text is suitable for students taking courses in the areas of health, social care and allied services at NVQ, BTEC, Degree and PGCE level. The author encourages students to raise their own questions and develop their own forms of inquiry. Front Cover An Introduction to Disability Studies Copyright Page Contents Foreword to the second edition Introduction 1. Why study disability? Some explanatory beginnings 2. Critical factors in community care and independent living 3. Legislation in the UK and the USA 4. What is the meaning of ‘quality of life’ and ‘independence’? 5. Euthanasia and the new eugenics 6. The emerging politics of disability 7. Disability research 8. Medical health and disability 9. The enabling environment 10. Future directions Appendix References Index