Author Description

The major theme of this accessible and engaging text is that `disability′ is caused by the way society is organized. The contributors demonstrate the many ways in which disabled people have taken the initiative in reshaping both the meaning of disability and the services and support available to them. The notion that disability is either a medical condition or a `personal tragedy′ is strongly challenged, and the marginalized position of black disabled people and disabled women is also addressed. Focusing on the barriers which disabled people encounter in education, housing, leisure and employment, this book critically reviews professional practice and describes alternative models of support which give disabled people control over their own