All You Need to Know About Disability is on Star Trek

by Ilana S. Lehmann

High Praise from Charles Edmund Degeneffe, Ph.D., CRC, ACSW San Diego State University "Through its nearly 50 year history, the Star Trek franchise reflects trends, debates, and cultural beliefs of modern society. Through "All You Need to Know About Disability is On Star Trek" Dr. Ilana Lehmann demonstrates how this show addresses disability related content in its reflection of contemporary life. This book offers an innovative, creative, and compelling way to understand disability ethics, psychological adjustment, and different disability populations through the dialogue presented in Star Trek movies and television programs. Without reservation, I highly recommend this book." "All You Need to Know About Disability is on Star Trek" leads the reader on a bold exploration of the future for people with disabilities as portrayed in Star Trek. Even though the connection between Star Trek and disability might not be readily apparent, Star Trek has frequently depicted many aspects of disability, chronic illness, and rehabilitation. In keeping with its message of hope, Star Trek usually portrays the role of the person with a disability in a positive light. Dr. Lehmann weaves a tapestry where technology and science, together with humanity's struggles for social justice, create messages about disability. The management of conflicts, interpersonal relationships, and the difficulties in interactions with those alien to us in appearance, culture, and abilities are recurring themes in Star Trek. Each episode is multifaceted, and the messages conveyed are largely dependent on the perspective of the viewer. The book spotlights messages about impairments as seen in Star Trek. Topics such as medical ethics, definitions of disability, quality of life, coping strategies, and various disabilities come alive with dialogue, expert analysis, and humor. This is Star Trek after all. In addition, interviews with key scriptwriters provide new information about the inspiration for writing episodes about disability and stigma as well as empowerment and inclusion. The opinions of fans with disabilities and their family members offer yet another unique lens through which to view Star Trek.

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 17, 2014

About the author

Ilana Lehman is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and former National Certified Counselor. She received her Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Education from Southern Illinois University. Dr. Lehmann has worked as a psychotherapist for a community mental health center; a mental health therapist for an inpatient adolescent treatment facility; a service coordinator for the Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities in Missouri, and a placement specialist for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in Nebraska. In 2009 she was awarded an Outstanding Research Award.

What started out as a textbook was abandoned to make this book more accessible. If you love Star Trek as much as I do, I think you will like this book.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to review All You Need to Know about Disability is on Star Trek, so much as tell you why I think you should read it. Full disclosure here: I was the book's editor, and Ilana Lehmann is my best friend. If this causes you to discount what I have to say, well, that's your loss, but I believe in truth in book reviews. First of all, it's about Star Trek, which is reason enough, right? Second, don't let the subject matter or the author's academic credentials put you off. This is an eminently readable - at times funny! - book. It was not written for an academic audience. If you are even the slightest bit curious about issues relating to disability, and if you happen to like Star Trek, give it a try. You will be amazed how much there was on Star Trek that had to do with disability - beyond Geordi's blindness or Pike's and Melora's wheelchairs. I myself was amazed as I was working on the book. Third, this isn't just about obvious physical disability. The very definition of disability is explored, along with ethical issues pertaining to it. (Think TNG episode, "Ethics...") The book explores psychiatric disability, autism spectrum disorders, aging, and quality of life issues as well. Fourth, and very interesting to anyone who likes critical analysis of Star Trek, is that sometimes, Star Trek got it wrong when it came to disability, and Dr Lehmann explores why in a thoughtful, non-judgmental way. Humanity still has prejudices to overcome, and Hollywood often reflects those prejudices. I was struck by that during the discussion about obesity. Since I don't want to drone on into boredom, I'll wrap it up by saying this is a book that will get you thinking, and wanting to discuss with others (think: book clubs), but in an eminently fun and entertaining way.

[Domoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of this book is over on
https://fangirlsreaditfirst.wordpress...