Disabling Barriers - Enabling Environments

by John Swain (editor), Vic Finkelstein (Editor), Sally French (Editor)

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

Genres: Disability, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 1993

Reviews

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous book. This is an edited collection that presents the diversity of theories, paradigms and perspectives on disability. There is a strong balance between Marxist approaches and poststructuralist theories.