Author: Julie Smart
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351997122
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 438
Book Description
This introductory text defines and describes disability, while providing concrete practice guidelines and recommendations for students in the fields of counseling, social work, and the helping professions. Various specialty areas are explored in detail, including marriage and family counseling, adolescent counseling, addictions counseling, LGBTQ concerns, multicultural counseling, and career counseling. The first three chapters lay the foundations by discussing the demand for counseling services by individuals with all types of disabilities; presenting clinical, legal, medical/biological, and personal definitions of disability; and describing physical, cognitive, and psychiatric disabilities. Next, author Julie Smart examines core beliefs about disability using a range of first-person accounts from experienced counselors. The last six chapters focus on practice guidelines for various aspects of disability—including ethical considerations, societal issues, social role demands, and individual responses—and consider new possibilities for disability counseling professions. With rich case studies woven throughout, as well as valuable information on client needs, disability categorizations, and key Models of Disability, this essential textbook will be useful not only to counseling students but also to professional counselors, social workers, and psychologists.
Disability Definitions, Diagnoses, and Practice Implications
Author: Julie Smart
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351997122
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 438
Book Description
This introductory text defines and describes disability, while providing concrete practice guidelines and recommendations for students in the fields of counseling, social work, and the helping professions. Various specialty areas are explored in detail, including marriage and family counseling, adolescent counseling, addictions counseling, LGBTQ concerns, multicultural counseling, and career counseling. The first three chapters lay the foundations by discussing the demand for counseling services by individuals with all types of disabilities; presenting clinical, legal, medical/biological, and personal definitions of disability; and describing physical, cognitive, and psychiatric disabilities. Next, author Julie Smart examines core beliefs about disability using a range of first-person accounts from experienced counselors. The last six chapters focus on practice guidelines for various aspects of disability—including ethical considerations, societal issues, social role demands, and individual responses—and consider new possibilities for disability counseling professions. With rich case studies woven throughout, as well as valuable information on client needs, disability categorizations, and key Models of Disability, this essential textbook will be useful not only to counseling students but also to professional counselors, social workers, and psychologists.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351997122
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 438
Book Description
This introductory text defines and describes disability, while providing concrete practice guidelines and recommendations for students in the fields of counseling, social work, and the helping professions. Various specialty areas are explored in detail, including marriage and family counseling, adolescent counseling, addictions counseling, LGBTQ concerns, multicultural counseling, and career counseling. The first three chapters lay the foundations by discussing the demand for counseling services by individuals with all types of disabilities; presenting clinical, legal, medical/biological, and personal definitions of disability; and describing physical, cognitive, and psychiatric disabilities. Next, author Julie Smart examines core beliefs about disability using a range of first-person accounts from experienced counselors. The last six chapters focus on practice guidelines for various aspects of disability—including ethical considerations, societal issues, social role demands, and individual responses—and consider new possibilities for disability counseling professions. With rich case studies woven throughout, as well as valuable information on client needs, disability categorizations, and key Models of Disability, this essential textbook will be useful not only to counseling students but also to professional counselors, social workers, and psychologists.
Mental Disorders and Disabilities Among Low-Income Children
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309376882
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 397
Book Description
Children living in poverty are more likely to have mental health problems, and their conditions are more likely to be severe. Of the approximately 1.3 million children who were recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits in 2013, about 50% were disabled primarily due to a mental disorder. An increase in the number of children who are recipients of SSI benefits due to mental disorders has been observed through several decades of the program beginning in 1985 and continuing through 2010. Nevertheless, less than 1% of children in the United States are recipients of SSI disability benefits for a mental disorder. At the request of the Social Security Administration, Mental Disorders and Disability Among Low-Income Children compares national trends in the number of children with mental disorders with the trends in the number of children receiving benefits from the SSI program, and describes the possible factors that may contribute to any differences between the two groups. This report provides an overview of the current status of the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, and the levels of impairment in the U.S. population under age 18. The report focuses on 6 mental disorders, chosen due to their prevalence and the severity of disability attributed to those disorders within the SSI disability program: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, learning disabilities, and mood disorders. While this report is not a comprehensive discussion of these disorders, Mental Disorders and Disability Among Low-Income Children provides the best currently available information regarding demographics, diagnosis, treatment, and expectations for the disorder time course - both the natural course and under treatment.
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309376882
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 397
Book Description
Children living in poverty are more likely to have mental health problems, and their conditions are more likely to be severe. Of the approximately 1.3 million children who were recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits in 2013, about 50% were disabled primarily due to a mental disorder. An increase in the number of children who are recipients of SSI benefits due to mental disorders has been observed through several decades of the program beginning in 1985 and continuing through 2010. Nevertheless, less than 1% of children in the United States are recipients of SSI disability benefits for a mental disorder. At the request of the Social Security Administration, Mental Disorders and Disability Among Low-Income Children compares national trends in the number of children with mental disorders with the trends in the number of children receiving benefits from the SSI program, and describes the possible factors that may contribute to any differences between the two groups. This report provides an overview of the current status of the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, and the levels of impairment in the U.S. population under age 18. The report focuses on 6 mental disorders, chosen due to their prevalence and the severity of disability attributed to those disorders within the SSI disability program: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, learning disabilities, and mood disorders. While this report is not a comprehensive discussion of these disorders, Mental Disorders and Disability Among Low-Income Children provides the best currently available information regarding demographics, diagnosis, treatment, and expectations for the disorder time course - both the natural course and under treatment.
The Psychological and Social Impact of Chronic Illness and Disability
Author: Irmo Marini, PhD, DSc, CRC, CLCP
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
ISBN: 0826151116
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 665
Book Description
Reflects the most significant and fundamental shifts in the experience of disability in human history With the release of its eighth edition, this bestselling text remains the most comprehensive and current text addressing the psychological and social issues dealt with by persons with disabilities. The new edition is almost completely rewritten and expanded by expert voices in disability and rehabilitation policy, research, and lived experience. It presents many new chapters covering topics such as disability identity, the impact of US laws and policies, the impact of micro-aggressions and discrimination, applications of well-being and positive psychology, and mental health implications of social media usage for people with disabilities. The eighth edition also includes new Personal Perspectives from individuals with various disabilities. The text provides an informed, critical, and engaging exploration of the impact of chronic illness and disability (CID) for a wide range of students, educators, and professionals who work with this population. It delivers a comprehensive understanding of CID topics ranging from the impact of law and policies, social justice issues, personal and professional rehabilitation, and the psychosocial experiences of CID. The book continues to investigate a diverse range of topics, from the historical and cultural perspectives on illness and disability to the personal, familial, and social impacts of disability. Chapters include Learning Objectives, Pre-reading Questions, Class Activities, and Case Studies with accompanying Discussion Questions to promote engagement. Instructors will also have access to the Instructor Manual, Test Bank, and chapter PowerPoints. Extensively rewritten and updated with expert voices in disability and rehabilitation policy and research Brand new chapters on disability identity, the impact of US laws and policies, the impact of micro-aggressions and discrimination, and more New Personal Perspectives from persons who have lived with various disabilities New Class Activities to help reinforce content Key Features: Presents the most comprehensive and diverse coverage of psychosocial aspects of disability of any text Addresses how people with CID have been viewed and treated throughout history and examines the changes and developments over the past decade Provides a bridge between theory and practice with abundant narratives Includes Learning Objectives, Pre-reading Questions, and Case Studies with Discussion Questions to enhance learning Delivers a comprehensive instructor package including Instructor Manual, Test Bank, and chapter PowerPoints
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
ISBN: 0826151116
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 665
Book Description
Reflects the most significant and fundamental shifts in the experience of disability in human history With the release of its eighth edition, this bestselling text remains the most comprehensive and current text addressing the psychological and social issues dealt with by persons with disabilities. The new edition is almost completely rewritten and expanded by expert voices in disability and rehabilitation policy, research, and lived experience. It presents many new chapters covering topics such as disability identity, the impact of US laws and policies, the impact of micro-aggressions and discrimination, applications of well-being and positive psychology, and mental health implications of social media usage for people with disabilities. The eighth edition also includes new Personal Perspectives from individuals with various disabilities. The text provides an informed, critical, and engaging exploration of the impact of chronic illness and disability (CID) for a wide range of students, educators, and professionals who work with this population. It delivers a comprehensive understanding of CID topics ranging from the impact of law and policies, social justice issues, personal and professional rehabilitation, and the psychosocial experiences of CID. The book continues to investigate a diverse range of topics, from the historical and cultural perspectives on illness and disability to the personal, familial, and social impacts of disability. Chapters include Learning Objectives, Pre-reading Questions, Class Activities, and Case Studies with accompanying Discussion Questions to promote engagement. Instructors will also have access to the Instructor Manual, Test Bank, and chapter PowerPoints. Extensively rewritten and updated with expert voices in disability and rehabilitation policy and research Brand new chapters on disability identity, the impact of US laws and policies, the impact of micro-aggressions and discrimination, and more New Personal Perspectives from persons who have lived with various disabilities New Class Activities to help reinforce content Key Features: Presents the most comprehensive and diverse coverage of psychosocial aspects of disability of any text Addresses how people with CID have been viewed and treated throughout history and examines the changes and developments over the past decade Provides a bridge between theory and practice with abundant narratives Includes Learning Objectives, Pre-reading Questions, and Case Studies with Discussion Questions to enhance learning Delivers a comprehensive instructor package including Instructor Manual, Test Bank, and chapter PowerPoints
The Sage Encyclopedia of Multicultural Counseling, Social Justice, and Advocacy
Author: Shannon B. Dermer
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1071808001
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 1825
Book Description
Since the late 1970s, there has been an increase in the study of diversity, inclusion, race, and ethnicity within the field of counseling. The SAGE Encyclopedia of Multicultural Counseling, Social Justice, and Advocacy will comprehensively synthesize a wide range of terms, concepts, ideologies, groups, and organizations through a diverse lens. This encyclopedia will include entries on a wide range of topics relative to multicultural counseling, social justice and advocacy, and the experiences of diverse groups. The encyclopedia will consist of approximately 600 signed entries, arranged alphabetically within four volumes.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1071808001
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 1825
Book Description
Since the late 1970s, there has been an increase in the study of diversity, inclusion, race, and ethnicity within the field of counseling. The SAGE Encyclopedia of Multicultural Counseling, Social Justice, and Advocacy will comprehensively synthesize a wide range of terms, concepts, ideologies, groups, and organizations through a diverse lens. This encyclopedia will include entries on a wide range of topics relative to multicultural counseling, social justice and advocacy, and the experiences of diverse groups. The encyclopedia will consist of approximately 600 signed entries, arranged alphabetically within four volumes.
Neurological, Psychiatric, and Developmental Disorders
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309170931
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 458
Book Description
Brain disordersâ€"neurological, psychiatric, and developmentalâ€"now affect at least 250 million people in the developing world, and this number is expected to rise as life expectancy increases. Yet public and private health systems in developing countries have paid relatively little attention to brain disorders. The negative attitudes, prejudice, and stigma that often surround many of these disorders have contributed to this neglect. Lacking proper diagnosis and treatment, millions of individual lives are lost to disability and death. Such conditions exact both personal and economic costs on families, communities, and nations. The report describes the causes and risk factors associated with brain disorders. It focuses on six representative brain disorders that are prevalent in developing countries: developmental disabilities, epilepsy, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and stroke. The report makes detailed recommendations of ways to reduce the toll exacted by these six disorders. In broader strokes, the report also proposes six major strategies toward reducing the overall burden of brain disorders in the developing world.
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309170931
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 458
Book Description
Brain disordersâ€"neurological, psychiatric, and developmentalâ€"now affect at least 250 million people in the developing world, and this number is expected to rise as life expectancy increases. Yet public and private health systems in developing countries have paid relatively little attention to brain disorders. The negative attitudes, prejudice, and stigma that often surround many of these disorders have contributed to this neglect. Lacking proper diagnosis and treatment, millions of individual lives are lost to disability and death. Such conditions exact both personal and economic costs on families, communities, and nations. The report describes the causes and risk factors associated with brain disorders. It focuses on six representative brain disorders that are prevalent in developing countries: developmental disabilities, epilepsy, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and stroke. The report makes detailed recommendations of ways to reduce the toll exacted by these six disorders. In broader strokes, the report also proposes six major strategies toward reducing the overall burden of brain disorders in the developing world.
Disability Across the Developmental Lifespan
Author: Julie Smart, PhD
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
ISBN: 082613923X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 547
Book Description
This is the only text to examine the experience of disability in relation to theories of human growth and development. It provides a foundational and comprehensive examination of disability that encompasses the intellectual, psychiatric, physical, and social arenas. The second edition is updated to underscore its versatility as an introductory text about the developmental tasks of people with disabilities for all the helping professions. Reorganized to illuminate the book’s interdisciplinary focus, it includes new demographics, new case studies and first-person accounts, discussions on cultural aspects of disabilities, family concerns, and more. The text delivers practice guidelines for each of the conventional life stages and describes the developmental tasks of individuals with disabilities (IWDs). It emphasizes the positive trend in the perception of IWDs as normal and underscores the fact that IWDs have the same motivations, emotions, and goals as those without disabilities. Learning activities, suggestions for writing exercises, and websites for further study reinforce learning, as do graphs and charts illustrating trends and demographics. NEW TO THE SECOND EDITION: Introductory chapter on understanding disability Demographic updates throughout New case studies and first-person accounts Expanded discussions about cultural considerations, intersectionality, and family considerations Updated Instructor’s Manual and an Instructor’s Test Bank KEY FEATURES: Examines the conventional stages of human growth and development from the perspective of individuals with disabilities Integrates disability concepts with developmental theories and stages of the lifespan Addresses common ethical issues to illuminate the real-world implications faced by individuals with disabilities and their families Includes learning activities, suggestions for writing exercises, and websites for further study Purchase includes digital access for use on most mobile devices or computers.
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
ISBN: 082613923X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 547
Book Description
This is the only text to examine the experience of disability in relation to theories of human growth and development. It provides a foundational and comprehensive examination of disability that encompasses the intellectual, psychiatric, physical, and social arenas. The second edition is updated to underscore its versatility as an introductory text about the developmental tasks of people with disabilities for all the helping professions. Reorganized to illuminate the book’s interdisciplinary focus, it includes new demographics, new case studies and first-person accounts, discussions on cultural aspects of disabilities, family concerns, and more. The text delivers practice guidelines for each of the conventional life stages and describes the developmental tasks of individuals with disabilities (IWDs). It emphasizes the positive trend in the perception of IWDs as normal and underscores the fact that IWDs have the same motivations, emotions, and goals as those without disabilities. Learning activities, suggestions for writing exercises, and websites for further study reinforce learning, as do graphs and charts illustrating trends and demographics. NEW TO THE SECOND EDITION: Introductory chapter on understanding disability Demographic updates throughout New case studies and first-person accounts Expanded discussions about cultural considerations, intersectionality, and family considerations Updated Instructor’s Manual and an Instructor’s Test Bank KEY FEATURES: Examines the conventional stages of human growth and development from the perspective of individuals with disabilities Integrates disability concepts with developmental theories and stages of the lifespan Addresses common ethical issues to illuminate the real-world implications faced by individuals with disabilities and their families Includes learning activities, suggestions for writing exercises, and websites for further study Purchase includes digital access for use on most mobile devices or computers.
The Routledge International Handbook of Critical Disability Studies
Author: Katie Ellis
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1040230229
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 541
Book Description
Disability impacts everyone in some way. Approximately 10-20% of the world’s population live with disability, and the associated issues affect not just these individuals but also their friends, family, and colleagues. When looking at it this way, it is strange that disability continues to be thought of as an anomaly—either as a medical problem located in a damaged body or something that exists exclusively outside the body, in a society that takes little account of non-normative bodies. Critical disability studies both questions these existing notions of disability and interrogates how they have become a part of the academic attitude towards the field. As the first comprehensive handbook on critical disability studies, this volume provides an authoritative overview of the subject. Including 32 chapters written by established scholars and emerging, next-generation researchers it also includes contributions from activists, writers, and practitioners from the global north and the global south. Divided into three parts: Representation, art, and culture; Media, technology, and communication; and Activism and the life course, it offers discussions on core critical disability studies topics including the social model, technology studies, trauma studies, representation, and queer theory, as well as ground-breaking work on emerging and cutting-edge areas such as neurodiversity and critical approaches in the Middle East, United States, Australia, and Europe. It is required reading for all academics and students working in not just critical disability studies but sociology, digital accessibility and inclusion, health and social care, and social and public policy more broadly.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1040230229
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 541
Book Description
Disability impacts everyone in some way. Approximately 10-20% of the world’s population live with disability, and the associated issues affect not just these individuals but also their friends, family, and colleagues. When looking at it this way, it is strange that disability continues to be thought of as an anomaly—either as a medical problem located in a damaged body or something that exists exclusively outside the body, in a society that takes little account of non-normative bodies. Critical disability studies both questions these existing notions of disability and interrogates how they have become a part of the academic attitude towards the field. As the first comprehensive handbook on critical disability studies, this volume provides an authoritative overview of the subject. Including 32 chapters written by established scholars and emerging, next-generation researchers it also includes contributions from activists, writers, and practitioners from the global north and the global south. Divided into three parts: Representation, art, and culture; Media, technology, and communication; and Activism and the life course, it offers discussions on core critical disability studies topics including the social model, technology studies, trauma studies, representation, and queer theory, as well as ground-breaking work on emerging and cutting-edge areas such as neurodiversity and critical approaches in the Middle East, United States, Australia, and Europe. It is required reading for all academics and students working in not just critical disability studies but sociology, digital accessibility and inclusion, health and social care, and social and public policy more broadly.
Learning disabilities screening and evaluation guide for low- and middle-income countries
Author: Anne M. Hayes
Publisher: RTI Press
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 50
Book Description
Learning disabilities are among the most common disabilities experienced in childhood and adulthood. Although identifying learning disabilities in a school setting is a complex process, it is particularly challenging in low- and middle-income countries that lack the appropriate resources, tools, and supports. This guide provides an introduction to learning disabilities and describes the processes and practices that are necessary for the identification process. It also describes a phased approach that countries can use to assess their current screening and evaluation services, as well as determine the steps needed to develop, strengthen, and build systems that support students with learning disabilities. This guide also provides intervention recommendations that teachers and school administrators can implement at each phase of system development. Although this guide primarily addresses learning disabilities, the practices, processes, and systems described may be also used to improve the identification of other disabilities commonly encountered in schools.
Publisher: RTI Press
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 50
Book Description
Learning disabilities are among the most common disabilities experienced in childhood and adulthood. Although identifying learning disabilities in a school setting is a complex process, it is particularly challenging in low- and middle-income countries that lack the appropriate resources, tools, and supports. This guide provides an introduction to learning disabilities and describes the processes and practices that are necessary for the identification process. It also describes a phased approach that countries can use to assess their current screening and evaluation services, as well as determine the steps needed to develop, strengthen, and build systems that support students with learning disabilities. This guide also provides intervention recommendations that teachers and school administrators can implement at each phase of system development. Although this guide primarily addresses learning disabilities, the practices, processes, and systems described may be also used to improve the identification of other disabilities commonly encountered in schools.
Assaulted Personhood
Author: Craig C. Malbon
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 0761872442
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 415
Book Description
In 21st century America, personhood is under daily assault, sometimes with dire consequences. Scientist, ethicist, and ordained minister Craig C. Malbon encourages the reader to consider such assaults on personhood endured by victims of abortion, ageism, Alzheimer’s disease, drug addiction, mental and physical disabilities, gender, gender orientation, racism, sexual preference, identity politics, and our will-to-power over the “other.” In exploring personhood status, Malbon poses difficult questions for us. Is personhood assigned as all-or-nothing, or is it a sliding scale based upon criteria arbitrarily aimed at our vulnerabilities? Does the voiceless embryo and fetus have advocates who can speak to the moral question of abortion? Is the personhood of an economically insecure pregnant woman degraded to the point where lack of access to early termination of pregnancy results in “coercive childbearing?” Does being a member of the LGBTQI+ community target one for assaults on personhood, to the extreme of being killed? In delving into the biology and psychology of assaults of “self” upon the “other,” Malbon sees powerful linkages of everyday assaults on personhood to darker, profound “original sins” that are foundational to the rise of the American empire, i.e., assaults on the indigenous Native Americans and assaults derivative to the institution of slavery upon Africans, African Americans, and their descendants.
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 0761872442
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 415
Book Description
In 21st century America, personhood is under daily assault, sometimes with dire consequences. Scientist, ethicist, and ordained minister Craig C. Malbon encourages the reader to consider such assaults on personhood endured by victims of abortion, ageism, Alzheimer’s disease, drug addiction, mental and physical disabilities, gender, gender orientation, racism, sexual preference, identity politics, and our will-to-power over the “other.” In exploring personhood status, Malbon poses difficult questions for us. Is personhood assigned as all-or-nothing, or is it a sliding scale based upon criteria arbitrarily aimed at our vulnerabilities? Does the voiceless embryo and fetus have advocates who can speak to the moral question of abortion? Is the personhood of an economically insecure pregnant woman degraded to the point where lack of access to early termination of pregnancy results in “coercive childbearing?” Does being a member of the LGBTQI+ community target one for assaults on personhood, to the extreme of being killed? In delving into the biology and psychology of assaults of “self” upon the “other,” Malbon sees powerful linkages of everyday assaults on personhood to darker, profound “original sins” that are foundational to the rise of the American empire, i.e., assaults on the indigenous Native Americans and assaults derivative to the institution of slavery upon Africans, African Americans, and their descendants.
Handbook of Disability Studies
Author: Gary L. Albrecht
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 9780761928744
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 868
Book Description
This path-breaking international handbook of disability studies signals the emergence of a vital new area of scholarship, social policy and activism. Drawing on the insights of disability scholars around the world and the creative advice of an international editorial board, the book engages the reader in the critical issues and debates framing disability studies and places them in an historical and cultural context. Five years in the making, this one volume summarizes the ongoing discourse ranging across continents and traditional academic disciplines. To provide insight and perspective, the volume is divided into three sections: The shaping of disability studies as a field; experiencing disability; and, disability in context. Each section, written by world class figures, consists of original chapters designed to map the field and explore the key conceptual, theoretical, methodological, practice and policy issues that constitute the field. Each chapter provides a critical review of an area, positions and literature and an agenda for future research and practice. The handbook answers the need expressed by the disability community for a thought provoking, interdisciplinary, international examination of the vibrant field of disability studies. The book will be of interest to disabled people, scholars, policy makers and activists alike. The book aims to define the existing field, stimulate future debate, encourage respectful discourse between different interest groups and move the field a step forward.
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 9780761928744
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 868
Book Description
This path-breaking international handbook of disability studies signals the emergence of a vital new area of scholarship, social policy and activism. Drawing on the insights of disability scholars around the world and the creative advice of an international editorial board, the book engages the reader in the critical issues and debates framing disability studies and places them in an historical and cultural context. Five years in the making, this one volume summarizes the ongoing discourse ranging across continents and traditional academic disciplines. To provide insight and perspective, the volume is divided into three sections: The shaping of disability studies as a field; experiencing disability; and, disability in context. Each section, written by world class figures, consists of original chapters designed to map the field and explore the key conceptual, theoretical, methodological, practice and policy issues that constitute the field. Each chapter provides a critical review of an area, positions and literature and an agenda for future research and practice. The handbook answers the need expressed by the disability community for a thought provoking, interdisciplinary, international examination of the vibrant field of disability studies. The book will be of interest to disabled people, scholars, policy makers and activists alike. The book aims to define the existing field, stimulate future debate, encourage respectful discourse between different interest groups and move the field a step forward.