Controversial Issues in a Disabling Society

At its best Disability Studies is an arena of critical debate addressing controversial issues concerning, not just the meaning of disability, but the nature of society, dominant values, quality of life, and even the right to live. Indeed, Disability Studies is itself the subject of controversy, in terms of its theoretical basis and who controls courses and research and whether it should be shaped and controlled by disabled academics or grassroots activists. Within these debates, generated by the social model of disability, are fundamental challenges to policy, provision and professional practice that are directly relevant to all who work with disabled people, whether in the field of social work, health or education.

Controversial Issues in a Disabling Society has been written specifically to raise questions and stimulate debate. It has been designed for use with students in group discussion, and to support in-depth study on a variety of professional courses. It covers a wide range of specific, substantive issues within Disability Studies in a series of succinct chapters. Each chapter sets a question for debate, places the key issues in context and presents a particular argument. This is an accessible and engaging book which challenges dominant positions and ideologies from a social model viewpoint of disability.

Johh Swain is Reader in Disability Studies and Principal Lecturer in Research, in the Faculty of Health, Social Work and Education at the University of Northumbria, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Sally French is Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at King Alfred's College of Higher Education, London.

Colin Cameron is a freelance disability equality trainer and consultant, providing training and teaching for organizations in south east Scotland, including Lothian Centre for Integrated Living, the City of Edinburgh Social Work Department and the University of Edinburgh.