Beyond disability : towards an enabling society / edited by Gerald Hales..

"This important new text draws together a wealth of experience to present theoretical and practical insights into the way society intervenes in the lives of disabled people. It also considers how resources could be used in ways that are more helpful and supportive. Stressing the social contexts within which disabilities become apparent, the authors highlight two key points: Disabled people only have practical difficulties in the area of life affected by their disability - in other respects they are no different from anyone else; The disabled are handicapped not by the parameters of their disability but by the demands and attitudes of society. This collection demonstrates that society's interventions do not always achieve the aim of helping and supporting but can sometimes be counterproductive and can even demean and diminish individuals. The contributors make suggestions for improving services. They examine the position of people with specific types of disability, explore both sides of the 'care' and 'counselling' equation and discuss training, legislation and aspects of management and attitudes among professionals. Beyond Disability has been developed as a Course Reader for the Open University course The Disabling Society (K255). It will be valuable and informative for individuals with disabilities and an ideal text for carers, health professionals, trainers, workers in local government and voluntary associations dealing with issues concerning disabilities." -- From back cover.