Praise for the first edition:

"A well-written, accessible, and well-rounded introduction to disability studies for all levels of education. Readers will find excellent sociological grounding of the historical, cultural, and legal factors that inform our understanding of disability and ableism." —-Christina Papadimitriou, Sociology of Disabilities

"A welcome, accessible introduction to the growing field of disability studies." —Michelle Jarman, Disability Studies Quarterly

"Offer[s] a much-needed perspective to balance negative socially constructed opinions regarding disability."—Jane Crawford, International Journal of Disability, Development, and Education

The new edition of this acclaimed text is an up-to-date introduction to the key themes, research, and controversies in disability studies.

The authors' innovative approach offers thorough coverage of:

diverse theoretical perspectives

historical context, from ancient times to the present

the impact of disability throughout the life course

a range of physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments

the place of disability in popular culture

ethical issues, such as genetic selection and physician-assisted suicide

While giving prominence to the voices of individuals, they provide a solid foundation for making sense of disability not only as a personal experience, but also as a social phenomenon.