This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the development and consequences of disability policies, contrasting policies grounded in medical definitions of disability with a 'social model' of disability supported by disability rights campaigners in their pursuit of anti-discrimination legislation. British policies are set in comparative context, and the impacts of policy on disabled people according to their class, gender, age and ethnicity are explored.

We live at a paradoxical time for many disabled people: some achieve new freedoms while others face cuts in services and attempts to restrict who counts as disabled. Locating disability policy within broader social policy contexts, Alan Roulstone and Simon Prideaux critically explore the roles of social support, poverty, socio-economic status, community safety, spatial change, and other issues in shaping disabled people's opportunities. They also consider implications for future policy developments, including the impact of changing government and academic understandings of disability.

Understanding Disability details expected developmental stages for those without disabilities as well as the impact of disability at each of these periods. This is a much needed reference for working with a person with a disability, or with a family member or other interested party. Beginning with infancy and the diagnosis of congenital or early onset disabilities, the book identifies traditional developmental life stages and then provides specific information for four different disabilities: Down syndrome, visual impairment, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida. In addition, spinal cord injury is added at the young adult stage of development. The reader can thus determine expected age-appropriate activities and accomplishments as well as some adapted expectations. In keeping with a social work emphasis on strengths, the book is based on a social, rather than medical, model of disability.

Examining how policy affects the human rights of people with disabilities, this topical Handbook presents diverse empirical experiences of disability policy and identifies the changes that are necessary to achieve social justice.

Examining the UK Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in comparison to its counterparts in the USA and Australia, this book focuses on how it is being interpreted and acted upon in the context of higher education, a key area of national attention in the UK. It also evaluates this law in the context of the larger project of civil rights legislation and demonstrates that geography can be used to explain law and legal arguments by highlighting their subjectivity and by emphasizing the importance of place, specificity and context. While providing in-depth analysis of the effectiveness and scope of this significant legislation this book demonstrates the importance of geography in the application of law. It provides insights into the broader workings of UK anti-discrimination law, which are particularly relevant given the scrutiny of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the concerns about the effectiveness of legal tools in fighting discrimination. Finally, this book critiques liberal notions of legal subjectivity and medical definitions of disability which is topical given the current attention given to debates about identity politics.

This fully updated and expanded edition of the bestselling Student’s Companion to Social Policy charts the latest developments, research, challenges, and controversies in the field in a concise, authoritative format. Provides students with the analytical base from which to investigate and evaluate key concepts, perspectives, policies, and outcomes at national and international levels Features a new section on devolution and social policy in the UK; enhanced discussion of international and comparative issues; and new coverage of ‘nudge’-based policies, austerity politics, sustainable welfare, working age conditionality, social movements, policy learning and transfer, and social policy in the BRIC countries Offers essential information for anyone studying social policy, from undergraduates on introductory courses to those pursuing postgraduate or professional programmes Accompanied by updated online resources to support independent learning and skill development with chapter overviews, study questions, guides to key sources and career opportunities, a key term glossary, and more Written by a team of experts working at the forefront of social policy

Outlining the key developments of the Disability Hate Crime policy agenda, Seamus Taylor brings together a unique consideration of the theoretical and practical questions at its heart. This book analyses the contributions of activists, politicians, policymakers and criminal justice system practitioners to policy development, and critiques both the under-recognition of disability prejudice fuelled by ableism and the challenge of vulnerability in addressing disability hostility. Concluding that a critically reflective approach on the part of policymakers and practitioners can lead to progress, the author gives clear policy recommendations to address current challenges in the criminal justice system.

Comprehensive Handbook of Social Work and Social Welfare, Volume 4: The Profession of Social Work features contributions from leading international researchers and practitioners and presents the most comprehensive, in-depth source of information on the field of social work and social welfare.

This thoroughly updated new edition provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary social policy, and addresses its historical, theoretical and contextual foundations. Divided into four sections, it opens with a survey of the socio-economic, political and governmental contexts within which social policy operates, before moving on to look at the historical development of the subject. The third section examines contemporary aspects of providing welfare, whilst the final part covers European and wider international developments. The text explores the major topics and areas in contemporary social policy, including: work and welfare education adult health and social care children and families crime and criminal justice health housing race disability Issues are addressed throughout in a lively and accessible style, and examples are richly illustrated to encourage the student to engage with theory and content, and to help highlight the relevance of social policy in our understanding of modern society. It is packed with features including, ‘Spotlight’ ‘Discussion and review’ and ‘Controversy and debate’ boxes, as well as further readings and recommended websites. A comprehensive glossary also provides explanations of key terms and abbreviations. Social Policy is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking courses in social policy and related courses such as criminology, health studies, politics, sociology, nursing, youth and social work.