Defying Disability

This book tells the stories of nine disabled leaders who, by force of personality and concrete achievement, have made us think differently about disability. Whatever direction they have come from, they share a common will to change society so that disabled people get a fair deal.There are compelling biographies of:-Sir Bert Massie: public servant-Lord (Jack) Ashley: Labour politician-Rachel Hurst: activist and campaigner-Tom Shakespeare: academic-Phil Friend: entrepreneur and business consultant-Peter White: broadcaster-Mat Fraser: actor, musician and performer-Andrew Lee: activist and campaigner-Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson: Paralympic championDefying Disability is based on extensive interviews with the subjects and the people who know them. It marks their similarities and differences, the forces that drove them to achieve, the impact they have had on policies and practice, and how the modern history of disability in the UK has been played out in their lives.Defying Disability is not just a good read; it will inform professionals in the field, students in disability studies, disabled people, their families and carers, and everyone interested in disability politics and policies.' …a fascinating insight into the lives of nine people who overcame the potential disadvantage of disability to achieve recognition, change and national acclaim. The story of motivation and unstoppable determination reflected by the lives of each of these disabled leaders is inspiring. The book is admirable in describing the power of the human spirit when not accepting limitations imposed by others, to strive beyond possible expectations. It paves the way forward in recognizing the rights and abilities of all disabled people.' - Peter Burke, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences, Hull University, and author of Disability and Impairment: Working with Children and Families and Brothers and Sisters of Disabled Children.'This important book provides a fascinating insight into the achievements of nine disabled leaders and the development of British disability politics and practice over the past 40 years. The leaders profiled reveal both a range of approaches to tackling disabled people's exclusion, and differences in personal attitudes towards impairment and disability politics itself. In doing so, Defying Disabilty provides a more accurate reflection of the diversity of disability than some traditional disability texts.' - Claire Tregaskis, disability consultant, Inclusion Full Stop