Douglas Biklen closely examines the experiences of six families in which children with disabilities are full participants in family life in order to understand how people who have been labeled disabled might become full participants in the other areas of society as well. He focuses on the contradictions between what some families have achieved, what they want for their children, and what society and its social policies allow. He demonstrates how the principles of inclusion that govern the lives of these families can be extended to education, community life, and other social institutions. The parents who tell their stories here have actively sought inclusion of their children in regular schools and community settings; several have children with severe or multiple disabilities. In discussing issues such as normalization, acceptance, complete schooling, circles of friends, and community integration, these parents describe the challenge and necessity of their children's "leading regular lives." In the series Health, Society, and Policy, edited by Sheryl Ruzek and Irving Kenneth Zola.

How people who have been labeled "disabled" might become full participants in different areas of society

About the Author
Douglas Biklen is a Professor of Special Education and Director of the Division of Special Education and Rehabilitation at Syracuse University.

Reviews
"This book has great potential for effectively presenting and championing a vision of education (and more generally of society) in which those with and without disabilities can live and learn together. I see this book as a 'call to arms,' ...and one to go back to again and again in order to reflect upon what we should be doing with all of our children."
-Paul C. Higgins, University of South Carolina



Book Information
ISBN 9780877228769
Author Douglas Biklen
Format Paperback
Page Count 216
Imprint Temple University Press,U.S.
Publisher Temple University Press,U.S.
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 140mm * 36mm