Description
Book SynopsisThis book is part memoir, part historical survey, part academic analysis written to inject more realism into the national dialogue about intellectual disabilities. Families that include a member with an intellectual disability are grateful for increased awareness and tolerance, but there is so much further to go.
Trade ReviewWOW! A rollercoaster of emotions and confrontations employing many voices—parents, people with disabilities, historians, educators, students, the mass media—orchestrated by a well read, thoughtful and talented author. An unusual and insightful review of literature integrated with real life stories makes this an engaging read. Bound to be controversial this book needs to be read for those who want to confront challenging issues facing disability today. -- Robert Bogdan, professor emeritus, Syracuse University. Award winning author of Picturing Disability: Beggar, Freak, Citizen, and Other Photographic Rhetoric (with Martin Elks and James Knoll)
This is a compelling memoir/media analysis that doesn't hold back in addressing the day-to-day complexities of raising a child with intellectual and physical disabilities. The book connects the author's parenting experience to the larger issue of society's distorted narratives about people with intellectual disabilities, as well as taking a nuanced look at how organizations like Special Olympics fit within these narratives. -- Beth Haller, Towson University
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: A Day in the Life Chapter 2: The Saddest I’ve Ever Been Chapter 3: “Making” Disabilities Chapter 4: The Legend of “Scooter Boy” Chapter 5: Catch the Wind Chapter 6: Packaged for Public Consumption Chapter 7: By Any Other Name Chapter 8: The Homecoming Court Chapter 9: Other Voices Chapter 10: Other Voices, Continued Chapter 11: Those Who Demand Attention References
