Disability: Definitions, Value, and Identity

By Steven D. Edwards

Disability is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been debated by scholars, researchers, and advocates for decades. It is a term that encompasses a wide range of physical, sensory, cognitive, and developmental impairments, as well as mental health conditions and chronic illnesses. In the context of prenatal screening, disability is often associated with traits that are considered undesirable or problematic, leading to questions about the value and identity of individuals with disabilities.

One of the most pressing issues in the current climate of increased prenatal screening programs is the termination of pregnancies when disabling traits are diagnosed in the fetus. This practice raises ethical and moral dilemmas, as it involves making decisions about the life and death of a potential human being based on their perceived quality of life or potential for suffering. It also highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of disability and its role in shaping individual and societal values.

Disability can be a part of a person’s identity, but it is not the sole defining characteristic of an individual. People with disabilities are not inherently different or less valuable than those without disabilities; rather, they face unique challenges and barriers that can impact their daily lives and opportunities. By recognizing and addressing these barriers, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society that values diversity and promotes the full participation of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

This book provides practical and concise information for social care workers, counselors, academics, students, genetics counselors, and medical and healthcare ethicists. It is also an invaluable resource for disability pressure groups and policymakers seeking to understand the complex issues surrounding disability and prenatal screening. Through a combination of critical review, discussion, and narrative theory, Disability: Definitions, Value, and Identity offers a comprehensive exploration of the philosophical and ethical dimensions of disability, challenging readers to rethink their assumptions and biases about what it means to be disabled.

Product Details

Publisher: CRC Press; 1st edition (June 21, 1999)

Language: English

Pages: 156

ISBN-10: 1857757009

ISBN-13: 978-1857757002