Disability Studies: A Comprehensive and Interdisciplinary Approach

By Debra Harley Ph.D., CRC, LPC, and Chris Flaherty Ph.D., MSW, this book delivers critical knowledge for understanding the multidimensional aspects of working with varied populations with disabilities.

A Unique Interdisciplinary Perspective

This is the only introduction to disability book that offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective, covering cross-disability and intersectionality aspects, as well as a special emphasis on many unique populations. The book provides current, evidence-based knowledge on the key principles and practice of disability, while addressing advocacy, the disability rights movement, disability legislation, public policy, and law.

Emerging Trends in Disability Studies

Focusing on significant trends, the book covers persistent and emerging avenues in disability studies that are anticipated to impact a growing proportion of individuals in need of disability services. Woven throughout is an emphasis on psychosocial adaptation to disability supported by case studies and field-based experiential exercises.

Roles and Functions of Disability Service Providers

The text addresses the roles and functions of disability service providers, examining ethics in service delivery, credentialing, career paths, cultural competency, poverty, infectious diseases, and family and lifespan perspectives. Reinforcing the need for an interdisciplinary stance, each chapter discusses how varied disciplines work together to provide services addressing the whole person.

Active Learning and Faculty Support

Active learning is promoted through discussion boxes, self-check questions, and learning exercises. Faculty support includes PowerPoints, model syllabi, test bank, and instructor manual. Purchase includes digital access for use on most mobile devices or computers.

Key Features

• Provides readers with key knowledge and skills needed to effectively practice in multidisciplinary settings
• Offers interdisciplinary perspectives on conceptualization, assessment, and intervention across a broad range of disabilities and client populations
• Underscores the intersectionality of disability to correspond with trends in education focusing on social justice and underrepresented populations
• Includes research and discussion boxes citing current research activities and excerpts from noted experts in various human service disciplines
• Promotes active learning with discussion boxes, multiple-choice questions, case studies with discussion questions, and field-based experiential exercises
• Includes instructor manual, sample syllabi, PowerPoint slides, and test bank
• Identifies key references at the end of chapters and provides resources for additional information

Purchase includes digital access for use on most mobile devices or computers.

Published by Springer Publishing Company, 1st edition (December 21, 2020), this comprehensive guide spans 500 pages and provides a valuable resource for students, professionals, and researchers in the field of disability studies.