In Search of Freedom: How Persons With Disabilities Have Been Disenfranchised from the Mainstream of American Society And How the Search for Freedom Continues

This updated and expanded new edition continues the theme of the first edition of emphasizing the struggles in which persons with disabilities have engaged, the barriers they have had to overcome, and the barriers they continue to face in their quest to obtain freedom. A major point is that disabilities are a part of life and everyone has limitations, therefore, persons with disabilities should be treated the same as any other human. The disability rights movement and its role in placing the demands of persons with disabilities before American society are discussed. Legislative action that impacted persons with disabilities is traced through the Americans with Disabilities Act. The impact of attitudes, self-concept, and self-esteem are explored, as well as the family's role in assisting persons with disabilities in their search for freedom. Intervention strategies are also discussed including the actions that are needed before persons with disabilities can be truly free. Although significant progress has been made, the laws mentioned in this book as well as other unmentioned laws can do only so much with regard to helping people with disabilities. Given this reality, it is imperative that persons with disabilities make the American public aware of the inequities that still exist. The search for freedom must continue and the search should be inspired and led by persons with disabilities. Consequently, this second edition deals with both the needs of persons with disabilities and the actions they must take to attain their freedoms.