New updated edition includes the impact of COVID on Britain's 14 million disabled people

In austerity Britain, disabled people have been recast as worthless scroungers. From social care to the benefits system, politicians and the media alike have made the case that Britain's 12 million disabled people are nothing but a drain on the public purse. In Crippled, journalist and campaigner Frances Ryan exposes the disturbing reality, telling the stories of those most affected by this devastating regime. It is at once both a damning indictment of a safety net so compromised it strangles many of those it catches and a passionate demand for an end to austerity, which hits hardest those most in need.

"Everyone should read this book." - Labour Briefing

"Frances Ryan's Crippled powerfully brings into sharp focus the lived experiences of disabled people." - Fawcett Society

"A powerful book ... Austerity kills and it is killing disabled people. Ryan does a brilliant job of describing the human costs." - Fabian Society

"A blistering polemic, full of telling details." - Guardian

"This powerful book by respected journalist, Frances Ryan is the perfect wake-up call for anyone sleep-walking through austerity." - Fabian Review

"Comprehensively and competently dissects the spin behind austerity, and its most unpardonable effects." - LeftLion

"Crippled is a timely read that could bring anyone out of a Brexit news-induced stupor." - politics.co.uk

"In Crippled, Frances Ryan, a fine journalist, broadcaster and campaigner for disability rights, robustly stacks up the evidence that ought to put politicians - especially chancellors - in the dock." - Observer

"A devastating look at both the policies that impact disabled people and the toxic rhetoric behind them - and what needs to change to make it right." - Vice

"A devastatingly on-point critique of austerity politics and the worsening attitudes towards those with disabilities." - Morning Star

"This book should be widely read. Students of disability, those who work with us in any capacity and those who study social policy will particularly benefit from reading Crippled." - Critical Social Policy

"should become a classic of disability literature. Every voter in Britain should read it. Every MP should be required to." - Sick Magazine