Review of Fourth Edition: 'Students are able to engage intellectually with the social model, and this is clearly summarized throughout the chapters with explanation of the historical development. There are specific examples which enable students to start to consider the experience of disabled people. This remains a powerful text which challenges students to address issues of discrimination.' - Jackie Hughes, Senior Lecturer, University of Huddersfield, UK Previous edition review: 'The book is a 'must have' for students on post qualifying courses, practitioners and social work educators as it is an excellent tool for prompting critical reflection on practice at this level...The authors' discussion of the use of counseling in social work with disabled people is excellent.' - Pauline Noden, Social Policy and Social Work

Having gone through 30 years of development, the new edition of this highly-regarded classic is the most trusted companion for understanding and promoting the potential for social work with disabled people. It offers readers a clear introduction to the core issues of disability alongside discussion and assessment of the social worker's role. Written by an experienced and highly respected team of authors, the book reflects: - The latest updates, developments and policy changes - The broad range of areas needing to be understood for informed practice - Recent changes to the focus of social work education and practice - The Social Model of Disability, encouraging debate about its role in social work - Developments for independent living - The heightened importance of safeguarding issues, giving attention to the topical issue of disabilist hate crime Accessible to a broad readership and respected by disabled people themselves, this text is the foundation for effective practice.