Abstract

Disability and Impairment introduces professionals working with families to the everyday issues faced by disabled people of all ages in family life.

Peter C Burke shows how social attitudes shape the world of the 'disabled family' either positively or negatively and the effects of stigma. He demonstrates the normality of disability - that children are children whatever their label - and the need for a sensitive professional understanding of the impact of both physical and learning disabilities on family members, in order to improve their quality of life.

This book covers the spectrum of disability issues, and offers information and advice for professionals working with families and disability, explaining the value of family support, how to validate the feelings of siblings with disabled brothers and sisters, tackling social exclusion and understanding the role of lifelong professional help.

Case studies and practice notes make this an accessible reference for social work students and practitioners.

Peter C. Burke is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Work at Hull University. His research and teaching interests concern the needs of families, children with disabilities and their siblings. He is the author of Brothers and Sisters of Disabled Children and co-author of Social Work and Disadvantage, both published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
This book is written for social workers but would prepare less experience speech and language therapists for common issues faced by families. Experienced therapists could read it as a way to reflect on their caseload. The author's interest in families reultrs from his experience of having disabled children. Based on his research, he views assessing the needs of the whole family as the best way to support disabled children. He examines the impact of disability on families, particularly siblings being stigmatised. Some helpful ideas about how to gain children's views are provided. Importance is given to gaining these views as a way to promote self-advocacy... It would be useful reading for speech and language therapists who are planning to set one up.
Speech & Language Therapy in Practice, Abigail Mance , Speech and Language Therapist in London
Written to introduce professionals working with families to the everyday issues faced by disabled people of all ages in family life.
Current Awareness Service
This book allows us an holistic insight into the lives of families with a disabled child. It is an informative resource for all professionals due to its comprehensive exploration into everyday life. This text has useful practical advice included to assist families and professionals. The case studies and evidence-based approach make this a welcome resource for social work students studying the social work degree. Both academics teaching in this field and practitioners could benefit from this resource. The book is a refreshing and coherent read.
The British Journal of Social Work
Disability and Impairment offers an important perspective on families coping with disability, Burke raises critical questions about the current state of professional assessment and the delivery of support services to families in need. Signicantly, Burke give a voice to his subjects, which makes Disability and Impairment an indispensable contribution to the literature on disability and adolescents.
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
Disability and Impairment is a book which will be of help to many professionals who are beginning work with families who have a disabled child.truly becomes a 'family matter' and offers advice on how professionals can best work with all family members to ensure realistic assessments and meaningful packages of care.
Professional Social Work