Five books on disability

In this brand-new book, the authors take a look at the reality of persons with disabilities in Finland. As you might guess, exclusion and discrimination are not uncommon even in the happiest country in the world. The twelve essays approach disability as a social phenomenon, covering various aspects of human life from education to employment and old age. The reality of disabled persons becomes clear, but we also get a sense of how inclusion might work in practice.

Evans et al. explore how disability is perceived and managed in higher education, advocating for a shift from a narrow focus on legal access and accommodations to a broader, more inclusive approach. They argue that campuses can become more equitable by applying principles of universal design and social justice. They discuss the experiences of disabled students, faculty, and staff, and offer strategies to combat ableism across various campus settings. The book expands on traditional views by addressing topics like technology, law, and disability services within the context of social justice.

Kemp discusses the high value of disabled people in the working life, offering five practical strategies for organizations (including higher education) to benefit from the contributions of people with disabilities. The first part of the book discusses the power of disability and inclusive design, the second moves on to ableism and how to overcome it. The third part focuses on the strategies needed to become a disability friendly workplace.

Audiobook, also available as an e-book.

This volume examines the life of Bjargey “Bíbí” Kristjánsdóttir, an Icelandic woman with intellectual disabilities, using her autobiography and personal archive. Growing up in Berlin, northern Iceland, Bíbí was labeled “feeble-minded” after falling ill as an infant. Despite societal limitations, she secretly wrote a 145,000-word autobiography, challenging perceptions of her abilities. The book explores how historical, social, and cultural factors influenced Bíbí’s life, highlighting her agency within the constraints imposed by society.

In honour of the history month, let us end with a collection of essays that integrates critical analysis of gender, race, and historical context to challenge traditional interpretations. It covers four key areas: family and daily life, cultural histories, the relationship between disabled individuals and the medical field, and issues of citizenship and normalcy. This collection covers disability history not only from the Western world, but also from Africa, South America, and Asia.