Beginning with Disability: A Primer

by Lennard J. Davis (Editor)

While there are many introductions to disability and disability studies, most presume an advanced academic knowledge of a range of subjects. Beginning with Disability is the first introductory primer for disaibility studies aimed at first year students in two- and four-year colleges. This volume of essays across disciplines—including education, sociology, communications, psychology, social sciences, and humanities—features accessible, readable, and relatively short chapters that do not require specialized knowledge.

Lennard Davis, along with a team of consulting editors, has compiled a number of blogs, vlogs, and other videos to make the materials more relatable and vivid to students. "Subject to Debate" boxes spotlight short pro and con pieces on controversial subjects that can be debated in class or act as prompts for assignments.

Genres: Disability, Disability Studies, Nonfiction, Read For School

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2017

Reviews

[David Kirschner · Rating 5 out of 5]

After three semesters of changing primary texts for Sociology of Disability, I've found my forever book! Absolutely loved this reader, and students responded positively too. Turn the spoon theory reading into a class activity, and have students write position papers for the debates in the back. Using this book, I was able to bolster sections of the course on politics & social justice, intersectionality, and deafness and Deaf culture. Highly recommend grabbing Davis's higher-level reader, The Disability Studies Reader, for yourself. It greatly enhances much of the topics covered in this one, particularly (for me) regarding theory, identity, and bioethics.

[Kit Englard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent starting point for anyone looking to get a bird’s-eye view of Disability Studies as a field. The collection offers a wide range of essays representing diverse disability perspectives, making it accessible for newcomers while still offering depth. One essay is definitely controversial (and has sparked plenty of debate), but overall, this is a resource I come back to often and recommend regularly to those new to the field.

[❀ 伍花蕾 ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a majority of this book because I had assigned reading selections for a Disability Studies class, but there were also other passages I read on my own because they piqued my interest. This book has a lot of insightful, thought-provoking, and empowering selections regarding Disability and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

[Grace Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

made me think hard

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did select readings for class and I found it well written and very interesting.