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 crimeAccessible to a broad readership and respected by disabled people themselves, this text is the foundation for effective practice.

Preface Introduction: Setting the Scene Social Work and Disability: Old and New Directions Impairment, Disability and Research Relationships and Families Independent Living and Personal Assistance Independent Living: The Wider Social Policy and Legal Context Independent Living: Vulnerability and Safeguarding Conclusion - Future Directions.