Disabled Children Challenging Social Exclusion [Paperback]

There is ample evidence that disabled children are less valued members of society than able-bodied children. Child welfare practitioners are increasingly looking at not only the child's impairment and suffering but also the child's needs in a wider context--to be included as an equal member of society. Laura Middleton's book aims to provide sound guidance for social workers, community carers, teachers and health visitors, and her book gives them a better understanding of the disabled child's experiences and needs. She covers such key themes as discrimination, bullying, appeasement, abuse, communication issues, family support, and children's rights. Methods for generating a better, more effective service for the child are fully explained and illustrated.Foreword.

Preface..

1. Children's Voices; Hopes, Wishes and Dreams.

Families.

Making Friends.

It chips away at you inside': the experience of bullying.

Adult Abusers.

Failure to Protect.

Growing up in care: Alice's story.

Education.

Choices and rights.

Medical Interventions.

Images of disability.

Messages.

Discussion: a disability rights issue?.

Ways forward.

Summary and conclusion..

2. Building Disadvantage.

Introduction.

The political lead..

Section I: Abnormalisation - the creation of special need.

Health care services.

Education.

Welfare services.

The independent/statutory divide..

Section II: Explanations for the excl³ä