Are we a more accepting society than ever before? Is there no longer a 'them and us' division between the disabled and 'everybody else'? The Politics of Down Syndrome looks at how we got to where we are, from the racist roots of its identification to the rising number of abortions today. Down syndrome is the most common form of learning disability, shared by all classes and races, yet it's one we rarely address our feelings about, head on. This book, although direct and questioning, takes a positive view about where we go from here and the opportunity for society to fully enjoy the benefits of being inclusive.
Here's a preview by Anna Jedrziewski, book editor from New Age Retailer magazine, New York:
" Much has changed for people with Down Syndrome in the last 50 years. In 1980 their average life expectancy was 25 years; today it is 60 years. In the early 1970's they were still largely excluded from educational institutions. Today they are included,"mainstreamed", and benefiting from modern research into their specific learning patterns. Kieron Smith acknowledges that his interest in the subject was sparked by the birth of his daughter, now five years old, who has the syndrome. Rather than recount his personal journey, however, he has been prompted to review the politics that surround the subject, taking a careful look at how society will affect his daughter's ability to thrive according to hr own potential. It is a review that has been missing from the literature of Down Syndrome until now. The reference section is extensive. While this book is obviously of special interest to educators, social workers, and medical professionals, it is also an important book for feminists. smith discusses issues like discrimination against older women giving birth, and the way in which biased emphasis on prenatal screening for certain conditions influences the decision to terminate a pregnancy. (He does not take a pro or con stand on abortion). Consider finding a place for this one on your shelves. It might appeal to more of your customers than you'd expect."
