Nothing About Us Without Us: Disability Oppression and Empowerment
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/05/29 - Updated: 2025/08/19
Publication Type: Literature / Review
Category Topic: Disability Publications - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This scholarly book delves into the systemic oppression faced by people with disabilities, arguing that barriers to independent living stem from entrenched political and economic structures in both developed and developing nations, while drawing parallels to the Civil Rights and feminist movements to inform disability rights strategies. Drawing on interviews with around 50 activists from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe, alongside insights from philosophers, economists, sociologists, and political thinkers, author James I. Charlton brings real-world experiences to the forefront, making his analysis both grounded and practical. Its authority comes from Charlton's expertise as a leader in independent living advocacy and the book's rigorous use of endnotes and references, rendering it a valuable resource for understanding global disability issues, offering policy ideas that could guide advocates, policymakers, and individuals navigating similar challenges, including seniors dealing with age-related impairments - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
Focusing on the everyday life of people with disabilities Charlton argues barriers to independent living are embedded in larger social and economic environment.
Main Content
Charlton, executive vice president of Chicago's Access Living, one of the largest centers for independent living in the United States, has lectured extensively on the disability rights movement. Here, he analyzes the many factors including political and economic power structures that collectively contribute to disability oppression in both developed and developing countries.
He also examines what the Civil Rights and feminist movements have taught disability rights advocates. He supports his ideas by extensively quoting and discussing the works of philosophers, economists, sociologists, and political activists. However, the most useful evidence comes from the disability rights activists themselves. Charlton interviewed approximately 50 of them from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe, transcribing much of what they said. His introduction includes a detailed scope note and definitions of terms used, and the well-developed endnotes are also helpful.
Recommended for large sociology and political science collections and subject specialists. - Ximena Chrisagis, Fordham Health Sciences Lib., Wright State Univ., Dayton, Ohio Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"Focusing on the everyday life of people with disabilities, Charlton argues that barriers to independent living are embedded in the larger social and economic environment. His discussion is buttressed... by interviews with disability rights activists from the Americas, Asia, South Africa, and Europe. It is their experiences that make Charlton's arguments and policy suggestions come to life." - Choice.
Title: Nothing About Us Without Us: Disability Oppression and Empowerment
Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (August 30, 2000)
Paperback: 213 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0520224817
ISBN-13: 978-0520224810
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: In reflecting on Charlton's work, it's clear that recognizing disability oppression as a product of broader societal power dynamics isn't just academic—it's a call to rethink how we build inclusive systems worldwide. By centering the voices of those directly affected, the book underscores the need for collective action rooted in lived realities, potentially shifting conversations from charity to justice in ways that resonate across generations and borders - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.