No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging New Civil Rights Movement

Author: Joseph P. Shapiro
Published: 2009/07/03 - Updated: 2018/10/11
Category Topic: Disability Publications - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Documents the political progress of the issue with stories about several of the nations estimated 35 million disabled people.

Introduction

Documents the political progress of the issue with stories about several of the nation's estimated 35 million disabled people.

Main Content

Included are polio-afflicted activists, Special Olympics competitors, armed services veterans and elderly people who owe their survival to medical and technological advances.

Shapiro, social policies writer for U.S. News & World Report , centers his empathetic review of our society's relations to its disabled population on the 1992 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

He documents the political progress of the issue with stories about several of the nation's estimated 35 million disabled people.

Included are polio-afflicted activists, Special Olympics competitors, armed services veterans and elderly people who owe their survival to medical and technological advances.

While the author cites encouraging signs of progress made in the advance of their rights, he notes that disabled people still struggle to be accepted on equal, independent terms without being patronized, segregated or victimized in an antiquated social services system and a prejudiced society.

From Library Journal:

With 35 million disabled Americans, the American with Disabilities Act and its implications are here to stay.

Shapiro, a U.S. News & World Report journalist, explores in depth the thoughts, fears, and facts behind the disability rights movement.

The premise throughout this compelling historical account is that there is no pity or tragedy in disability - it is society's myths, fears, and stereotypes that make being disabled difficult.

Shapiro's coverage is thorough, ranging from the movement's beginnings in Berkeley in the 1960s to the issues that will emerge in the future.

Those interested in gaining a basic understand of the disability rights movement, will find this title is well organized, thoroughly researched, and thought-provoking.

For all collections - Emily H. Ferren, Carroll Cty. P.L., Westminster, Md.

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Joseph P. Shapiro and published on 2009/07/03, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

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Cite This Page: Joseph P. Shapiro. (2009, July 3 - Last revised: 2018, October 11). No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging New Civil Rights Movement. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved October 30, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/publications/no-pity.php

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