Perspectives on Disability and Rehabilitation
Contesting Assumptions, Challenging Practice

Karen Whalley Hammell (Author)

9780443100598, Elsevier Health Sciences

Paperback / softback, published 22 February 2006

216 pages
24.6 x 18.7 x 1.5 cm, 0.59 kg

"I would say this book is a must-read for anyone working in the rehabilitation sector...This textbook is full of interesting titbits of information and insights – with a great many links for those wishing to pursue further reading on these topics. Hammell’s writing – which is well laid out and easy to read – will be assessable for those unfamiliar with the territory, but of equal interest to ‘experts’ in the field. Definitely worth a look."
The New Zealand Rehabilitation Association Newsletter, Volume 4 • Issue 3 • October 2007


"It presents a wealth of food for thought on rehabilitation practice. It is aimed at students, practitioners, educators and researchers in rehabilitation fields and, whilst it won’t tell anyone ‘how’ to practise, it is an essential read on the important underpinning considerations of practice."
British Journal of Occupational Therapy March 2009 72(3)

It explores issues that are central to rehabilitation, such as the nature of the body, the idea of independence, the rehabilitation process, evidence-based practice and client-centred practice. Seeking always to ground theoretical ideas in the realities of every-day rehabilitation practice, and drawing from a wealth of research evidence, the book continually examines the implications of these perspectives for the education, practice, service delivery, research and theoretical development of the rehabilitation professions.

Preface. Exploring the assumptions underpinning rehabilitation. Normality and the classification of difference. Disability and deviance from the norm. Theoretical models of disability. The cultural perpetuation of disability. The body and physical impairment. Disability, rehabilitation and liminality. Rehabilitation fundamentals. Client-centred philosophy: exploring privalege and power. Researching disability and rehabilitation. Contesting assumptions
challenging practice. Glossary. References

Subject Areas: Occupational therapy [MQT]