This article features the life of Louise Underwood, an advocate for people with disabilities and their families. Underwood is known for her nickname "The Velvet Hammer" because of her relentless attitude when it comes to advocating for people with disabilities. Many times she has pulled strings to halt legislation that would have…

During the first half of the twentieth century the interest in special education was increasing in Western countries. This was a reaction to the inclusive practise of the nineteenth century school systems. Most handicapped children were kept home or sent to regular schools, which neglected their special needs. The introduction of compulsory…

How do those who are living with a difference most effectively cross the cultural divide and explain themselves to mainstream society? This is a central question raised by Yvonne Pitrois in her biography of Helen Keller, titled "Une nuit rayonnante: Helen Keller" [A Shining Night: Helen Keller]. Helen Keller responded to Pitrois' book in a…

In this article, the authors trace the possible political potential of their post-modernist, feminist approach to life story research with people with the label of "learning difficulties." As a self-advocate with an ally, they define tagging along with each other as discovery science. The authors reflect on how they openly and critically write…

Summarizes the plot of "The Summer of the Swans," the 1971 Newbery Medal winner; provides discussion questions; outlines activities in drama, art, and language arts; and provides an annotated bibliography of picture books, fiction, and nonfiction dealing with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Includes an interview with Betsy…

These 12 profiles show the successes of workers with various handicaps who can serve as role models for people with disabilities and personalize knowledge for the non-disabled. Each profile begins with a brief remark by the individual on barriers and continues with his or her perspective on the work world and a discussion of his or her experiences…

Helen Keller was someone who worked throughout her long life to achieve social change; she was an integral part of many important social movements in the 20th century. Her life story could serve as a fascinating example for children, but most picture books about Keller are silent about her life's work. In this article, the author examines the…

This book provides a biography of Elizabeth Farrell (1870-1932), whose work for the education of children with disabilities in New York City in the early 1900s was instrumental in the development of special education. Following an introductory chapter, chapters cover the following aspects of her life; (1) her background; (2) New York City, the…

These 11 papers consider the older learner as a consumer of education and examine how the concepts of education, educators, institutions, and learners must be revised if educational involvement in later life is to be regarded as the norm. Following a prologue, "Education and the Interpretation of Life Experience" (Michel Philibert), the…

This booklet contains profiles of nine outstanding adult learners from eight Pennsylvania counties who have been recognized for their educational achievements and for acknowledging the power of education in their lives and overcoming great personal difficulties to improve and enhance the quality of their lives and those of their families and…