Disability Dialogues: Advocacy, Science, and Prestige in Postwar Clinical Professions

Disability activism has influenced the adoption of more positive, inclusive, and sociopolitical views of disability in clinical research, training, and practice. Andrew J. Hogan's book Disability Dialogues examines the contributions of disabled people and their allies in changing clinical understandings and approaches to disability. Professionals in clinical psychology, pediatrics, and genetic counseling historically resisted adopting a more inclusive perspective due to concerns about professional role, identity, and prestige. However, the work of disability activists has led to a gradual change in attitudes. Hogan argues that present-day clinical professional fields need to better recruit and support disabled practitioners to encourage greater tolerance for disabilities among colleagues, students, and institutions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2023
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Disability activism has had a profound impact on American society, leading to significant changes in the way clinical professionals view and approach disability. Following the Second World War, disability self-advocates and family advocates pushed for the inclusion of more positive, inclusive, and sociopolitical perspectives on disability in clinical research, training, and practice. In his book Disability Dialogues, Andrew J. Hogan explores the contributions of disabled people, along with their family members and other allies, in shaping clinical understandings and approaches to disability.

Hogan examines the evolving medical, social, and political engagement of three postwar professions: clinical psychology, pediatrics, and genetic counseling, with disability and disability-related advocacy. Historically, these professions resisted adopting a more inclusive and accepting perspective on people with disabilities due to concerns about professional role, identity, and prestige. However, the work of disability activists gradually began to change these attitudes.

Disability Dialogues makes an important contribution to historical, sociological, and bioethical accounts of disability and clinical professionalization. Beyond advocacy, Hogan argues that present-day clinical professional fields need to better recruit and support disabled practitioners. Disabled clinicians possess unique insights and experiences that can enhance clinical practice and promote greater tolerance for disabilities among colleagues, students, and institutions.

In conclusion, disability activism has played a crucial role in shaping the adoption of more positive, inclusive, and sociopolitical views of disability in American society. Through the work of disability self-advocates, family advocates, and clinical professionals, we have seen a gradual shift in attitudes and practices, leading to greater recognition and acceptance of disabled people. The contributions of disabled people and their allies in Disability Dialogues highlight the need for continued efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in clinical professional fields.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421445335