Sustaining Disabled Youth: Centering Disability in Asset Pedagogies

Asset-based pedagogies are used to improve the educational experiences of students of color, but they have evaded important aspects of students' culture and identity, such as disability. Sustaining Disabled Youth is the first book to bring disability in conversation with asset-based pedagogies, highlighting the contributions of both university scholars and community activists and offering practical tools for researchers, classroom teachers, and school administrators.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2022
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

Asset-based pedagogies, such as culturally relevant/sustaining teaching, are commonly employed to enhance the educational experiences of students of color and to challenge the White curriculum that has historically shaped school practices. However, asset-based pedagogies have overlooked significant aspects of students' culture and identity, particularly those related to disability. Sustaining Disabled Youth is the first book to address this gap. It brings together a collection of work that positions disability as a central element in the cultural identity construction of children and youth. The book explores how disability intersects with other markers of difference to create distinct cultural repertoires that should be valued, sustained, and utilized for learning. Readers will gain insights from prominent and emerging scholars and activists in disability studies who engage with the following questions: Can disability be regarded as an identity and culture in the same manner as race and ethnicity? How can disability be integrated into the development and sustenance of asset-based pedagogies that address intersecting forms of marginalization? How can disability contribute to inquiries about the use of asset-based pedagogies? Do all disability identities and embodiments warrant sustaining? How can disability justice be incorporated into other social justice efforts?

The book features several key aspects that make it valuable for researchers, classroom teachers, and school administrators. Firstly, it provides critical insights to bring disability into conversation with asset-based pedagogies. By recognizing the unique cultural perspectives and experiences of students with disabilities, educators can develop more inclusive and equitable teaching practices that promote student success. Secondly, the book highlights the contributions of both university scholars and community activists in disability studies. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that a wide range of perspectives and expertise are included, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of disability and its impact on education. Thirdly, the book offers analytical and practical tools for researchers, classroom teachers, and school administrators. These resources can help educators develop and implement asset-based pedagogies that are tailored to the needs of students with disabilities, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of these practices in promoting student learning and development. Finally, the book provides important recommendations for teacher education programs. By incorporating disability studies into teacher education curricula, educators can ensure that future teachers are prepared to work with students with disabilities and promote inclusive and equitable learning environments.

In conclusion, Sustaining Disabled Youth is a groundbreaking book that fills a critical gap in the literature on asset-based pedagogies and disability studies. By positioning disability as a central element in the cultural identity construction of children and youth, the book offers valuable insights and practical tools for educators and policymakers seeking to promote inclusive and equitable education. As we continue to work towards a more just and equitable society, it is essential that we recognize and value the unique cultural perspectives and experiences of all students, including those with disabilities.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807767696