Ryan, F (2019) Crippled

Austerity and the Demonisation of Disabled People

Abstract

This book review is structured around a set of questions which have been devised specifically to encourage students to offer reviews for publication. Concept welcomes such contributions. If you are interested in reviewing a book contact mae.shaw@ed.ac.uk

In 2018 the United Nations released the findings of a secret inquiry into state-level violations of the human rights of disabled people. Its conclusion was that a 'human catastrophe' was underway. In every aspect of civil life, from employment and housing to education and social security, disabled people are hugely disadvantaged. You might easily assume this report was conducted in a country with a minimal policy commitment to human rights but, in fact, it was conducted in Britain.