Social Work Practice and Disability Communities: An Intersectional Anti-Oppressive Approach

Reviewed by Kristina Chudy, Senior Lecturer, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on 5/22/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

This textbook provides a very comprehensive and in-depth examination of social work practice with the disability community. The text provides thorough information and discussion across many topics, including information on prevalence of disability, as well as discussion of basic concepts and principles as they relate to social and cultural constructs of disability. Throughout the text, theoretical perspectives on disability are discussed as they are relevant in various service sectors, and include discussion of cultural competence, intersectionality, and anti-oppressive practice throughout the social work planned change process. The text additionally provides an in-depth overview of disability policy in the United States, past and present. Entire chapters of the textbook are devoted to in-depth discussion of the experience of people with disabilities in different sectors, such as health care, education, employment, the criminal justice system, and more. The text does not provide an index or glossary of terms, but does include a search feature. When searching for a term or concept within the text, a list of relevant chapters will appear that discuss the term or concept, however the search feature does not display precisely where in the chapter the term or concept is located.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Information in the text is accurate, error-free, and unbiased. The authors reference studies and other relevant sources to support their points and to educate readers. Well known sources in the social work community are referenced throughout the text (ie: SAMHSA, CMS, WHO, NASW, CDC, DHHS). Fictional case studies are clearly identified as such, while true life feedback from disabled people with lived experience is also referenced appropriately as such. Theoretical frameworks are consistently presented in terms of both benefits and limitations.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The text includes topics and concepts that I have noticed are now present in other recently updated versions of social work textbooks (ie: anti-oppressive social work practice). The text offers a variety of statistical data, which would eventually need to be updated but is currently up-to-date. The text also utilizes different forms of supplemental media via hyperlinks that are imbedded into the text, including websites, articles, statutes, policies, and videos, which serve to encourage readers to further learn about topics. These may be the most difficult to ensure are updated and working properly, and there were a few that led to “page not found” when clicked on.

Clarity rating: 5

This text is well written, well organized, and easy to follow. Unfamiliar terms and technical terminology that is used is well defined and explained in an easy to understand manner that would be conducive to instruction of both bachelor’s and master’s level students.

Consistency rating: 5

The text is highly consistent. Theories, terms, and language that are introduced in the beginning chapters of the book are consistently used throughout subsequent chapters. Each chapter’s organization and format is predictable and consistent.

Modularity rating: 4

The text is divided into chapters, each with subsections. Some portions of the text contain a large block of text between each subheading. Important concepts that are described throughout the text are redefined in the different chapters as they apply to the chapter content. While redefining terms and concepts may seem repetitive to some, I found this to be a helpful way to reorient myself to new terms, and it would also be helpful for instructors who choose to utilize only certain chapters of the book for a course.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The text chapters follow a very organized format, including an overview of learning objectives, an introduction, content information, and presentation of a case study. Case studies are well chosen and include follow up thought-provoking discussion questions and prompts. A “walk through” of most cases also includes specific discussion of how a social worker might approach and apply the case throughout the stages of the planned change process, with disability-specific applications. Supplementary materials, such as websites, articles, and video links, are interspersed throughout each chapter, and help readers to further understand concepts or explore them deeper.

Interface rating: 4

There are not many graphics present in the text, but the charts that are present are easy to read and understand, and offer a different way of viewing and organizing pertinent concepts that can be especially helpful for visual learners. Some sections of important information are also divided into dropdown options with the same information that a chart or the main text contains, which can also be helpful in breaking down information into more easily understandable parts. I think that including more visuals would be both engaging and helpful for learning.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not notice any grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The text is inclusive and culturally sensitive. Careful attention and detail is given to this aspect, even in the appearance of the textbook cover, of which reasoning for the thoughtfully created cover is described in the text introduction. Examples, case studies, and statistics are representative of individuals from diverse races, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Terms that are chosen and used throughout the text are described thoroughly in terms of why they were chosen. The authors and editors come from a variety of diverse backgrounds, some with lived experience with disability.