Press Reviews

• Link (Assoc for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalis)

  There are a lot of acronyms in this book but don't be put off - this is not a dry and dusty academic volume. The actions and opinions of these outspoken people will challenge your perceptions of disability and achievement, and will ultimately enable you to form your own opinion on where you stand in the disability debate.

• One in Seven (RNID)

  If you feel you need a nudge or even a mighty kick to get more politically active in the disability movement, read this. The nine men and women interviewed in the book are giants in the disability world, dazzling in their achievements, and demonstrate how we need people who believe in what they are doing in the face of criticism and are bolshy or tenacious enough to push on with it.

• Mobilise

  Based on extensive interviews with the subjects and the people who know them, the new book Defying Disability tells the stories of nine disabled leaders who, by force of personality and concrete achievement, have mad us think differently about disability. Labour politician Lord Jack Ashley and Paralympic champian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson are two of the nine leaders featured. Whatever direction they have come from, they share a common will to change society so that disabled people get a fair deal.

• Internet Law Book Reviews

  This is an important insight into lives of nine brave people, who have, whatever their background fought for themselves and others; and in the case of some changed the law and our way of seeing others. This book should be read by all.

• Disability Now

  This is an engaging and slightly edgy read by the former and founding editor of Disability Now... Written in a style that offers at the same time factual biography and personal narrative, this book will be of great interest to a wide audience.

• The National Information Forum

  A major contribution to our understanding of disability politics.

• Claire Tregaskis, disability consultant

  This important book provides a fascinating insight into the achievements of nine disabled leaders and the development of British disability politics and practice over the past 40 years. The leaders profiled reveal both a range of approaches to tackling disabled people's exclusion, and differences in personal attitudes towards impairment and disability politics itself. In doing so, Defying Disabilty provides a more accurate reflection of the diversity of disability than some traditional disability texts.

• Peter Burke, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences, Hull University

  This book provides a fascinating insight into the lives of nine people who overcame the potential disadvantage of disability to achieve recognition, change and national acclaim. The story of motivation and unstoppable determination reflected by the lives of each of these disabled leaders is inspiring. The book is admirable in describing the power of the human spirit when not accepting limitations imposed by others, to strive beyond possible expectations. It paves the way forward in recognizing the rights and abilities of all disabled people.