No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement

"A sensitive look at the social and political barriers that deny disabled people their most basic civil rights."-The Washington Post "The primer for a revolution."-The Chicago Tribune "Nondisabled Americans do not understand disabled ones. This book attempts to explain, to nondisabled people as well as to many disabled ones, how the world and self-perceptions of disabled people are changing. It looks at the rise of what is called the disability rights movement-the new thinking by disabled people that there is no pity or tragedy in disability and that it is society's myths, fears, and stereotypes that most make being disabled difficult."-from the Introduction

About the Author :
Joseph P. Shapirois an award-winning journalist who is an NPR news investigations correspondent. Before joining NPR, he spent 19 years atU.S. News & World Reportas a senior writer on social policy, and served as the magazine's Rome bureau chief, White House correspondent, and congressional reporter. For his investigative work, Shapiroreceived a duPont Award, a George Foster Peabody Award, a Robert F. Kennedy Award, and the Edward R. Murrow Award. He is the author ofNo Pity: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement.

Review :
“A powerful and engaging book. It’s a must read for anyone who wants to understand the disability rights movement.”—The Disability Rag

“Having spent most of my life with children disabled in one way or another, I know that they become loved and loving adults who are both creative and innovative as they seek to find their deserved place in society. This book will give you understanding instead of the pity you always thought was expected of you.”—C. Everett Koop, M.D., former surgeon general of the United States

“Joseph Shapiro has crafted an interesting book from which everyone can benefit. For those wanting to understand the background against which the Americans with Disabilities Act was framed, this is an excellent primer. At the same time, seasoned veterans of this movement will find within a refreshing review of the personalities and activities of the Disabilities Civil Rights Movement. And for parents seeking a glimpse of possibilities for their child, this book cannot fail to inspire.”—I. King Jordan, president of Gallaudet University
 
“No Pity is first-rate journalism. It will change the way Americans look at people with disabilities. Joe Shapiro’s humane reporting and understanding of the issue could not have come at a more appropriate and important time for the movement. No one who reads his book will fail to be struck by the rightness of this course.”—Senator Tom Harkin