Choose any three of the readings. Respond to any one of the questions for that reading.

* Charlton (Nothing about us without us) provides a very radical conception of disability issues. a. Does he go too far? Not far enough? What is your opinion? b. Charlton suggests that disability oppression is similar to the oppression of other groups such as women, gays, African Americans, etc (p 22). Have you seen these parallels? In what ways are they similar/different? c. Charlton describes the third component of disability oppression as where the person with disability internalizes the negative perceptions being portrayed by society and over time begins to believe them (p 27). What are the factors leading to this internalization and these negative images? d. Another issue of your choice raised by the reading. * Bauman - Deaf culture poses a significant challenge to the notion of inclusion, normalization, the idea of “deaf gain.” Bauman posits the value of deafness as a form of cultural diversity or the idea of deafness as an enhancement to society rather than the idea of deafness as a disability. Respond to any of the following: a. The issue of “deaf gain” as a benefit to society b. If we could cure deafness, what would be the benefits and drawbacks? c. What will be the future effect of genetics on deaf culture? d. Another issue of your choice raised by the reading. * Drake a. How did the development of the “welfare state” influence benefits and services provided to people with disabilities? b. Drake describes four strands in the evolution of disability politics and welfare services. These are containment, compensation, care, and citizenship (p 415). Describe your understanding of each. c. Drake raises the issue of how welfare systems focus on changing the individual to adapt to societal structures as opposed to changing the disabling environments. He further posits that “the strong tendency is to locate pathology in the person or group rather than in the surrounding status quo” (p 418). Finally, Davis says, “it becomes easier to comprehend welfare not only in its ostensible roles of rehabilitation and support but also as a force for conformity and control” (p 419). Describe what he means by this and/or your experience with this issue, if any. d. Another issue of your choice raised by the reading. * Rioux, Towards a Concept of Equality of Well-Being: Overcoming the Social and Legal Construction of Inequality. Rioux challenges the notion of equality with a redefinition of its meaning to include outcomes in addition to just equality of opportunity. a. What does he mean when he suggests that “Structural changes are likely to be necessary on the political and legal level” and the need for the right of citizenship vs. being worthy of care (Paragraph 57)? b. What does equality of well-being and citizenship involve for Rioux? (Paragraph 55). c. Another issue of your choice raised by the reading. * Longmore - Why I burned My Book? How are the issues of benefits relevant today? How have they changed since he wrote the book in 2003? Reminder: 1. Remember to cite the readings you are referring to in your postings. 2. Remember to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the readings in addition to your opinion.