Routledge Disabled People and Economic Needs in the Developing World: A Political Perspective from Jordan

This book explores the economic situation of disabled people in developing countries focusing on rehabilitation and uses particpatory framework to community development. Although dealing specifically with a case study from Jordan, this needs assessment study provides comparisons with other developing societies. The author considers the prospect for future improvement in disability policy at a time when state budgets are already over stretched by widespread poverty, unemployment and poor health conditions. The book is divided into three parts. Part one explores disability and economic rehabilitation within global context and sets the scene for understanding what disability is and the impact of having disability across cultures with emphasis on the experience of discrimination. Part two deals with disability theory and practice in Jordan in terms of economic policies and provisions available for disabled people. Part three presents concluding remarks on the rise of disability politics in developing countries and the development of a participatory policy agenda. Review ’This is a scholarly piece of work derived from the author's experiences as a researcher who has lived in Jordan and in Europe...The author directs the reader to consider how many of the issues of disability studies in the West are relevant to a country such as Jordan. He addresses issues such as whether rights are the primary concern of people with disabilities in countries with no welfare system or whether economic security is perceived as a greater need by people with disability living in such settings...This is a thoughtful and thought provoking book, which meets the very real gap in the literature, between disability activists in the North, the few of them who combine their interest with an interest in development issues, and a writer from the South who addresses issues of disability and development from a southern perspective.’ Sheila L. Wirz, University College London, UK 'This book is an honest and unflinching look at the needs of people with disabilities, and the attitudes towards them.' Digest of Middle East Studies About the Author Freelance Consultant