A Matter of Dignity: Changing the World of the Disabled (ISBN 0553381245)

Terrific-Should Change Lives of Many Disabled & Nondisabled:
I surprised myself by liking this book so much. I bristle at any suggestion that because I'm disabled my life needs changing, and gagged at the description of the book as "inspiring" on the dust jacket. Potok has chapters on some people I was familiar with (through writings) and others not. Among them are Chai Feldblum, Mary Lou Breslin, Ted Henter (creator of JAWS software, Adrienne Asch, Rosemarie Garland Thomson, and others. There's lots of fascinating information, but not the simplistic suggestion that the rest of us could (or should) make equivalent contributions if only we tried hard enough. Potok, a blind painter, and most of his interviewees are too socially conscious for that. They recognize the deep-rooted nature of inequality inside and outside the United States, and that some people are making a difference. Potok, like us all, is capable of saying things that are wrong (p. 219: "Most of the disabled {in the Third World} use wheelchairs") (Millions with brain damage from malnutrition, and millions with PTSD from natural and human-made disasters haven't had their disabilities diagnosed) and others that make sense, but it's unclear where the information is from (also p. 219: "90 percent of those who need {wheelchairs} don't have them.") But the book is certain to bring important ideas to a general readership. Potok is brilliant in writing about disability as a component of diversity. His introspection and learning from his interviewees is evident. Readers will have the privilege of learning from his interviewees and from Potok. I know that I did.

research vs. care:
Potok seems to discard the valid hope of alleviating the suffering of chronic spinal-cord injury. As a researcher, I know for a fact that these are not "false" hopes! Sure, don't sit and wait for them, live your life to the best of your ability, but research is making progress every single day, so I say to Potok, that's great that you're pressing for the equal rights of the disabled and have moved on and made a fulfilling life for yourself, but don't sit there and discourage other disabled people who have valid reason to look forward to not a all out "cure", but a greatly enhanced quality of life with some lost function restored! I don't feel you got in contact with some of the pioneering researchers abroad and in the US regarding spinal-cord injury therapies.

A book for disabled and able-bodied people alike.:
I'm a 28 year old disabled woman, and I've found myself wanting to get in touch with those in my community and the issues that affect our lives. This book opened my eyes to thoughts and ideas that had never occured to me, I felt ignorant and ashamed at myself, but glad I've realized where I am lacking. It's a beautiful book written by a curious author who is wonderfully honest about the hard changes he's endured emotionally and physically as he adapts to his blindness. The people he chose to interview excited, angered, enthralled and inspired me. There's so much left to do in the disability community to raise awareness and if it doesn't start with those of us who are living with the disability, it should. I loved this book for teaching me so much about the disability movement and giving me the momentum to search out how I can help those like me more.