Written for young people with disabilities and the people who care for and educate them, this unique resource offers both inspiration and advice to help disabled teenagers successfully meet the special social and academic challenges of high school and to find their paths into the future. Compiling a wealth of expertise on a range of issues in high school and all the accompanying major life events, this edited volume offers guidance, support, experience, and encouragement, providing everything from explanation of legal rights to guidance on effective study habits. Through the voices of disabled students and their teachers and family members, the book provides insights into the internal dilemmas that students face as well as problems they may encounter in the classroom, at home, and in society. This book is written to offer tools that empower students with disabilities face their challenges while providing educators, family members and friends insights into issues these students may encounter during their high school years. Every high school teacher, administrator, counselor, and librarian should familiarize themselves with the issues explored on these pages.The book is divided into five topical sections that each addresses a set of related issues. Section I provides a history of disabilitities across different times and cultures and a discussion of the legal rights of students with disabilities. Section II discusses the cultural and social issues disabled teens face in modern society and looks at representations in film and literature. Section III is devoted to the many interactions and relationships faced in high school, including dating, socialization, and extracurricular activities. Section IV addresses issues related to academic success and the concluding chapter offers tools for advocacy and empowerful. Appendicies complete this multi-facted volume with lists of additional readings and on-line resources for students with disabilities.
