Disability sport is a relatively recent phenomenon, yet it is also one that, particularly in the context of social inclusion, is attracting increasing political and academic interest. The purpose of this important new text - the first of its kind - is to introduce the reader to key concepts in disability and disability sport and to examine the complex relationships between modern sport, disability and other aspects of wider society. Drawing upon original data from interviews, surveys and policy documents, the book examines how disability sport has developed and is currently organised, and explores key themes, issues and concepts including:disability theory and policythe emergence and development of disability sportdisability sport development in local authoritiesmainstreaming disability sportdisability, physical education and school sportelite disability sport and the Paralympic Gamesdisability sport and the media. Including chapter summaries, seminar questions and lists of key websites and further reading throughout, Sport, Disability and Societyprovides both an easy to follow introduction and a critical exploration of the key issues surrounding disability sport in the twenty-first century. This book is an invaluable resource for all students, researchers and professionals working in sport studies, disability studies, physical education, sociology and social policy. Nigel Thomasis Head of Sport and Exercise at Staffordshire University, UK, where his research focuses on the history, mainstreaming, and media coverage of disability sport. He previously worked for ten years with young disabled people as a sports development officer in local authorities and national governing bodies. Andy Smithis Lecturer in the Sociology of Sport and Exercise at the University of Chester, UK. He is a co-editor of theInternational Journal of Sport Policy, and a co-author ofSport Policy and Development: A Sociological Introduction, andAn Introduction to Drugs in Sport: Addicted to Winning?Both books are published by Routledge (2009). | Disability Sport and Society by Nigel Thomas, Hardcover | Indigo Chapters