During the past 25 years, people with disabilities along with their parents and families have set about to quash all the old stereotypes and images (from tragedy and burden to heroic) that helped cause people to lose their freedom and humanity. This is only one part of Shapiro's book - he also chronicles peoples struggle for inclusion (from the 17th century onwards) and the book contains many personal stories of peoples struggle to assert their own identity. Keyword: Self Determination